Last week on Instagram I posted that I wanted to do a FAQ with you guys to get some questions you might have about me, my business, lifestyle etc. & here are my answers! I didn’t get to all of them but I will do more of these posts on the blog!
How is Logan?
THRIVING! Seriously he’s getting so big so fast and has such a personality. He’s an overall happy baby who loves music and mama. I never thought I could feel this tired but when I look at his face it’s all worth it. He has such a sweet soul.
How long did it take to get your business up and running and bringing in income?
I started my blog in July of 2017. It was just meant to be a place I could highlight and promote female entrepreneurs. It became so much more because I realized I had a lot to share with my work experience and lifestyle. In November of 2017 I was laid off and realized I couldn’t find my “dream job” where I had flexibility in my schedule so I decided to establish my consulting firm. I had already dabbled in consulting since August of 2017 with brand development and social media management, so it was a perfect segue to build upon that. I didn’t start making consistent income until August of 2018. I know that seems crazy but I had tons of start up expenses and wasn’t even close to breaking even. So long and short, it took a solid year to see profit!
Were you still working your job while doing your own business? If so, at what point were you able to 100% transition to your own business?
I was very much forced into my own business. & I have never been more thankful. I did however start doing side work while working my main job because I wanted to dip my toes in brand development. Being laid off was a growth opportunity that I needed for myself.
I feel you will never be 100% ready to be an entrepreneur and work for yourself. You kind of have to have faith and take a leap. Kind of like they said in Blue Crush, if you want to feel the rush, you’ve gotta take a risk!
Where do you find inspiration when feeling unmotivated?
This one is tough because I really struggle with self motivation most days. I wrote a great piece on How to Re-Motivate Yourself in 5 Simple Steps.
It’s mostly mental for me where I feel unworthy of the good things. However, there’s something about a hot cup of coffee, some old school Blink 182 and a to do list that really lights a fire up my ass. If I know I have a lot to do for the day, I will write everything down on paper and check it off as I go. Knowing that there’s a finish line, really forces me to get shit done.
As far as inspiration, I get a lot of inspo when I take a walk. It gets the juices flowing, I’m outside of my home and I can just BE. Next time you’re in a rut, take a walk; you’ll feel so much better after!
How have you been able to balance new mom life/running a blog & business.
Wine!! Just kidding, but really.
Honestly just finding grace in the chaos. I can’t tell you how many conference calls that I’ve taken with my babe on the boob and a laptop in my lap. It’s truly pushed me to multi tasking limits I never thought I was capable of. Outside of my blog/business I have a full time job, and I went back to work 10 days PP. So in a way I was thrown to the lions and had to come out on top in some way.
In all honesty, the only way I can do what I do is because my amazing husband picks up my slack all the time. He is doing laps around the house rocking Logan and consoling him when I need both hands free. He’s making dinner when I’ve had a long day. Doing the dishes when Logan’s been cluster feeding all day and I’ve spent 8 hours glued to the couch.. he’s the real MVP. He’s the reason I’ve been able to do what I do the past 7 weeks.
How many hours a week do you work? Do you work during normal business hours or do you end up working off hours?
I work anywhere from 40-60 hours a week and I’m never NOT working. Team no days off over here. The company I work for is on PST, so it allows me to sleep in a little but it also keeps me up later at night. I sometimes am responding to emails at 1:30AM. Or writing blog posts (like right now) on a Saturday at 5:30AM during a feeding. Also, everything takes me a little bit longer with Logan. Sometimes he needs a smile from Mama after watching her stress out and be frowny for the last 30 minutes.
Any tips on how to go about getting free items for your baby?
Register everywhere that has a “Welcome Box”. Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Babylist are a few I know of! If you meet their requirements they send you a bunch of full size and sample size items! I registered for Babylist so I got a few essentials. Honest Co will send you a free sample of diapers and wipes if you pay for shipping.
Now if you have a blog or engaged audience of instagram, you can reach out to companies that align with your brand to get their product in exchange for promotion. I haven’t done this too often because we got literally everything we need from our baby shower but this is a great way to help grow your brand and their business! See question below on paid Instagram campaigns!
What are your top 5 favorite baby items that you couldn’t live without?
- Haaka, I use a knock off brand it’s only $13.58 and it comes with 2 stoppers and a cute carrying case, click here.
- Snuggle Me Organic
- Nuna PIPA Lite LX car seat & TAVO stroller
- Ingenuity Bouncer
- Kiinde Feeding System. I especially love this because you can pump directly into the bags, slide them into the bottle holster, throw on a nipple and feed! Perfect for travel and on-the-go!
What’s your favorite 20 minute dinner?
I love spaghetti with kielbasa and garlic marinara! Super simple but definitely one of my favorites. Another is Chili Casserole, not healthy AT ALL but absolutely delicious!
What’s your order at Starbucks?
Grande Skinny Vanilla Latte.
Or during the holidays it’s a Chestnut Praline Latte with nonfat milk.
How do you get paid Instagram campaigns?
I use a platform called Heartbeat. If influencing is something you want to get into, click here to sign up!
I never see what you wear everyday, what’s your style?
You don’t want to see that. Usually it’s a breast milk stained tank top and $6 soffee cheer shorts.
But really I am very into athleisure wear. Give me a solid pair of leggings and a cute tank or sweatshirt and I’m golden. I decided since I am on a fitness/weight loss journey that I want to dress for success. So I subscribe to Fabletics & I love it. It’s a flexible subscription so you only buy/get charged when you want something and not when you don’t. So it works for every budget. Let’s say 6 months out of the year you want to indulge, you can! & it’s such great deals. You can sign up here. Your first 2 pairs of leggings are $24 total! Seriously next to Lulu’s they are THE BEST!
You have great skin, what’s your routine?
It’s forever changing but right now its:
Morning:
- Glossier Milky Cleanser
- The Ordinary Buffet Serum
- The Ordinary Caffeine Serum
- Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
- White Leaf Shop Luminous Quartz Oil
- SPF 50 Sunscreen (Neutrogena Baby)
Night:
- Neutrogena Exfoliating Cleanser
- Trader Joe’s Rose Water Face Mist
- The Ordinary Buffet Serum
- Mario Badescu Acne Serum
- Trader Joe’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Trader Joe’s Rose Oil (this item is seasonal, so a great alternative is White Leaf Shop’s Rose Oil)
I do a face mask weekly! I rotate between sheet masks, clay masks and jelly masks!
Would you ever do a home tour?
If y’all would like that, of course I would!! Our office is a work in progress so once that’s done, I will definitely do one!
Thank you guys so much for asking me questions. I linked everything in this article so if you want to shop it, you can! Go comment on my latest picture on IG any more questions that you might have for me. I would love to answer them in the next FAQ!
— Ashley
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase through them.
