Ashley Murray

I attribute my success to turning challenges into opportunities. Being laid off was a setback, but it pushed me to find a path that aligned with my values and passion. In my previous corporate philanthropic role, I often felt distant from the direct impact of the work. Starting my own company has allowed me to engage closely with the people and communities I aim to empower, making my work far more fulfilling. That experience taught me that setbacks can be disguised blessings, and transforming them into growth has been one of my greatest accomplishments.

The best career advice I’ve received centers on understanding the order of priorities: put your clients first. In my experience, serving clients well ultimately serves yourself, enabling both personal growth and the sustainable development of your business. In a corporate environment, I learned to focus on clients before administrative tasks and strategic growth, and I’ve carried that principle into building my own company. Prioritizing client needs not only drives business success but also clarifies what I’m capable of giving and how I can make a meaningful impact.

My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace creativity. Many opportunities aren’t obvious from advertisements or mainstream channels, and companies often operate with limited resources, which means traditional paths aren’t always clear. Doing your own research and thinking outside the box is essential. That challenge also makes this a dynamic space for entrepreneurs—there’s room to explore ideas that haven’t yet been fully realized, and creativity is often the key to making them succeed.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that many of the clients I want to serve have limited funding, which makes it difficult for them to hire additional support. Many operate on a volunteer basis, which, while limiting revenue opportunities, has been invaluable for learning and refining the services I offer. Early in building my business, the challenge is balancing these opportunities to connect and provide value with the need to establish a sustainable model.

The values that matter most to me are purpose, impact, and responsibility. In my work, I’m motivated by contributing to a greater mission and supporting people who truly need it, rather than by financial gain alone. That sense of purpose drives me to grow and fully utilize my skills. Personally, I strive to live these values through responsible choices—being a conscientious consumer, supporting fair trade and sustainable practices, and using my resources in ways that reflect both ethics and intentionality.