We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Bryant . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Ashley , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Hi, thank you for interviewing me!
I’m not sure imposter syndrome ever goes away- it’s definitely something I still deal with.
I have what I call an imposter jar next to my desk that helps me when I start to feel down or like, “Who am I to be doing this?” I filled the jar with different activities, achievements, and quotes that make me feel powerful and pull one out anytime I need to be reminded of who I am and what I’m capable of.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve always loved to write. When I was younger, I used to write stories about my best friends and me going on adventures. So, it’s no surprise that I ended up writing for a living.
But it wasn’t a linear process. I started my first blog in 2015, after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, as a way to keep my family and friends updated on what was going on with me since I was in a different state. What was supposed to be a little blog to keep my friends and family in the loop on my illness eventually became a lifestyle blog spreading awareness about MS.
Shortly after starting my lifestyle blog, I received a grant from the MS Society for an idea I had to livestream MS Support Groups. That idea turned into a charity called dontmse (pronounced don’t miss me). The charity offered live streaming services for MS Support Groups and a medical blog that broke down complicated medical jargon for those living with MS and their caretakers. We also hosted events to spread awareness and raise money for those living with MS 1-2 times a year.
Three years after my diagnosis, I had the opportunity to move to Shanghai, China, and I jumped at the chance! When I wasn’t teaching or exploring, I wrote and managed both blogs. I remember sitting in a Starbucks one morning and thinking, I wish I could just do this. I wish I could just write.
Fast forward to 2019, and everything changed. I flew to my hometown of Las Vegas for what I thought was going to be a short trip to visit friends and family over Chinese New Year. However, a few days into my trip, China went on lockdown, leaving everything up in the air. When it became apparent that going back to Shanghai or teaching was no longer an option, it felt like God and the universe were saying well… here’s your chance!
I found copywriting one random night scrolling social media and was hooked! Shortly after, I discovered 2023 Digital Marketer of the Year Alex Cattoni and enrolled in her 8-week copywriting course, The Launch Pad.
I officially became a copywriter in June 2021 and have been going strong since. I write primarily for holistic and sustainable brands but have written for solopreneurs and coaches. I specialize in crafting emails, PPC Ads, and website copy.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the 3 qualities that got me to where I am today are :
Resilience: Running a freelance business with a chronic illness is difficult, so I must give myself grace and go with the flow. If I wake up and have brain fog, there’s not much I can do other than roll with it.
One thing that has helped me a lot with this is to be flexible on the how. It doesn’t matter how it gets done; it’s just that it gets done. If I have to take 20 breaks throughout the day to get it done, so be it.
Perseverance: Before I moved to China, I worked at an energy company in Houston, TX. I knew I wanted to work in marketing, but I was blocked at every turn. It’s funny to look back now because I’m doing what I wanted to do for them, but now I get to do it on my terms. Don’t let anyone’s inability to see you make you feel you’re not worthy.
Being agile & teachable: Things are constantly changing within the marketing world, but it’s at hyper-speed lately with the rise of AI. You have to keep honing your skills and remain teachable. If you don’t, you’ll get left behind.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
Encouraging me to travel the world. My mom always told my sister and me to go somewhere and learn something. And stressed that there’s so much more than just Las Vegas and the USA. I’m glad I took it to heart; it’s definitely given me a different perspective on the world and the confidence to go after what I really want.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleybryantcopy.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleybryantcopy
