Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Williams.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Hackensack, NJ. Growing up with both of my parents being deceased wasn’t easy.
As a little girl, my mother battled with addiction and later died in 1998 from AIDS. Additionally, my father passed away from a motorcycle accident in 1986, a few months after I was born. I don’t know much about him and my thoughts of him are numb as I don’t have any remembrance of him.
At the tender age of seven years old, my Grandmother took me in and raised me to be the strong woman I am. She did an amazing job with the little she had. Literally, God turned 2 fish and 5 loaves a bread and multiplied it for us. I never went without and I never missed a beat with my friends. My Grandmother was/is my safe place.
My childhood humbled me and I always enjoyed being a servant and assisting others with their needs. This led me to become an Assistant in many different fields, such as admin in church, my 9 -5’s, and entertainment. Today I am a business owner of a Virtual Assistant business.
I learned in order to lead you must serve first.
How I got to where I am today? Well, as cliche as it may sound I stick with God. On paper, my life doesn’t make sense, but with God all things are possible. Praise is my weapon, I work hard, I take everything to God in prayer, and faith without works is dead. We must do the work!
Currently, I am a Business Owner of “Ashley Sade The VA”, and a Business Risk Analyst. I believe in having multiple streams of income.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been far from a smooth road. I remember attending Virginia Union University and couldn’t finish due to financial difficulties. I remember my very first apartment being a front porch.
I moved to Atlanta in 2014 with just my car, and clothes. I literally started over. I remember making only $10 an hour due to the low pay rate here in Georgia. I worked two jobs back to back at times to pay rent, faced evictions, took cold showers, and lights cut off.
But God. Even with hard times I never once wanted to go back home to New Jersey.
I continued to push, sacrificed, was obedient, worked hard, was dedicated, and humbled.
With faith all things are possible to those who believe.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Right before COVID-19, I learned my Grandmother was diagnosed with Dementia. When I found out the news I wanted to be able to better assist her freely and work from home. I remember giving my corporate job at the time a 2-month notice letting them know I will be resigning to better assist my Grandmother.
Shortly after I came up with my business, Ashley Sade The VA. This would allow me to do what I love as an Administrative remotely. Literally, COVID hit the very time I left my job. The timing was right. I transitioned from working in corporate to working from home. My virtual services was a hit.
One year later, I also became a Business Risk Analyst for an amazing bank from home as well.
I make sure I work with integrity and humility to be successful with both opportunities. As an introvert, being able to do it from home has brought me so much peace and success!
In addition, I am now a proud deed holder. I purchased my first land in 2022 and received my deed free and clear! My goal is to purchase atleast one piece of land in all 50 states. Shouts out to @theglamuniversity (Instagram) for teaching women who look like us, Assets Over Liabilities.
What sets me apart from others? I won’t quit. There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel, but God threw it back and told me “you got this”.
You either quit or keep going. They both hurt so choose wisely.
God will always lead you to where you need to be.
– Stick with God.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
You can reach me on my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleysadetheva.com
- Instagram: Ashley.sade
