We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Joy and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
The thing that makes me most happy and fulfilled is waking up every day and using my gifts to serve, empower, and impact women globally. I am always thinking about ways through my personal experiences, conversations with friends, family members, mentors, and mentees on the pressing issues that are impacting their day-to-day lives, and how I can use my skills as a vehicle to alleviate those pressures.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am the founder and CEO of the AJS Group, a coaching, consulting, and leadership training firm that helps women become bold leaders, take action, and grow their influence. We also partner with organizations that prioritize women in the workplace with communication skills training that helps transform teams and drive workplace performance. I am a 2x published Author, Keynote Speaker, and a 7+ years communications professional.
I come from an entrepreneurial family full of artisans, makers, and business developers. I always felt that I was destined to be an entrepreneur but often struggled with the planning and strategy that came with it. It took me years to lean into my genius zone and delegate the parts that I wasn’t skilled at to people skilled in their expertise.
I am most proud of right now is growing as a woman, business owner, and leader. I am more aware of the opportunities that I believe are most aligned with the work I want to do. Most importantly, strategizing ways I can serve over 100,000 women by 2023.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta holds a special place in my heart. My husband and I got married at the Old Courthouse on The Square in Decatur. We spent our first night as husband and wife at Atlantic Station. My 97-year-old grandmother lives in Stone Mountain. When we visit some of go to spots are Atlantic Station, Lenox Square, The Village Market and Stone Market Park. I also love Old Lady Gang Souther Cuisine and the famous SluttyVegan.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am an example of what it looks like when family, community, and friends lovingly wrap their arms around you and pushes you to greatness. I am so grateful to my tribe and what I like to call personal board-of-directors who allow me to be my full self; good, bad, and sometimes ugly–but love all of me. My husband always champions my dreams. My daughter has taught me to dream in color—my mother has been my first example of womanhood. My close friends, to name a few, are Ashlee, Michael, Erin A., Tiffaney, Erin Nichole, Tiffany S., and Shawn. My nieces and nephews, siblings, cousins, mentees, mentors, and village. I am blessed and wealthy.
Website: www.ashleyjoyspeaks.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashleyjoyspeaks
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjsutton/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ashleyjoyspeaks
Image Credits
Hollery Morris hollerymorris.com