Meet Ashley Pannell

We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Pannell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

Embracing the Journey: How Persistence, Positivity, and Self-Belief Led Me to Thrive

There are two quotes from my grandfather that have always stuck with me. The first: “Ain’t nothing to it but to do it.” Simple, yet so powerful. The second: “…of course they’re going to talk about you, they talked about Jesus!” These mantras may be straightforward, but they have resonated with me throughout my life, especially as a first-generation college graduate and the only biracial person in my family.

Growing up, I had big dreams and a quirky, creative spirit, but I also faced many challenges. Along my journey, I had to persist despite naysayers and critics—some of whom were people I trusted, including family and peers. Their doubts shook me at times, but they never derailed me. I found strength in the privacy of my thoughts, often daydreaming and envisioning a greater life for myself. Even if no one understood my goals, I believed in myself.

Confidence didn’t come naturally to me; it was something I had to consciously build. I realized early on that to thrive, I needed to engage in activities that brought me joy and foster a positive mental attitude. This meant unlearning years of limiting beliefs and behaviors, and it required me to surround myself with people who were more successful than I was. From them, I learned the importance of taking up space, of not shrinking to fit others’ expectations. It was crucial for me to embrace my excellence and, above all, give myself grace during the process.

The path to becoming my authentic self wasn’t easy. I needed to nurture myself along the way, and that meant developing habits that supported my growth. Positive affirmations became part of my daily routine, as did journaling, therapy, and practicing self-compassion. Some days, the mental work felt overwhelming—it was as though I was constantly pushing the boundaries of who I was. But in those moments, I also discovered the power of resilience. I listened to uplifting audio every day and sought mentors who were genuinely invested in my growth, not in what they could gain from me.

Once I practiced these methods regularly, I found that my skin grew thicker. My boundaries became clearer, and I was able to let go of worrying about what others thought of me. With clarity, my decisions became easier. I no longer felt the need to please everyone around me. To persist in my personal development, I knew I had to give myself permission to thrive, without apology.

I also realized how important it was to avoid negative influences. I intentionally distanced myself from negative people and conversations, wishing them well but refusing to let their energy affect mine. I became incredibly mindful of the content I allowed my brain to consume. Protecting my positive mental attitude was, and still is, a priority.

In the end, the more I focused on developing my dream life and allowing myself to pursue it, the less anything or anyone could stop me. People will always have opinions, but I’ve learned that my opinion is the only one I need. My journey has taught me that, in order to achieve greatness, you must own your dreams and desires fully. Negate anything that doesn’t align with your vision, and most importantly, give yourself grace throughout the process.

As my grandfather said, “Ain’t nothing to it but to do it.”

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Ashley Pannell: The Unlikely Entrepreneur

My name is Ashley Pannell, and I proudly call myself an Unlikely Entrepreneur. I was born to a mother with a beautiful soul, yet one who struggled with addiction. I never knew my father, and I was raised by various family members, strangers, and the streets, all while living in deep poverty. During this time, I wrestled with my identity, but I always envisioned a future where I would graduate from college and become a powerful businesswoman.

As a first-generation college graduate, I initially battled insecurity and the habit of people-pleasing. However, once I opened my own business, I realized the importance of following my desires without letting the negative opinions of others hold me back. In 2020, I launched my first business, Computer Basics, LLC. At the time, I was a qualified mental health professional, helping adults with mental health diagnoses build healthy coping skills and independent living habits.

When the pandemic hit, I noticed that senior citizens were becoming increasingly isolated. Though their families kept them updated with the latest cell phones, many of them had no idea how to use these devices. It broke my heart to see them disconnected, even though they technically had access to the world at their fingertips. So, I created over 25 different curriculums, teaching seniors how to use computers, cell phones, and tablets. To date, I’ve taught over 300 seniors and continue to offer free courses at local public libraries.

This year, I launched my second business, Amplified Essentials, a lifestyle and wellness company that helps people live fuller, healthier lives. We offer vegan vitamins, supplements, skincare, makeup, and health-conscious cleaning products. My family has a history of cancer, early deaths, and poor nutritional habits, which drove me to begin my own health journey. Along the way, I discovered an opportunity to share my passion for health and wellness with my family and friends. Now, I lead a team of dedicated individuals who run their own businesses, empowering their communities while exercising their right to ownership.

Periodically, I open my calendar to mentor others who aspire to become “Unlikely Entrepreneurs.” I teach them how to slay fear and learn to dream again. For mentorship opportunities or inquiries about Computer Basics, you can reach me at info@cpubasics.com.

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

Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that had the most significant impact on my journey were securing a mentor, engaging in hobbies, and my spirituality.

First, having a mentor changed everything. Being mentored by a successful business owner gave me hope that I could achieve the same. It was foreign to have someone invest in me, but I began to borrow their belief in me. Over time, this external validation turned into self-belief, which became a foundation for my success.

Second, I made it a point to engage in activities I loved. Whether it was skating, flying kites, or simply being outdoors, these hobbies allowed me to have fun and not take life too seriously. On days when I set aside time for enjoyment, I felt more energized, creative, and motivated. These moments of fun helped me develop and refine my desires. Days off aren’t just a break—they’re essential for success.

Lastly, my relationship with God has been a profound source of calm and success in my life. While I don’t attend church every Sunday or even regularly, prayer and spirituality keep me grounded. This connection has guided me through tough times and has been a constant in my personal and professional journey.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has truly impacted me is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy. This book helped me rethink my “hustle mentality.” I used to feel anxious and pressured to complete large chunks of work as quickly as possible, thinking that would help me avoid burnout. Ironically, that approach only contributed to my burnout. The Compound Effect taught me the value of small, consistent actions instead. It showed me how daily tasks, when compounded over time, can lead to massive success—or how negative habits can slowly produce unwanted results. The book also helped me better manage my time, thoughts, and actions. Most importantly, I learned to celebrate small wins because even the smallest actions can lead to major results!

Contact Info:

• Website: info@cpubasics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ashleymp/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amp5hq/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/-ashleymp

Image Credits

Retire VA Magazine; Dan Smith Journalist