Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Hightower.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated from law school and did what any good newly minted lawyer does; I took a job at a large, national law firm in Birmingham, Alabama. After practicing law for three years, I transitioned into a more corporate legal job in Washington, DC at a global publishing company where I worked as a legal editor writing and editing legal articles.
While working as a legal editor, to scratch my own creative itch, I launched a style and travel blog, Cobalt Chronicles. As I dove deeper into the blogging world and began to meet creatives in different fields (photographers, graphic designers, event planners, etc.), I realized there was a hole in a lot of my peers’ businesses – they weren’t utilizing contracts to protect themselves and their businesses.
With my background in the blogging world and my legal expertise, I launched my Contracts for Creatives business where I help creative entrepreneurs and small business owners with all of their legal contract needs!
Has it been a smooth road?
The most challenging part of starting both Cobalt Chronicles and Contracts for Creatives was and is pricing. Blogging is a relatively new industry and so is online legal work for a very niche audience. It has definitely been a game of trial and error on properly pricing my services and truly figuring out and knowing the value of the services that I provide.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with 2 Businesses: Cobalt Chronicles and Contracts for Creatives – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Cobalt Chronicles is a lifestyle blog and brand focused on style and travel. I aim to provide my readers and audience with everyday style inspiration, travel tips, travel guides, and lifestyle inspiration. I love everyday fashion and have a passion for travel. I aim to inspire my readers by providing everyday outfit ideas and tips and tricks on how to make travel more attainable. My main goal with Cobalt Chronicles is to create a community of like-minded women where we can all inspire one another to live our best lives.
Contracts for Creatives is where I wear my attorney hat. I provide legal contract services and legal consulting services to creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. I help clients including bloggers, photographers, event planners, wedding planners, and graphic designers, with drafting and reviewing contracts. I provide an approachable and affordable solution to business owners’ legal needs.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I lived in Birmingham, Alabama for six years prior to living in my current city, Washington, DC. During my time in Birmingham I visited Atlanta often. I loved the food scene of the city and the feel that the city was on the verge of really blowing up. There was a sense of creative energy in the city and different pocketed neighborhoods. Upon moving to D.C., I had the pleasure of meeting Cathy Peshek, who at the time also lived in D.C. She has since moved back to Atlanta where she, along with Jessica Camerata, runs The Blog Societies. I joined The Blog Societies right when I was starting out in the blogging world, and I attended their 4th annual conference, affectionately referred to as #TBSCon, in Charleston, SC. This year, for their 6th annual #TBSCon, I was asked to host a workshop portion on blogging contracts. This year’s conference was held in Atlanta! It was great to be back in the area and learn about all of the new happenings! I love Ponce City Market and the Beltline trail.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cobaltchronicles.com ; www.ashleehightower.com
- Email: ashlee@ashleehightower.com
- Instagram: @cobaltchronicles @contractsforcreatives
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cobaltchroniclesblog/ https://www.facebook.com/contractsforcreatives/
Image Credit:
Lindsey Meisenheimer @lindseymeisenheimer
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
