We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Wendt recently 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.
Purpose was always something that I was searching for, even before I realized it. I always felt a little different than my peers & watching everyone “pick” what they wanted to do with their life always left me confused because I wasn’t sure yet. I tried college & the things that came with that, but it still didn’t feel right. So on a whim I left my hometown and moved to Los Angeles & thats when everything changed, I started to feel that sense of belonging and purpose. I began meeting people who I felt seen by & those same people encouraged a certain spirit that I hadn’t discovered thus far. I began just trying things that peaked my interest & I felt safe to do so. All of this “trying” happening led me to Palm Tree Visions, my business that saved me, that gave me purpose. I am now engaging in work that gets me excited about a new day & providing value to people that I absolutely adore working with!
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 created Palm Tree Visions in 2016 & haven’t looked back since. My business focuses on creating compelling, high quality art & visual media within the music space. This incredible journey has led me to working with artists I grew up listening to & has allowed me to share the music, stories, & voices of some amazing artists. Directing music videos, interviewing artists, shooting cover art published across Apple Music & Spotify has also led me to my newest business, Lazy Pickle Studios. Lazy Pickle Studios is a one stop shop podcasting experience that I created with my best friend. We’ve opened two podcast studios in Burbank that have blossomed into more than I could have imagined & we’re growing quick! I love that Palm Tree Visions has transformed me into a true entrepreneur.
All of these business ventures have been a dream to build and watch grow & I am beyond excited to continue the work I have started. I’ve only just begun.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on where I started & where I am now, I have definitely learned so much! The three most important things I’ve learned on my journey have been; resilience, compassion, & the ability to adapt.
Being resilient is by far the most important quality to possess when you’ve chosen to bet on yourself. This world owes us nothing & with that comes a lot of ups and downs, if you’re not able withstand the rollercoaster, you wont make it, plain and simple.
Compassion is honestly a quality everyone should be actively working towards possessing. Be someone people want to be around. When you’re somebody who shows compassion and is empathetic, your ability to connect with the people around you is incredible. I will always try to be someone that makes my peers feel safe, someone they can count on & look forward to working with.
Last, but certainly not least, adapt. This is one of those skills that takes some time to master, which I’m not sure if you ever do, haha. This industry, and frankly life in general, is not fair & often times leads you in a direction you maybe didn’t plan. Trying to keep an open mind & understanding that your blessing may not always come in the way you think, keeps your probability of success much higher in my opinion.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me the value of a dollar & leading by example with their kindness shown to others. My father always taught me that I can have anything I want in life if I work hard enough. If I wanted $20, then the lawn needed to be taken care. When you’re a kid, this is obviously a bit frustrating, but now I see that all of those moments led to my work ethic & drive to get what I want. I’m super thankful for my dads work ethic and charisma without a doubt.
My mother is a saint, the kindest person I have ever met. She was inspiring me without my realization. She is one of those people that you’re just in awe of when you see how she interacts with others. She’s a selfless, hardworking women that blows me away everyday. If I can be even a fraction of who she is, I’ll be happy with that.
I love you mom & dad!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.palmtreevisions.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmtreevisions/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-wendt-8b8576225/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/palmtreevisions
- Other: lazypicklestudios.com
Image Credits
Forrest Cornwell Damien Belden Iryna Glavnyk
