Exploring Life & Business with Ashley Cole of Business Success Services

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Orange, California. My parents came to America in the 80s. My dad is from Sierra Leone and mom is from Belize. I grew up in Orange County and every weekend spent time with family in Los Angeles. After hearing stories of how my grandma served members of the Sierra Leonean community coming to America, at her funeral this past year, it is clear where I inherited my passion for servitude. My whole life I have embodied being in service, from volunteering during high school to serving on executive boards in college and within my community. Through my volunteer work, I learned how to build relationships and networks, a skill I still use to this day as a business owner. Combined with my emotional intelligence development, I connected my ability to think outside the box with committed action. I started events through my sorority that are still hosted to this day. I have seen my ideas hold true in various organizations. I continue to create results, whether it be bringing to life an event or promotional item. My passion is in serving people.

During 2020, I began to realize what I wanted to create in my life. Following my intuition and passions, I understood I wanted to create my own business that is focused on supporting and creating ideas for businesses. This could range from creating business names to marketing ideas to supporting business owners with networking efforts.

It took some time to come up with a name that would be clear, direct and combined being a passion-driven business with services for success. I also wanted to incorporate my love of creating something from nothing. The result was the establishment of Business Success Services in June 2021! The “Success” in the name is a reminder for me to stretch into opportunities of growth. The “Services” would be a constant reminder of why I created this business; to serve. This embodied the spirit of a supportive and creative consulting agency that partners with solopreneurs and small business owners to bring their dreams to life.

This also proved to be divine timing as solopreneurs started rising during 2020. When working for oneself, burnout or loneliness may arise. I wanted to support and partner with these individuals in getting their businesses exposure and to stand out from the competition without being in their business. In essence, a business buddy! This would provide them the support they desperately needed while giving them the autonomy to focus on what they do best.

Since establishment, I have experienced an abundance of gratitude that I get to share my love of creativity and support through service. It is from this fulfillment of my passion that I remain committed to the success of others and will continue to build a legacy with everyone I partner with.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Throughout the journey, there was a lot of push and pull I experienced within myself. Questions and thoughts arose like, “Can this even be possible? Would this even succeed? How would I even market and price my own services? And I still have a full-time job. How would I present it to my employer?”

Imposter syndrome was in full gear at times, having me doubt my ability to establish a successful business.

Turning the concept of an ideator into a solo-business venture was a big step. Not only was I embarking on a new business that I had no prior knowledge of, I also had to communicate to others what my business does so that they would understand it.

I pushed through these moments and reminded myself of my past experiences where I created results without any prior evidence, of turning the impossible into the possible. There were times I thought I was crazy for thinking of something that I had no prior knowledge of ever existing. Yet it was from these times and the work and energy I invested that I was able to create possibilities, keeping my vision and goals at the forefront of my focus.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Business Success Services?
Business Success Services (BizSS) exists to be of service. Its focus is to be your business buddy, providing that extra hand as needed so you are never alone with navigating the creative process, marketing, or networking components of your business. This also frees up your time and energy to focus on what you do best.

BizSS’ unique commitment to partnership, risk, fun, passion, and service is what sets it apart from others. I always advocate that your business is an additional person in your life; you put the same time, money, and energy into it just as you would a family member.

We get to enjoy the relationship we build with our business!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Risk. Whatever it may be, risk being authentic, passionate, open, and loving.

It may appear easier said than done, however, it is possible no matter what.

To truly embody this energy, I created a term called synergistic vulnerability. Synergistic vulnerability is a willingness to risk being open, honest, caring and loving. To powerfully accept differences to create a vision bigger than the individuals involved. With self and others is what creates life as we know it today. When we come together and synergize towards an outcome, possibilities are endless.