Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ighorewo.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in Montreal. I moved back to Ottawa in 2015 for school, and this is where I’ve been based since then. My story honestly started when I was a little girl, maybe around the age of six. I used to pretend I was one of those red carpet correspondents and interview my little sister for fun, and I would perform for my family all the time.
All through elementary and high school, I was in every single talent show and participated in most of the art-related activities. When I reached college, that’s when I truly began to hone my skills. I joined a dance crew on campus and was voted their VP of events a year later. I helped lead the crew and taught dance classes 2-3 times a week.
When people ask me I say that dance is the gateway to my creativity because it gave me the courage to put myself out there with my journalism and media work; I think it’s funny how you can be scared of your purpose, because that was my situation.
All of that made me fathom my love for people and entertainment on another level, so after dropping out of college not once but twice, I decided to take my life into my own hands and start Freegxrl Media. I started it after my mom passed away, it is an ode to her. After she passed away, I felt like my voice was gone and my confidence had died. I was forced to be strong for everyone but myself and not speak on how I truly felt, and that didn’t sit right with me because my mother always told me to speak my mind, to be myself and to not take shit from anybody. She constantly reminded me of the freedom I had within myself, and that is what Freegxrl Media is about. The platform is here to shift narratives and remind black women and women of color all over the world that you are free to feel, free to believe, free to think and free to just BE.
I was inspired by platforms like Vice Media and Buzzfeed, that have their own in-house production studios. We’re working on lots of original content and host in-person events a well. This past April marked four years of running Freegxrl and I’m grateful for the community I’ve fostered and continue to foster.
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 definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I’ve honestly faced is with myself is my imposter syndrome. Walking in your purpose can be tough because sometimes you’re not sure if you’re worth or if what you’re chasing is worth it. Comparison is also a big thing that I’ve dealt with and still deal with sometimes.
Another large factor is dealing with people and finding consistency in them because as the end of the day, I can’t run a media empire by myself. This is my dream and I want to share it, but people can be funny. It’s just been hard finding people who truly want to grow with me and Freegxrl.
As of lately, I’ve been feeling more hopeful about that, but I truly do want to grow a solid team.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Freegxrl Media is my baby and my media company. It’s a multi-creative platform that is powered by community and dedicated to empowering black women and women of color. Our platform is focused on changing narratives that society has about black women and women of color.
We interview creatives, entrepreneurs and innovators from everywhere, curate original content, and host offline events. We specialize in putting the girls on and showcasing the fact that we can do it all. We also put an emphasis on self-love, mental health and socio-political issues.
What sets my platform apart from others is the fact that I know we’re human. I don’t know if that makes sense… Everyone talks about being relatable, but it’s always surface based. I want to dig; I want to get to the root of the issue and share the depth of people’s stories. I plan on starting a movement with it; I want a Freegxrl revolution.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the message behind all of it; Freedom. And the work I’ve done to get that message across through my content. Freegxrl Media has a lot in store in the upcoming year and I’m excited to share it with the world.
How do you define success?
Everyone’s definition of success is different, but I think I define my success by the impact I’m able to make. If I’m able to change someone’s mind for the better or make them feel better, my job is done. I also think if you’re able to get paid doing what you love, then you made it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.freegxrlmedia.com, iamashley.info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freegxrlmedia/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/__iamashley/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwebyqJ4UrI2lqJNzgtLXKQ
