Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Thompson.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up I had low self-esteem and was very shy because of the overall feeling that people would not accept me completely. As a way to come out of my shell, I expressed myself a lot in the arts. I did jazz, tap, and ballet for a total of 11 years. I was even a cheerleader and tennis player in school. Staying occupied was not only fun, but it started to develop my confidence. I started to write as a way to continue to express myself. From creating poems to journaling short stories, writing was the unspoken encouragement I never thought I needed.
All of these experiences shaped me into becoming a storyteller. Initially inspired to become a pediatric dentist, I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a biology degree only to discover a deeper meaning from personal experiences. As my childlike imagination and passion for bettering children’s wellbeing started to emerge, it was also the beginning of my purpose as a scientist and entrepreneur.
“Ella’s Greatest Adventures” is a faith-based book series I created to encourage children to let go of their fears and embrace God’s love, to live every day as an adventure. What started as a book idea eventually led me to create earrings, bracelets, and apparel with phrases that constantly uplift children. As my children’s business continued to grow and help children develop, I then created my second business, Cultivating Inner Beauty.
By having the same mission as I have with Ella’s Greatest Adventures, there was a linear path to Cultivating Inner Beauty. I wanted women just like me to see their true beauty from within. From sharing beauty, nutrition, and hair tips as someone who once struggled in those areas and works in the skincare industry.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I did not fully understand what the saying, “Being an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart” meant until I became one myself. Ella’s Greatest Adventures was definitely an adventure just getting started. My first challenge was finding an illustrator who complimented my style. Eventually, I was able to find an awesome illustrator from the Philippines who not only complimented my writing style but shared the same Christian values so communication was easy. There were more struggles along the way in establishing the brand, but through each obstacle, I persevered.
With both businesses in their infant stages, I faced different challenges with their growth. It was also a struggle to balance business as an introvert and adapting to growth, such as having the confidence to speak up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of enjoying my creative outlets as an author and entrepreneur, I am a cosmetic chemist for a well-known personal care brand. I currently test products and raw material ingredients that are used in the products before consumers receive them. Overall, I’ve been working in the skincare industry for 9 years! I’m proud to be a part of a team that emphasizes the importance of caring for one’s well-being. I’m even more proud to grow in an industry that aligns with my business’s missions.
What does success mean to you?
Being able to share my joy with others by encouraging and building confidence is what success looks like to me. Also, recognizing my own growth in the process as well has been successful.
Contact Info:
- Email: ellasgreatestadventures@gmail.com
- Website: ellasgreatestadventures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellasgreatestadventures/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellamccutie/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKOZtw91WBXqYh0Le4RI9Tw
- Other: msha.ke/ashleytcre8
