Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McMillan.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved teaching from a young age girl living in a two-bedroom apartment in a little city called Clarkston, GA and knew that I wanted to do something in the Education sector. I studied business management after high school and strayed away from Education. I then found myself becoming unhappy and bored with my State Government positions in Human Resources. I wanted to work in my childhood dream career, a Teacher and to create an Education coaching service-based business. While being a wife and mother of three, I decided to go back to school to change my career and become a Teacher.
During my time at the University of Georgia, gaining my teacher certification and advanced specialist degree in workforce education, I was teaching as a Work-based Learning Coordinator and The Savvy Company was born. The Savvy Company is an endeavor to educate female aspiring entrepreneurs and current entrepreneurs on how to turn their dream business idea into reality. I am inspired by the strong Georgia women that surround me, from my friends and family. I loved the idea of teaching both high school students and adult women how to start a business from an idea. The name “Savvy” comes from Proverbs 31 passage in the bible. It is about strong women that are strong, humble, virtuous, diligent, and a giver in their business and family. I have also partnered with various non-profits around Atlanta that offers career readiness and entrepreneurship workshops.
I launched The Savvy Company in late winter 2020. It was risky and scary being that Covid was knocking on our economy doors, so I faced many hiccups and struggles during the pandemic. But I also learn a lot about myself being in business and found various ways to teach my clients about their businesses. I launched a private Facebook group last year called Side Hustle School and now launching my 1st mentorship program called Savvy Women this summer. I am truly blessed and honored to be able to educate over 50 women with their business ventures. I have also created a great coaching program for female entrepreneurs at The Savvy Company, where they are able to scale and grow their businesses. It tickles me to know that I am known as the idea queen and of course, give straightforward critiques.
Thinking out the box is my superpower. Being a mother of three, high school teacher, business coach, and author, I am proud of myself for going for my dreams and passion. Knowing that my dreams and passion aligns with my purpose makes it even better. I do know my dreams did not come easy, it required lots of prayer and me putting in the work. I put great love into all my clients and business ventures. People often ask me the infamous questions, “How do you do it?” I appreciate this question; it lets me know I am doing something right. What sets me apart is my energy and drive for success. I have no need for ego. I am confident because I believe in myself and the gifts that God has blessed me with. I am humble by my calling and grateful for the teachings I offer. I am intentional about releasing the power in knowledge and uplifting other women entrepreneurs.
I am also ecstatic about my recent book, Abbi’s Picture-Perfect Day: Learning Community Helpers. I wrote this book last year inspired from teaching my three-year-old about her community helpers. Abbi’s Picture-Perfect Day is designed for preschool – 3rd graders, to learn about their community helpers. More importantly, all the characters in this educational book are brown. It was important that I teach my kids that their neighbors can be doctors, bakers, and other community helpers too.
I am even more overjoyed about my newly found hobby; Life Hacks with Ashley is a podcast that I started during quarantine. I speak for empowered women who come have endured traumatic pain and hurt from a toxic mother and creating boundaries for peace. This podcast also includes topics like: getting out of the rut, finding happiness in pain, and living in Passion, Purpose, and Power! I share intimate moments of my hurt and pain. Many women in this world can resonate with seeking love, acceptance, and success after traumatic events from their own families. There is a celebration of life, health, and wellness in each episode. I am happy to help other women evolve, grow, and become loving each day.
I walk in Faith! Because without faith, I could be another highly gifted person who does not believe I can do the work or run a business. I had to Believe in me, before I even started to educate others in their business, personal, or academics. Every time I step in the classroom or speak on a webinar, I speak life into myself… “You must be faithful and confident”. I have faith, courage, belief, and power in my learnings and teachings, to begin, to complete and present to the world.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I always tell my clients to find your inner power and that brings success to your business and personal lives. Too many times, we start a business based on an idea, but we never thought to include the most important ingredients; which, one of those, include our own creativity – I call the sauce.
Contact Info:
- Email: thesavvycompany.info@gmail.com
- Website: savvyncompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvybizbyashley/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesavvybosschic
Image Credits
NP Photography
