Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashle’ Mathis.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashle’. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to be in a field that involved helping others, but never quite knowing what I wanted to do. From a teacher, then to a nursing major, I found myself two years into my degree now wondering, “Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?” Some point through the years, I had strayed away from my first love, art, to obtain a degree in a field that would “guarantee” financial stability. It was at that moment, going into my junior year of college that I decided not to allow society’s opinions deter me from following my dreams.
The company was originally founded in 2010 under the name of AMTK Graphics. The name AMTK was chosen because it was was a combination of my name and my university nickname. No one at school called anyone by their legal name. During my time at Georgia Southern University, I partnered with several organizations that allowed me to have some experience in the graphic design field. In my first position as Lead Graphic Designer and Head of Promotions for the organization SHE Entertainment, our company was one of few on campus that partnered in sponsoring various events with the university. Our biggest event was called “The Quake”, which was a university talent show where students competed for prizes and scholarships. Once parting ways with SHE Entertainment in 2012, I was offered an Intern position as Assistant Marketing Manager for a company called Hard Knockz Entertainment up until graduation in 2013.
Upon graduating from Georgia Southern University as a double major and triple minor in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences I then moved to the Metro Atlanta area in 2014. Living in a(n) competitive market, I had no idea how I would be able to make a name for myself in a city filled with entrepreneurs. Over the years, I made several logos for family, friends, and co-workers. In February 2018, I released the first edition of “My Life Planners.” The planners originally began as a hobby that people begin to love because it was everything you would need in one, bringing simplicity to your daily routine. At this point, the company name was changed to AMAT Graphics.
My biggest break in the Atlanta market happened in July 2018 as Marketing Manager when I partnered with four, life long, friends in bringing their visions of the Vegas nightlife to the city of Atlanta in their business called, “Club Walk Atlanta.” The business’s main goal is bringing together different people, of different ethnicities, for one night, on a party bus, to celebrate life. In July 2019, the business will be celebrating their one year anniversary. Being a part of an organization’s development, seeing how fast it evolved in a short amount of time, and having the ability to witness different people’s stories and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur lead me to take a leave of absence in April 2019 because I had discovered a new passion, helping people achieve their goals to entrepreneurship. Thus, bringing AMAT Graphics to where it is today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Anything in life that comes easy is not worth doing. Why? because there’s no fulfillment in accomplishment behind it. Being your own entrepreneur is not an easy task. The hours are long and at times it can be frustrating. There are many times where I wanted to give up, throw in the towel, and call it quits, but it’s during those times you need to have a strong support system behind you. People who ultimately want to see you win, who encourage you to keep going, but also reminding yourself daily of the success that will be waiting for you once you accomplish your goals. One of my biggest obstacles was road blocks and having the energy to keep going But as I said previously, it is at that point you really need to have that strong support system.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
AMAT Graphics is a design business that specializes in graphics and creative services. Some of the services include a resume and cover letter creation, legal document generation, personalized planners, logo creation, illustration, business cards, website design, image recreation, and canvas paintings.
As a company, I’m most proud of how I am able to bring my customers visions to life and seeing their reactions. That’s what brings me the most joy.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that many people in my field take a job for the money. Yes, the money is nice, but for myself, it’s not about that. It’s knowing that I was able to make a positive impact on someone’s life.
What was you like growing up?
Growing up, I was outgoing amongst my closest friends, but for the most part, I was somewhat shy.
My personality has always been outgoing, and silly. I enjoy making people laugh.
My interest includes anything artistic. And, there are many forms of art. When I’m not designing or painting, 9 times out of 10 you can find me writing poetry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amatgraphics.com/
- Email: amatgraphics@gmail.com
- Instagram: @amat770
Image Credit:
Photographer: Cortez Fields; Stylist: Nicole Wilson
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