Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Lindo.
Ashlee, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I consider myself a multi-hyphenate. I grew up with an incredible imagination and experiencing all disciplines of art. I used to write stories about being finding the cure for autism, going with my mom to see stage plays and Alvin Ailey performances, reading teenage romance novels and taking dance lessons.
I was an overachiever and excelled in math and science so I thought Computer Science was going to be ‘my thing. Taking Comp Sci 1 proved otherwise. I hated coding. I leaned into my creative side and decided on Graphic Design and Business Management. I guess I was always destined to do something in art and design. Graduating college in 2010 during the recession was tough so after working retail and nanny for a year, I was able to secure a junior graphic design position.
It was during this time I become obsessed with social media. Instagram and Pinterest were still in its infancy. I read anything I could find related to social media management. With very little experience, I became the first Social Media Marketing Coordinator at the Cobb Energy Centre. It was the perfect blend of two passions: the arts and social media. After nearly 12 years in this industry, I am beginning to slow down [a bit] with work and focus on my passions and self-care. Being raised by Jamaican parents, slowing down work is not easy because you have to know that having three jobs is the minimum. LOL. All jokes aside, I am on a quest to design my life. As much as I enjoy the work that I do, I’m learning it’s okay to have hobbies and other interests. Travel, affirmations, art, fitness and eating well are priorities for me. Harmony is my ultimate goal because I focus on integrating all aspects of my life so they can work together like a beautiful melody.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Hell no. Life be life-ing. I graduated during a recession. I went through a divorce. I was laid off twice in a year. Anxiety tries to paralyze me. But every single one of these struggles showed me how resilient and persistent I am. I can always bet on myself and never give up. Through all of the struggles, I never lost sight of my vision for my life. I wouldn’t have chosen this route to get to where I am in my life currently. But I am proud to be where I am! If I could give [unsolicited] advice, have a vision for your life and be open to how you get to that vision. It won’t look like what you imagine. Make sure your actions align with your vision too. It’s easy to say what you want in life but actions and discipline get the desired results.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently a team lead for a financial services company, managing social media for the B2B and wealth line of businesses. I have worked in social for the past 12 years across many different industries. Arts, entertainment, consumer packaged goods, even agriculture. I truly love social media! One of favorite career moments is leading social for the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. We ended up as the number one trending topic in Atlanta two years in a row.
I also own a brand consultancy firm that specializes in graphic design, social and brand strategy. I work with other multi-hyphenates and emerging brands to define their brand and marketing strategy. Multi-hyphenates come to me to help them tell their multi-layered story in a cohesive way while emerging brands come to me so they can brand their business with a solid foundation.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I always say I’m rich in relationships and I truly feel supported in my life. As someone who did not have a large friend group growing up, it’s humbling to have a tribe that truly roots for my success. My parents, my siblings and my bestie are my MVPs!
Most of my clients for my consultancy are referrals from family, friends and past colleagues, which says how much they trust me. My mom is my personal PR agent. She hands out my business cards and shares about my work very often.
Issa Rae talks about networking horizontally and I really tried to make that a priority. I connected with two amazing women when I was working agency side and we have been each other’s references for jobs, helped each other respond to passive aggressive emails and vented about being black women in the workplace. I remember when I was trying to get started in social, I reached out over 100 people on LinkedIn for an informational interview. Few people responded and I still keep in touch with them nearly ten years later.
Relationships can take you very far in life, don’t be afraid to connect with people while at work, in your similar industry and similar interests. I have friends that are down to travel, go to an art show, watch tennis with. My girls and guys are amazing!
Contact Info:
- Email: ashlee@ashleelindo.com
- Website: www.ashleelindo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theashleelindo
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/theashleelindo
Image Credits:
Dimitri Crowder Photography https://www.dimitricrowder.com/
