Ashlee Akins is more than just a face on the OWN network. She’s an educated, entrepreneur making her way while using her platform. After being on Will Packer’s Ready To Love, she decided to take advantage of her loyal fan base she had on the show and create a brand bigger than herself, empowering women, managing artists and plenty.
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Ashlee: I motivated myself!! Ok let me keep it real I have a huge support system .my brothers are a blessing to me and my mother is the fire behind everything I do. I always knew that I wanted a business. I just wanted to make sure that it made me feel good about myself when I went to sleep at night! You know, it embodies who I am.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustles?
Ashlee: What makes me a pretty woman the hustle is my go getter mentality there is nothing that I won’t try and I can’t do. During my college years my stepdad and mom had opened a family restaurant named Ashlee Diner. I loved being a young restaurant co-owner but I then understood all the hard work running a business took. I guess you could say I was a young hustler. I was able to go to school and understand what it takes to run a full restaurant business. I’ve always been a hustler I’m always trying to figure out ways to make money. It’s no question that I’m beautiful. Lol, I looked in the mirror. I received, I believed that I am that!!! I am definitely pretty woman that hustler I’m going to hustle to the day I check up out of here. More or less my mom and dad prepared me for my life now!!
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what are they all about?
Ashlee: The name of my business is AA Dimensions; it’s an entertainment and empowerment company. We offer photography, music, dance and fitness, books, community events and more to come. I knew that I wanted to continue my life in the entertainment field. After being on the hit show ‘Ready to Love’, I wanted to make sure whatever business that I involved myself with I empowered people. I love making a difference. So my mother didn’t hesitate when I brought her my ideas. Then boom we birthed AA dimensions and have been going strong since 2019!
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Ashlee: Yes, I have definitely faced challenges in my business. It’s tough trying to juggle everything plus your life and make a profit with your business. You go broke before you get rich! Lol; everything that glitter is not gold! But what I have learned is that hard work pays off and consistency is key. Keep going!
Patrice: What projects are you currently working on?
Ashlee: Yes, I am currently working on some projects! I have a brand new book out titled “Authentically Ashlee” and it’s available on all platforms. You can get it directly from http://www.chocolatereadings.com/authenticallyashlee
Also I am planning my first community fest on June 5th in my hometown in Jackson, Tennessee where we are going to highlight gun violence awareness, mental health awareness and I am definitely working on bridging the gap and getting my community back to a safer state and creating an opportunity for networking and bringing all of the entrepreneurs the small business and large businesses out in my community!!!
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman entrepreneur?
Ashlee: It’s simple! I don’t face diversity when someone is doing something that is not God- like. I simply take a deep breath and figure out a way to go around that speedbump. At the end of the day that’s all it is; a speedbump! I don’t let diversity bother me; I move around diversity.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Ashlee: Honestly, yes sometimes it can be difficult to balance everything. But I got to keep it real yall. To be honest balancing your career personal life and work life can be done with a little scheduling LOL. But you make time for what you want. Understand that you need to set short-term goals because you don’t want to cram your brain or your week. Always save some time for yourself each day!
Connect with Ashlee:
Ig: @_iamashlee007
Fb: Ashlee Akins
Twitter: Ashlee Akins
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