Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Erikson.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I actually started my marketing company out of necessity more than a dream. Back in college, I was studying biology and wanted to be a zoologist. But life had other plans. My then-boyfriend (now husband of 18 years) and I found out we were expecting our first son, and I had just turned 21. Overnight, my priorities completely shifted. I knew that whatever I did, I’d pour my whole heart into it, and I also knew I wanted to be present for every moment of my son’s life. Suddenly, the path toward zoology didn’t seem realistic anymore, so I pivoted and finished my degree in English instead.
After graduation, reality hit fast. There were so many unpaid internships, and with a new baby, I couldn’t afford that. So I created my own opportunity. I started a community blog back when blogs were our version of social media, and I began connecting with local businesses. That’s when I noticed a gap that no one was filling. Facebook had just started becoming “a thing,” and most businesses had no clue how to manage it, or even the time to figure it out.
So at 24, I printed some business cards, walked into local businesses, and started offering to manage their pages. That one small leap turned into something so much bigger. It was the start of my entire career in digital marketing, content creation, and journalist. Looking back, I didn’t have a roadmap, but I did have drive, curiosity, and a real love for storytelling and community, and those three things have guided me ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest struggle is that I never had a mentor or someone to show me the way. I really had to learn by throwing myself overboard and finding the will to swim and not sink. I started with Facebook, but businesses needed more. They would ask about websites, graphic design, branding, printed material, and with every question, my answer was always yes. Then I would run home and watch YouTube videos, read blogs, and learn everything I could about helping these businesses grow.
While doing this all on my own was difficult, it also became a blessing because I was able to pivot and change throughout the years without a company keeping me in one position.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently I am the marketing director at The Colony Theatre, The Circle Burbank, and a feature reporter for myBurbank News. I’m also an Instagram coach for small businesses, especially women-owned brands and entrepreneurs. My goal is to help them feel confident on the platform and show them that they can be the face and creative force behind their own business. I love guiding clients to think outside the box, get comfortable in front of the camera, and turn their everyday moments into meaningful, scroll-stopping content.
Alongside that, I run my own community page, @ashleyinburbank, where I share local events, hidden gems, and highlight the incredible people and businesses that make Burbank such a special place. It’s my way of helping others fall in love with the city the same way I have, and encouraging people to get out, explore, and connect with their community.
One of the things I’m most proud of is founding the Magnolia Park Merchants Association back in 2014. I created it as a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation to bring new life to the Magnolia Park district. Using my background in marketing and branding, I helped transform the area into a thriving local destination by building out community events that brought people and business together. I was the president for 5 years before passing it on so I could focus more on volunteering at my two sons’ schools.
If I had to pinpoint what sets me apart, it would be my love of collaboration. I’m a connector at heart. I thrive on bringing people and businesses together to co-create content, host events, and support one another. I really believe in the idea that it takes a village and I love helping people build that village through creativity, community, and collaboration.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that’s been most important to my success is my openness to learning. I’ve always believed that being willing to pivot, adapt, and stay curious is what keeps you moving forward. The digital world changes so fast and there’s always something new to explore. I genuinely get excited about finding new tools or strategies to add to my toolkit.
The moment we stop learning, we stop growing. That’s something I try to live by every single day. Whether it’s a new marketing trend, a fresh creative idea, or simply a life lesson, I approach it with the mindset of a student. My goal is always to keep evolving, and to be just a little better, wiser, and braver than I was the day before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleyerikson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyinburbank
