Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Johnson.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a little girl, I enjoyed writing and creating. I have always been an avid writer where I journal my thoughts, feelings, goals, life events, fiction stories, etc. What began as a way of self-expression soon developed into a passion. I never knew where my writing would lead until recently. God led me to the idea of publishing my first book “Story Time” and creating my own publishing company. The aim of this publishing house is to encourage, inspire and enlighten the masses. June Publishing was named after my grandmother June Elaine Hector Lewis who was also a fellow creative and teacher.
Becoming an entrepreneur has always been part of the vision for my life. Like most businesses, I launched June Publishing and published my first book “Story Time” during the start of Covid. My best friend, Brittany, my mom and my aunt Leslie were very instrumental in encouraging me to move forward with this endeavor. I would not be in this position if it were not for their encouragement and their belief in me!
“Story Time” is a compilation of short stories and poems addressing the situationships/entanglements we sometimes become involved in. We go through various changes and eventually begin to grow in love, lust and desire. However, in most cases, someone inevitably gets hurt in the end. Growth is the very last chapter of this book… When I wrote this book, I was purging my own feelings, emotions and other concerns I had heard from other men and women. Someone somewhere is in the midst of a situationship and they are having difficulties severing ties due to convenience and I am hoping that this book will help them in some way.
In addition to publishing “Story Time”, I have published several journals (Self Care, You are Worthy King and Queen edition), apparel, bookmarks and other digital products. I am currently working on a few projects that will be geared towards self-care, gratitude, physical and mental health.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I really have to give God and my support systems all of the credit when it comes to how smoothly my process was publishing and creating my own business. I wanted to work with a publishing company, but the agencies I reached out to never reached back out to me. This did not bother me because I know that there is always more than one way to accomplish a goal.
I then reached out to a family friend, who has also written a book, “Breathe: A Spiritual Journey of a Young Widow” by Tanisha Hall (excellent read by the way!). She shared some of her contacts with me and I ultimately made the decision to self-publish because of this.
Running a business while working a full-time job comes with curveballs, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. The struggles I have encountered along the way encompass the lack of funding and not being business savvy. There is so much more that I want to do with June Publishing, but I know that there is a time and a season for everything!
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 am a full-time Licensed Master Social Worker. I absolutely love my profession and my career choice. I am most proud of the success and growth I am able to witness in youth while working with them and their families. I know that I can’t save everyone, but being able to help youth discover their purpose while providing them with resources to help them become successful, means everything to me. I am on assignment. I am walking in my purpose with my career choice and with June Publishing. When you read my work and/or view my journals, the common themes are worthiness, purpose and staying in faith.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Owning and investing into your vision, dream or assignment is a risk in itself. You never know if your business is going to fail or succeed, but you trust that your investment of time, money and energy won’t be in vain. I believe that taking risks is necessary. I always tell individuals to write your vision, make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2-3), do your research, invest in yourself, step out on faith, believe in yourself, set goals and leave room for God to work just in case you have to pivot. Investing into my business was a risk I was willing to take because I know that my products will change someone’s life in some way.
People become stagnant because they are either unwilling to change or they fear change. You cannot grow this way. If you want something in life, you have to go after it. You have to be intentional with your pursuit. No one said your journey would be easy, but if God gave you a vision or dream, it would be in your best interest to pursue it! There won’t always be immediate gratification or satisfaction, but God’s promise will eventually come to pass. Trust your process. KEEP GOING!
In closing, ALWAYS remember that you are here on purpose for a purpose! Stop downplaying what you have to offer the world. You could be saving someone’s life without even realizing it. That’s how important investing in yourself and your vision is…
Pricing:
- “Story Time” – $16
- “Self Care Journal” – $25
- “You are Worthy” King or Queen Journal – $12
- “Worthy Shirt” – $20
Contact Info:
- Website: Junepublishing.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/junepublishing
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Junepublishing
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Junepublishing
Image Credits:
Professional Headshots: David Mahone – Atlanta, Ga https://www.davidmahone.com/ Website/Graphic Design for Books : Lacie Williams – Lawrenceville, GA http://www.custommadeforyou.net/
