Meet Ashley Marrero

We recently connected with Ashley Marrero and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic started young. I worked after school in high school in Manhattan, and then on-campus jobs all through college. Those early experiences taught me responsibility, discipline, and how to navigate different environments from a young age.

I didn’t grow up with things handed to me—if I wanted something, I had to work for it. That mindset pushed me to keep going and keep growing.

Later, spending 15+ years in corporate America as a senior executive assistant strengthened my skills even more. I learned from every role and carried those lessons forward.

Now, as an entrepreneur and a mom, that foundation guides me. People depend on me, and everything I’ve learned—from childhood jobs to corporate leadership—helps me build the life I want for my family.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the founder of Kente Cones, an Afro-American–inspired ice cream and frozen dessert brand that blends culture, community, and premium ingredients. What makes this work special is that it’s more than dessert—we’re honoring heritage, uplifting the diaspora, and making sure the farmers behind our flavors are treated fairly and compensated ethically.

Kente Cones offers high-quality ice creams, including vegan and dairy-free options, all crafted without additives or preservatives. Every flavor carries cultural intention, and every scoop is designed to bring joy while telling a story.

Beyond ice cream, we also host community-centered events at the shop—like our Books & Scoops book fair, Cones & Credit credit repair workshops, and hands-on ice cream–making workshops. Bringing people together and creating experiences around culture, learning, and food is a big part of our mission.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding the brand. We’re introducing new signature and infused flavors, exploring collaborations, and preparing to roll out a tech-forward AI Flavor Assistant that will give customers personalized flavor recommendations along with cultural education.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to community, creativity, and honoring our roots. Kente Cones isn’t just an ice cream brand—it’s a celebration of where we come from and where we’re going.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three qualities that have shaped my entrepreneurial journey are resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building.

Resilience has been essential. From working early in life to stepping into entrepreneurship, I learned quickly that setbacks are part of the process. What matters is the ability to refocus, find solutions, and keep moving.
Advice: Build resilience by treating challenges as lessons, not failures. Each one prepares you for the next level of business.

Adaptability has been just as important, especially in the fast-paced world of food, retail, and community-driven events. As I grow Kente Cones, I’m constantly learning, pivoting, and adjusting to what customers need and what the business requires.
Advice: Stay open to learning new skills and embrace change. The more flexible you are, the stronger your business becomes.

Relationship-building is the foundation of everything—from collaborations to partnerships to community support. Kente Cones wouldn’t be what it is without authentic connections.
Advice: Network with intention. Build real relationships, not just contacts. Show up for your community and it will show up for you.

These qualities continue to guide me as an entrepreneur and help me grow a brand with purpose, culture, and community at its center.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

What has helped me the most throughout my journey is a combination of mindset, faith, and community. I’ve learned to trust that things will work out in due time. Staying prayerful, staying grounded, and staying connected to my ancestors has given me the clarity and strength to push through challenges. Meditation and keeping a positive mindset have been some of my biggest tools.

From there, my mentors and my network have played a huge role. I’ve learned so much from the groups I follow, the podcasts I listen to, the events I attend, and the like-minded people I surround myself with. We pour into each other, share opportunities, and help one another grow. That kind of support is priceless.

And of course, my community—especially in Brooklyn, but also the people who travel from all over to support Kente Cones—has been a major part of my story. They’re my tribe. Their belief in me and the brand keeps me focused and motivated.

All of these forces together—mindset, faith, mentors, and community—have shaped the entrepreneur I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kentecones.com
• Instagram: @kenteconesnyc
• Facebook: Kenteconesnyc