Hidden Gems: Meet Ashley Carty of Carty Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Carty

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Ashley Carty’s path from the trauma bays of the ER to the forefront of marketing was driven by her passion for making a lasting impact. After spending a decade in healthcare, where long, high-pressure workdays were the norm, Ashley honed her ability to juggle critical tasks with precision and composure. This unique background laid the foundation for her transition to marketing, where she brings the same level of grit, attention to detail, and ability to thrive under pressure.

In 2014, she founded Carty Media, a digital marketing agency that has since become a leader in driving brand growth and engagement. Ashley’s experience allows her to diagnose challenges quickly and develop strategies that deliver results. Whether scaling single-location restaurants into multi-unit franchises, guiding e-commerce businesses to their first million in sales, or working with major brands like Coca-Cola and Lifetime Fitness, Ashley’s hands-on, data-driven approach has led to measurable success.

Today, Carty Media is recognized as one of the top agencies in Orange County and beyond, known for its ability to craft creative solutions that resonate with audiences. Ashley’s blend of trauma-tested resilience and her relentless drive to make a difference continues to make her a trusted partner for brands looking to thrive.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely. Even though I went back to school for marketing, there are so many things they don’t teach you—especially the real-world challenges of starting and growing a business. It was very much like building an airplane on the way down. Until you’re in the thick of it, you don’t realize how critical things like licensing, business structure, and establishing business credit really are. Connecting with mentors and getting the right advice early on would have saved me a lot of headaches.

When I started, I didn’t have a trust fund or financial backing. I was working three jobs, moonlighting as a contractor for marketing services on the side. It wasn’t until I had enough clients that I could finally quit those jobs and officially launch Carty Media in April of 2014. I haven’t looked back since. But knowing what I know now, I wish more people went through structured programs on how to start a business—like what steps to take before diving in headfirst.

Having capital or even just a business credit card in that first year would have made a world of difference and likely allowed me to scale faster. But those early struggles taught me resilience, and that’s been a core part of my journey and what drives my success today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Carty Media is different because we operate like a fractional CMO and an entire marketing, branding, graphics, website development, and video editing department all rolled into one. We don’t just deliver a single service—we step in as a strategic partner to develop the vision, fill in any gaps, and collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure every piece of the puzzle is in place. We treat our clients as if we are part of their in-house team, scaling and allocating our time in a way that reflects that.

What really sets us apart is our commitment to growth. We’re not a flat, service-based company that just checks the boxes and moves on. We immerse ourselves in the business, working side-by-side with our clients to ensure they achieve sustainable growth. Whether it’s creating a comprehensive marketing strategy, executing a rebrand, or filling in gaps in their existing team’s efforts, we’re here to grow with our clients every step of the way.

I’m most proud of how we’ve been able to become a trusted partner for brands ranging from small startups to major corporations like Coca-Cola and Lifetime Fitness. Our full-service approach means that when you work with Carty Media, you’re getting a team that’s as invested in your success as you are.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Newport Beach is being surrounded by like-minded people—so many business owners and entrepreneurs who, like me, have an active lifestyle. It’s a place where ambition and wellness go hand in hand. When I’m not working, I’m often out on a morning walk, taking our boat out, or paddleboarding. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to see the water from my office desk and even squeeze in a paddleboard session between meetings. It’s the perfect balance of productivity and relaxation, which keeps me energized and focused on growing my business.

Pricing:

• 5,000/Month
• 15,000/ 3 Month Agreement
• 27,000 / 6 Month Agreement
• $750 / Month Subscription + Hourly Rate

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cartymedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartymedia_
• Twitter: https://x.com/cartymedia
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleycarty/