Ashley Finley, MSW is a mental health advocate, author, and entrepreneur. Ashley is a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington and Barry University and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. As a social worker and teacher, Ashley saw the importance of having social-emotional-focused children’s books with characters of color.

She is now using her social work, counseling, and teaching experience to create such stories that empower readers to connect with, respect, and value themselves and others around them. She founded JJ Carson Press to add an additional layer of richness and diversity to the children’s literature space. 

Can you tell our readers about your background?

Growing up, I always thought I hated reading. I was interested in very few books that were available to me. As I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work and became a certified teacher, I realized the true power of representation and how connection sets the foundation for learning. I revisited the gap in children’s literature and decided to do something about it. I now use my social work and teaching background to create stories that feature children of color, and have a social-emotional component woven into them.

What inspired you to start your business?

I was inspired to start my business with my children. As a teacher, I often found it hard to find books that my students could connect well with and learn from, but when I became a mother, it was an entirely different ball game. I wanted my children to have books with characters who looked like them, teaching them the lessons that I found to be important. When I could not find the books that I wanted, I created them myself.

Where is your business based?

We are based in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

 I started becoming an author by simply writing. That is what I knew how to do best. I joined Facebook groups of other authors and illustrators and began to take notes and ask questions. Then, I gradually began to research specific steps on what you should do to start a business on Google, and also sought guidance from my local SBA chapter. Lastly, I stumbled upon some publishing courses taught by a seasoned author, and here I am!

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I have taken a multifaceted approach to marketing my business. After identifying the characteristics of my avatar (buyer), I identify where I would find them. This gives me a picture of where I should advertise.

I also absolutely love using social media, as it can be one of the most cost-effective and easiest avenues. I connect with local organizations, too.  

When I am determining which organizations to connect with, I think of all of the ones that would be interested in my story, as an individual, and reach out to them. This includes my alma maters, libraries that I grew up in, local newspapers, and television stations.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge has been conquering the learning curve. I don’t have parents or close family who can teach me the business or publishing ropes, so I am learning most things on my own. This can be extremely overwhelming, so I pace myself and make sure to celebrate all wins along the way, no matter how small. If no one else is going to clap for me, I will always clap for myself.

How do you stay focused?

I stay focused by remembering my “why,” which are my children, and not forgetting the fact that I love what I am doing. If I get distracted by all of mundane parts of running a business, I can take a creative escape and just write. That’s always helpful.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I stay true to myself. That is my purpose – to be me, and do what feels right to me. I honor my own journey and share what I feel strongly about - social-emotional concepts that spotlight characters of color. I don’t waste my time comparing myself to others. I focus on showing up as my 100% authentic self. No one can be a better me than I can.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Social Media has been the most helpful for my business growth. Connecting with individuals who share similar passions and have a knack for the types of books that I am releasing works perfect for me. They genuinely love what I am creating, and will show authentic support. And, they will come back to show support for future books. It’s a win-win.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Take your time. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pace yourself. Overworking is overrated.  

In our society, we put so much worth on working, but we have to allow space for rest, too. I have my most creative moments when I am resting and giving my mind a break. If I am overworked and exhausted, I will not be as effective in any aspect of my business.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app at this moment is YouTube. There’s nothing like YouTube University. We have so many resources and such a vast amount of information in our back pockets, and I’m a visual learner so YouTube fits me perfectly.

My favorite book right now is “My Very Favorite Book in the Whole Wide World” by Malcolm Mitchell. It’s a children’s story, and I love it so much. I see so much of myself in the main character. I needed this book growing up, but I will make sure that my sons have it and understand the lesson in the story.

I don’t have a favorite blog at the moment.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Canva is AMAZING! There are so many tools that it offers to support entrepreneurs. I have used it for everything from social media posts, to designing business cards and media kits. I love it. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

Crystal Swain-Bates is my business role model. She has a similar background to mine and is doing amazing things in the children's literature space. She has stayed true to herself and it has brought her much success.

How do you balance work and life?

I put myself on a schedule. I have to. It’s the way I keep my sanity. It’s flexible but structured. It allows my mind to rest knowing that I can focus on one thing, and everything else will get done on their proper day.

I have certain days allocated specifically for taking care of family tasks, such as paying bills and making doctor’s appointments. And other days are for book marketing and creating new content. And lastly, I have 2 days a week where I rest and recharge.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

 I have several ways that I decompress. I love to just go browse at the store, with no intent to buy anything. I’m an extrovert, and I enjoy just striking up conversations with other shoppers. 

I also like watching old reruns with my husband and watching the newest movie on Netflix. Documentaries that feature stories of resilience or mental health topics are my jam.

 Speaking of jams, I love some good nostalgic 1990’s-2000’s music. Turning the music up loud and singing (out of tune, I’m sure), on the freeway is always great, too!

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I plan to continue marketing my current book, Jade’s Secret Ingredients: A Recipe for Managing Feelings, and publishing another one before the end of the year.

How can our readers connect with you?

Readers can connect with me at www.ashleyfinley.com and follow me on social media at 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyFinleyWrites

Instagram: www.instagram.com/AshleyFinleyWrites