We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Waters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
ASHLEY, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
It all started with a CEO I knew who had hired an assistant—but things weren’t clicking. Despite having someone in the role, she found herself constantly asking me questions and leaning on me for help. One day, she said something that stopped me in my tracks: “You know me so well—you should be my assistant.” She was right. I understood her needs instinctively, and stepping into that role came naturally.
That experience opened my eyes to how much I loved helping CEOs and leaders juggle it all. What I once saw as a weakness—my obsessive attention to detail and love for organization—turned out to be my hidden superpower. It became clear that my purpose was to use these strengths to empower others, giving them the tools and time to focus on their goals and passions.
Today, I thrive in helping leaders reclaim their time and create space for what truly matters. That moment of realization didn’t just spark a career change; it uncovered a passion that fully evolved into my purpose. It’s not just about organization—it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who lead.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
One of the most exciting milestones in my journey is that *First Sonshine & Grace®* is now officially a registered trademark! This achievement feels like a seal of validation for the work I’ve poured my heart into. Alongside this, I’ve recently made a pivotal change in my business structure that aligns even more closely with my passions and purpose.
*First Sonshine & Grace®* is expanding its mission. Initially focused on offering exceptional executive assistant services, I’ve now refocused its purpose into a children’s company specializing in creating learning activities to reduce screen time for toddlers and young children. Inspired by my own journey with my son, this pivot is about helping families foster meaningful connections and hands-on learning experiences. The brand also offers uplifting apparel for children and parents, adding a dose of inspiration to everyday life. We are planning to launch our children’s items in early spring 2025, bringing thoughtful, engaging activities and products to families.
In tandem with this shift, I’ve launched *Sonshine Executive Assistants* as its own dedicated arm. This entity is specifically designed to provide tailored executive assistant support for CEOs and leaders. Whether it’s managing schedules, streamlining processes, or creating structure out of chaos, we are committed to being the right-hand solution for busy professionals.
What makes this evolution even more special is its timing. I’ll officially be launching these changes in December, the birth month of my son—the inspiration for it all. His journey has taught me the value of time, balance, and purpose, which now fuel the direction of both brands. I’m thrilled to share these developments and look forward to continuing to make an impact on families and leaders alike.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that have shaped my success are adaptability, organization, and empathy. These have not only guided me through challenges but also allowed me to create meaningful solutions for my clients and my business.
1. Adaptability – The ability to pivot and embrace change has been a cornerstone of my journey. Whether it was shifting my business focus to align with my purpose or learning new tools to better serve my clients, being open to change has kept me ahead. My advice to those early in their journey is to lean into discomfort. Growth often comes from stepping into the unknown and being willing to adjust when things don’t go as planned.
2. Organization – My knack for creating order out of chaos has been transformative in my work as an executive assistant and as a business owner. Organization goes beyond having a tidy calendar; it’s about creating systems that allow others to thrive. For anyone starting out, I recommend investing time in learning tools like task management platforms and developing habits that help you stay structured—because efficiency is a gift you can give yourself and your clients.
3. Empathy – Understanding my clients’ challenges and anticipating their needs has been instrumental in building trust and long-lasting relationships. Empathy isn’t just about listening; it’s about truly putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. For those starting their journey, focus on communication skills and being present in every interaction. When you genuinely care, it shows—and it becomes a defining trait in how you stand out.
My advice to anyone starting their own journey is simple: invest in yourself and your skills, stay open to learning, and always lead with authenticity. These traits will not only shape your path but will also set you apart in a meaningful way.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, definitely! I am always looking for opportunities to partner and collaborate with like-minded individuals and businesses. Collaboration is a powerful way to create impact and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
I’m particularly interested in working with CEOs and business leaders who need executive assistant support to streamline their operations, free up time, and focus on big-picture goals, creative entrepreneurs and small businesses that align with First Sonshine & Grace’s ® mission of fostering creativity and building connections, especially those in industries focused on children, education, or family well-being, and experts in marketing, education, and lifestyle brands who share a vision for empowering others and creating meaningful change.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and believe our goals align, let’s talk! You can connect with me via email at ashley@hisonshine.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hisonshine.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjwaters/
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T.Chin Solutions
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