Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dawson.
Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always been one who searched for purpose in life. I knew very young that I wanted to help people. I was always drawn to giving of myself to others, so I knew whatever I did had to be meaningful. Being in the medical profession, more specifically, a neonatologist grabbed my attention in high school, so I went to college to pursue a degree in biology. I had plans to go to medical school but that all changed for me in February of 2001 when my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. I left school to care for her and be by her side. That was one of the best decisions in my life because she passed shortly after (April 2001). I grew up in a single-parent home, so losing her changed me. The journey to becoming who I am today started on April 24, 2001, when I lost my best friend.
I went back to college, graduated with a degree in Business, and even went on to acquire additional degrees over the years, but I was still feeling empty. I went through years of just existing and wondering why I was here. I changed careers from working in the nonprofit sector to education, hoping to find purpose. During my first year of teaching in 2011, I started writing my first book. I always had a way with words, so I figured what did I have to lose? It took me four years, but I released “Surviving Your Own Jungle” in 2015. It took four years because as I was writing to help others, the book was helping me as well.
From that point, I continued writing and coming more into who I am today. It was a form of healing, so I knew I had to share my words and my stories. I went on to co-author my second book, “Girl Power Uncensored” with Jae Nash, who provided a platform for myself and 20+ other women to share our stories of trials and triumph. Writing is a way for me to connect with others in ways that you sometimes can’t do verbally. I continued to use this passion for helping others by writing about my struggle and healing from fibroids in “Birthing Pains: Push to the Promises of God in 2019. Whether writing a book or motivational message, the smiles and feedback about how a message or book has helped them gives me so much joy on this journey. I’m beginning to walk in the purpose I always searched for.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not! Nothing worth having is ever a smooth road, but it’s the challenges that build character and strength. I touched on it briefly, but one of the biggest struggles was losing my mom. This was a traumatic experience and many of the struggles were internal for me. Nothing made sense anymore and my faith was being tested. I battled depression silently for many years. I was always seen as the strong one, so I suffered in silence and kept a strong face in front of everyone. The truth is, I was struggling so much on the inside. I could write the best inspirational messages, pour all of me into books, but I couldn’t do it for myself.
I had to be honest with myself about needing help. I tried to do my own thing for so many years and that just hurt me more. I decided to go to therapy in 2018, which was also the best decision I could make for my life. I was ashamed for the first year because only a few people knew, but I grew to realize nothing was wrong with therapy. In fact, it’s helped me write better and help more people, as well as myself. All the challenges along the way have molded me into the person I am today.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Daws Lady specializes in providing products for the soul. The term Daws Lady is a spin on the term “Boss Lady.” Everything I put out has three jobs… Serve. Inspire. Uplift. I’m known for motivation and inspiration, which is evident in everything I release. I started the journey thinking my purpose was only about books, but I realized I had so much more to give. I had so much more to say. I started verbalizing my messages on a podcast created with my sister in 2019 called “Fix My Crown.” This was another way to share my gifts and talents with the world.
The thing I’m most proud of as a business is the versatility, which allows me to reach and help different types of people. I’m a creative person who doesn’t like to be boxed in. That is what makes Daws Lady so special because anyone can find inspiration in my work. Everything that I write or say begins with the same prayer, “Lord, let your message go forth and allow whoever reads or hears these words to see you through me.”
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love Atlanta and I do believe it’s a great place to start a business like mine or for any upcoming entrepreneur. It’s a place full of options and opportunities for those who choose to get out and grab them. It’s a place where you can make so many connections. There’s a certain GRIT to Atlanta that never gives up and continues to reinvent itself. You must take that same approach with your own business. Don’t let delays and denials stop you in your tracks. Get up and keep trying. Atlanta is a place where you can achieve your dreams if you really want it.
Pricing:
- Surviving Your Own Jungle – $7
- Girl Power Uncensored – $15
- Birthing Pains – $5
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Dawslady.org
- Email: ashdawslady@gmail.com
- Instagram: @DawsLady_
- Twitter: @Daws Lady
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK6WrEUZJxqrLfWfA_mUnNA
Image Credit:
Shenique Greene-Luke
Millicent M. Bowman
Leslie Cole
Ashley D. Dawson
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