Meet Ashley Nicole Bowen | Entrepreneur | Founder | Woman Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Nicole Bowen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I obtained my bachelors degrees from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Al where I majored in Geology. I became the first African American Female Geologist to be employed at the Geological Survey of Alabama. Being first generational in my family and coming from underperforming schools, there was never a mention of the natural science. So after learning the complexities of the subject, I became more and more intrigued and was excited to work as a Petroleum Geologist. It was my teams duty to study and find economically producible oil and gas within the state. However, after seven years in the field, I realized that something was missing. I knew that I wasn’t meant to sit behind a desk for the rest of my life. So In 2010 I began my journey hosting events. By 2015, I opened my first storefront as an Events Management Company. Specializing in Weddings, Private Events, Corporate Events, linen and chiavari chair rentals. After grossing six figures in my first six months, I knew then entrepreneurship was where I belong.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a true Virgo at heart. I strive to be a perfectionist and I seek to please others. So seeing the smiles upon so many faces was stimulating for me as an event coordinator and planner. However, I now find more pleasure in consulting those who are interested in starting their own business but are afraid or just don’t know how to get started. My heart though, truly lies with St. Haven Academy Inc. I’ll share more about this later.

Three lessons I had to learn: 1. I had to embrace the fact that no matter how hard I worked or how much I prepared, I could never make every single customer happy
2. No one will love or protect my brand or business the way I will – so learn to choose your team very wisely. 3. Always follow my instinct but be sure to always remove the emotions first – it’s all business!

Nothing has been easy about this entrepreneurial journey but I have always believed in myself, knew no matter what I would never give up on myself and I have always valued integrity, morals and always putting my clients first.

I want the world to know that Ashley Nicole is not only a brand but a Revolutionary. A woman who believes whole heartedly that she can be a positive example for young women across the world who are fighting the odds. Young girls who are unfortunate to grow without the guidance of a father or love of a Mother or both, yet still make it to a level of success where you can find peace and give back to those who’s journey in life looks similar to theirs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Wow, this is a good one!

Depending on the season I would have to say the

Friday Evening: The Botanical Gardens or the High Museum of art
Dinner – Sundial or Ray’s on the River
Hangout – St. Regis or The Garden Room

Saturday Brunch – Flavor Rich Restaurant
afternoon – JeJu Spa & Wellness
Dinner- Chops

Sunday Brunch – BQE

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to give two ShoutOuts. First, To the principal and the women educators at MLK Elementary School in my hometown. From the moment I hit kindergarten onto 5th grade, they were all women whom I recall to be women of integrity, virtue and class. They all possessed a true love for education. I remember each of them reminding me that my current circumstance would not determine my future. They always reassured me and others that we were special and could be whomever we choose to be in life. So to Mrs. Louis J. Crawford, Mrs. Prewitt, Mrs. Duncan, Mrs. Dean, Mrs. Eatmon and Mrs. Jimerson – Thank You and I love you dearly! I owe you and hope to soon repay you one day.

Second, Mr. Vernon P. Freeman. The best Upward Bound Executive Director ever! He gave me my love for nonprofit and giving back. He was a man of Valor, Dignity and Respect! Our hearts would skip a beat upon his presence because he made sure we understood the importance of education, dedication and hard work. He was a father to so many of us who were being raised in poverty and one parent households. I hope that he is somewhere in the spiritual realm clapping for me, encouraging me and cheering me on. He is truly missed!

Website: www.kollkayandco.com

Instagram: The__ashley_nicole

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-bowen-mpa-63459194

Other: www.StHavenAcademy.org