Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sanders.
Hi Ashley , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career initially began in 2016 when I graduated college and started working full time as a procurement counselor. For 8 years, I served in this role helping small business win government contracts. While working this job full time, I would also do a lot of “passion projects” on the Side such as website design, photography, videography, writing, speaking and teaching and much more.
But in 2024, I felt the Lord tell me it was time to transition and to work full time for my own business. It was extremely scary considering leaving a good paying job to take a bet on myself and more importantly on God. This was the first time in my life I really had to simply trust Him.
I remember quitting my job on the date of my 8 year anniversary and that evening I’d already been booked for another gig for my business. Within this weekend while working, I began making connections. One of those connections, I continued to nurture and overtime that relationship developed to a small contract with an organization within my city. I spent a lot of time nurturing and building relationships and building business credibility with in my community.
There was a moment when I didn’t have many clients and instead of seeing this as a problem I saw it as an opportunity. I treated myself like the client and began growing my skills and using my own content as the platform for proof of concept.
The more I did this the more interested I obtained. Within 6 Months of quitting my job, I’d landed two contracts. All the while I was still taking on clients for photography and videography jobs.
Within year of quitting I was able to replace my previous salary with money generated from contracts and consistent job opportunities. Within almost 2 years I have been able to accomplish more now than I did while working a full time job. Each goal I set for the business has continued to be accomplished with patience and dedication.
Now I currently host 3 contracts while also maintaining individual clients and I have expanded to having a team as well.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. 3 Months after quitting my job I’d gone from booked and busy to struggling and broke. I didn’t have many clients coming in during the winter months and that sucked, REALLY bad. But I was able to figure out a way to overcome this hump. That’s where contracting came in and also learning which services are in more demand with the season and learning how to leverage my skills strategically.
It’s definitely been one big learning curve but the best part about it is learning and growing and seeing your self accomplish things you would’ve never imagined possible. Just because something is hard in the beginning doesn’t mean you’re not supposed to do it. Many of our blessings are on the other side of our commitment and follow through.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in photography and videography primarily. I am most proud of the work I’ve down with the organization carriage town ministries. My business was able to take their brand and elevate it with not only high quality content but also strategic, intentional and authentic storytelling. I watched their platform grow in one year being able to increase views to over 1 Million and increasing engagements and donations to the organization. I believe what sets me apart from others may sound cliche and maybe even to some unbelievable but I would say it’s the Holy Spirit. I often times rely on the voice of God for direction and include prayer in everything I DO. I never run out of ideas and even strategy because every time I pray and or study the bible answers, wisdom and knowledge naturally comes to be.
I also believe that my ability to a student of life helps. I am constantly learning and eager to improve whether thats technical video skills, business knowledge or even relationships and customer experience. I am always seeking to make it better.
One of the top qualities about my business is our customer experience. We want our clients to walk away not just happy with their session but walk away feeling taken care of as if it were by family. Fire Ash Media — (F.A.M) is branded on making people feel right at home with the brand and taken care of like a mother, sister or daughter would take care of their relative.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Over the years my definition has changed so much. Initially I thought it was making a lot of money but rather now I see success as living a life without regrets and being able to experience the things that matter to you. For me I enjoy exploring the world and traveling to different states and countries and I value being able to create that lifestyle by the work I do.
Success for me has become being able to live the life I imagine. It can’t be measured by money but rather money being a tool that allows me to live the life I desire. I often tell people since quitting my life my life feels like I’m living in a dream. I say this because I am finally living my life intentionally, on purpose and doing what I was born to do.
That’s success to me, being able to live out my vision and walk in my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fireashmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheisfireash/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.sanders.98031
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SheisFireAsh
- Other: Tiktok is @sheisfireash
