Community Highlights: Meet Ashley Carlson of Elevate Business Solutions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carlson.

Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my career in 2018, working solo in the virtual support space after spending several years as a travel agent, a role I truly loved. While I was successful, the reality was long hours, six-day workweeks, and very little flexibility. After having my son, it became clear that the traditional corporate structure wasn’t going to give me the balance or autonomy I wanted for my life or my family. I knew I needed to build something different.

From 2018 through 2021, I ran my business on my own, supporting clients while also raising my young children at home. That season required a lot of adaptability, but it worked, and it showed me what was possible. In 2021, as the pandemic reshaped how businesses operated and normalized remote work, I started receiving an influx of referrals. Business owners realized they could run successful companies with remote support, and suddenly, the demand far exceeded what I could handle on my own.

That was the turning point. I knew it was time to build a team, and I was ready.

What started with just two clients has grown into Elevate Business Solutions, a team of 15 women across the US, serving small business owners and leaders across the country. Over the past five years, we’ve supported more than 100 clients, helping them streamline operations, delegate effectively, and build businesses that are both sustainable and fulfilling.

One of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made along the way was to intentionally build a culture-first team. We focus heavily on trust, organization, collaboration, and genuine support, both for our clients and for each other. Hearing team members say this is the most supportive and organized workplace they’ve ever experienced, watching coworkers become real friends, and seeing them step in collaboratively to create a bigger impact for clients has been incredibly rewarding.

Like many founders, I learned early on that trying to do everything myself wasn’t sustainable. Burnout can creep in at any stage, and learning how to delegate (truly delegate!) was essential. Building clear roles, empowering team members to own their work, and aligning responsibilities with individual strengths not only supported the growth of the business but brought more joy and pride into the work itself. That experience is what fuels my passion today for helping other leaders learn how to delegate successfully.

Being born and raised in Los Angeles has absolutely shaped my entrepreneurial journey. LA is a city rooted in innovation, ambition, and hustle, and that energy has always inspired me. I’m also always inspired by my father, who has built and sustained a successful business in Los Angeles for over 30 years. So I guess you can say that entrepreneurship has always been part of my story! Elevate is the culmination of those influences: flexibility, innovation, community, and a belief that work can be both impactful and human-centered.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all! And that’s often the reality when you’re building something meaningful.

One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from a solo business to a team-based company. Creating clear processes, expectations, and roles is critical when you start hiring, but early on, you don’t always have the time or clarity to document everything. It truly felt like building the plane while flying it, learning and refining systems in real time as the business grew.

We’ve also faced the inevitable people-related challenges that come with growth. We’ve hired the wrong people at times or placed the right people in roles that weren’t the best fit. We’ve had team members leave during moments that felt incredibly difficult. Through it all, we’ve stayed grounded in integrity and open communication. Those values have helped us navigate challenges confidently while ensuring our clients are always supported. Our team consistently shows up for one another, collaborating to create stability even during transitions.

On a personal level, the early years were a daily balancing act. My children are just a year apart, and working from home with babies required constant flexibility. While challenging, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be present with them while still building a business that allowed me to serve others doing work I love.

There were also moments when I questioned continuing. As a bootstrapped, service-based business, margins can be tight, and growth comes with real pressure. In the hardest seasons, my team’s commitment and belief in what we’re building, and my family’s unwavering support, reminded me that we could keep moving forward together.

We’ve been impressed with Elevate Business Solutions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Elevate Business Solutions is a strategic operations and executive support agency designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners run stronger, more sustainable businesses. At our core, we provide executive assistant support, bookkeeping, and operational strategy, but what we’re really known for is helping leaders learn how to delegate effectively and build systems that support growth without burnout.

We specialize in working with founders who are juggling a lot—sales, decision-making, never-ending back-end to-dos—and who know they need support but aren’t always sure where to start. Many of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or unsure how to hand things off confidently. We meet them where they are and help create structure, clarity, and momentum through thoughtful delegation, strong systems, and a dedicated support team.

What truly sets Elevate apart is our agency model and our emphasis on strategy and culture. Our clients don’t just get one assistant—they gain access to a collaborative, well-supported team that’s trained, aligned, and backed by leadership. We place a strong focus on clear processes, communication, and accountability, which allows our clients to feel confident that their business is being cared for even as it grows and evolves.

We’re also deeply intentional about our team. Elevate is built by a team of professional women who value integrity, reliability, and connection. We invest heavily in training, organization, and culture, and that shows up in the way our clients are supported. When team members feel empowered and valued, they do their best work, and our clients feel that impact.

Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that Elevate has grown through trust and referrals. Our reputation has been built on doing what we say we’ll do, communicating openly, and truly caring about the businesses we support. We’re known for being proactive, strategic, and human, balancing high-level thinking with day-to-day execution.

What I want readers to know most is that Elevate isn’t just about outsourcing tasks. We’re about helping business owners reclaim their time, step back into their role as visionary leaders, and build businesses that support their lives, not the other way around. Whether through executive support, bookkeeping, or operational strategy, our goal is always the same: to create ease, clarity, and sustainable growth.

How do you think about luck?
There have definitely been moments that felt like perfect timing! One time, a client came to us through a referral from out of state, only to realize we live in the same town (and that I’ve even played bunco with his wife!). Another time, I was introduced to someone who serves a similar audience in a different way, and within days a client reached out needing that exact service, with personalities that just click. Those moments feel special, and I love supporting our clients not just through our services but by making thoughtful introductions that truly help their businesses grow.

On the flip side, I’ve also experienced plenty of challenging timing. I manage ongoing health issues, including autoimmune conditions, so unexpected illnesses, surgeries, and treatment days are sometimes part of my reality. Building and leading a business through that hasn’t always been easy. People management has also been one of the toughest parts of growth, while our team is full of incredible women, there are moments when people let you down, and it’s rarely at a convenient time.

Those experiences have shaped how I lead. They’ve taught me the importance of strong systems, trusting my team, and approaching challenges with grace and clarity instead of frustration.

I wouldn’t call my journey lucky. I’d call it purposeful. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family and walking through these experiences has shaped me over time to lead this team and build a business rooted in service, integrity, and impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elevatevbsolutions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevatevbsolutions/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymcarlson/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatevbsolutions

Image Credits
Mandy Liz Photography