Donna Hann
When I first started the She's in Business business in 2020, I wanted to create a space that women in business could feel seen and supported, and that they could learn the skills that they needed to reach for those big goals. And in order to do that, I decided to create the ready to rise online course and group coaching program. It's a hybrid program that includes a library of educational business tutorials and videos for self paced learning, as well as weekly group coaching sessions and an online community for support, celebration and accountability. And it's been a little over two years now. I've had some incredible women come through this program. And one such woman is Ashlee Maben. She's a mum of two and she's a wife. She is a wedding photographer, turned award winning personal brand photographer for women in business, and she is absolutely smashing it. And she joins me today to share her story and inspire you to chase after your dreams. This woman has a huge heart. She is super passionate about what she does, and she keeps it real. So I can't wait to share this conversation with you. Let's get started.
Donna Hann
Hello, I'm Donna Hann, a business coach, and an online course creator. And this is the She's in Business podcast. You can think of me as your business bestie, who's a few steps ahead of where you are right now. As a month fueled with ambition and determination. I've created and sold three businesses. I've learned the lessons made mistakes, and I understand the daily juggle in the hustle. I also know what it's like when relationships fray and burnout taps you on the shoulder. That was my world until I reshaped and transformed the way I ran my six figure business. Today I help women to transform their businesses and go from being the overwhelmed entrepreneur to becoming the thriving entrepreneur feeling energized, empowered and fulfilled within their business lifestyle. I want to inspire your business journey and help you to stop spinning your wheels, because I want you to burn bright instead of burning out. And I'll invite other entrepreneurs to share their real life stories too, because I want you to know that you're not alone. You can be the savvy entrepreneur that you are born to be and enjoy the freedom to do the things and be present with the people that mean the most to you. So if you're ready to rise to the next level and build a business by design, this is the She's in Business podcast, for mums who are made for more.
Donna Hann
Hello, and welcome to another episode of the She's in Business podcast. It's your business buddy back again, Donna Hann, and oh my god, I have an incredibly inspiring guest on the podcast for you today. But before I introduce her, I just want you to know that the doors to the Ready to Rise program are open. So if you've been considering joining a program that's going to help you to go from really feeling overwhelmed and exhausted and basically on the path to burnout and you want to become a thriving entrepreneur, then this is the space for you where you can shape a healthy work life blend step into your potential as a kickass business owner, build that profitable business that supports your ideal lifestyle, working the hours you want to work and being in the moment with the people who mean the most to you. So now's the time to join. If you're ready to rise, you can click in the shownotes to join the program. Or if you want to jump on a 15 minute discovery call with me and explore all the options in detail. You totally can just send me a DM on Insta or hit me up with an email. The doors do close on the Eighth of March so don't wait long jump in soon.
Donna Hann
Now let me introduce you to my guest Ashlee Maben is the lady behind the Ashlee Aspect, a personal brand photographer for women in business and as you'll come to know from listening to this episode, she is just the most beautiful person who has this amazing ability to really transform the energy within her studio when she's working with you because I have been the person behind the camera as Ashley's been shooting a session for me so she can really take a woman who's feeling completely self conscious and nervous as hell and not comfortable at all with having a photo taken to have a feeling like an absolute goddess feeling powerful and ready to be comfortable in front of the camera and she's on the show today because I want to give her and her business a huge shout out like I really want to celebrate her cuz she's amazing. She also won an incredible award last year and I want you to know all about that as well. I want you to understand the journey that she's been on because I'm sure that there'll be parts of it that will resonate for you. She's gone from totally changing her ideal customer avatar from being a wedding photographer to being a personal brand photographer with four women in business. She's fully booked. She's the go to in her local area, and she's highly regarded for what she does. So welcome to the show, Ash.
Ash
Thank you for having me I don't know if I'm going to cry or scream. at me, I'm so excited.
Donna Hann
So your business, the Ashlee Aspect has been around for a few years now. But for our lovely listeners, why don't you tell me a little bit about your business? Tell us how long you've been going for? Whether you have a team or whether you're on your own, like, let me know, let us in.
Ash
So actually I spoke to was born probably late 2021. I was a wedding photographer, and I was on the brink of having mental breakdown. So I was working every weekend, I am a wife to a minor who is way on no roster. So I don't know when he goes don't know when he comes home. I have two little legends who keep me busy as well. But obviously, way every weekend and I was just exhausted. And the branding photography came about because I had a couple of businesses reach out to me, and they'll like, Hey, can you come do some branding for us? And I was like, Well, I'm a wedding photographer, but okay, I gave it a go. Anyway, I gave it a go sell completely in love with it. It was amazing. And then I sort of got the ball thinking, you know, okay, well, if these people are reaching out to a wedding photographer, there must be something missing. And if they slapped my soul on fire like it did, then why not go all the way through. So at the beginning of my business, I was a very like rash decision maker, I would make a decision right there. So I just was like making bam bam, bam, decision up decision. And being a wedding photographer, we are booked out for any 18 months in advance. So I knew that it was going to be a bit of a a process of slowing down those weddings, and not taking any more. And also then taking on the Ashlee Aspects. So last year was a massive transition year for me. Which mean doing the weddings almost double time, but they're also doing Ashlee Aspect all time. Yeah. So yeah. And then it that was just born, it was just like, I just know, in my heart of hearts that this is what I meant to do. I've never felt like this before. And it's something that with each shoe I become more and more passionate about. And I just absolutely love it.
Donna Hann
What is it that you love so much about branding photography,
Ash
I love it? Well, the number one thing is is that I am just infatuated with women, and the power to be honest, and how strong and resilient we are. But also I think I thrive more like when a woman walks into the photoshoot majority of the time, the first thing that they'll say to me is I'm really sorry, I should got work cut out for you. I'm so not photogenic and I call bullshit. So I'm just like, no, like, That's crap. Let's do it. And then I get to witness and help the confidence of these women grow from being a shell of themselves and having no confidence to they walk out of the photoshoot skipping and literally cannot wait to put these photos out and become the face of their brand. And they're proud and they're owning themselves. And they don't notice the flaws that they walked in with when they walk out. And I think that's my number one thing that I love the most.
Donna Hann
Yeah. And then when they get their photos back, and yeah, give them their, you know, their password or whatever, to the website where all of the images are there for them. What's that like for you?
Ash
Nerve wracking, I think everyone sort of photography. Once we send throughout our gallery, we sort of sit there and we go, like, it'd be cool, we're cool, we're cool. Then we go through, no, we suck, everything sucks. And then I get no message back. And it's like, Oh, my God, like every single person has just said these have just blown my mind. But every now and that it's it makes my heart swell with so much love and pride and not only for what I do, but for what these women are. They're not seeing what they used to see in the photos that seeing how they can grow their business and, and they can use this photo for this for this post and they're just excited to take that next step and put themselves out there.
Donna Hann
Yeah, absolutely. And I'm going to ask you in a little bit about for some tips around preparing for a photo shoot. But before we dig into that sort of stuff, I want to all So talk to you about the decision that you made to join the ready to rise program because you joined in September 2002. And you already had an established business with the wedding photography side of things. And I know that you've done some training in some other areas as well. So what was it that sparked your interest to join the ready to rise program and work with me?
Ash
I had some friends who were chatting, and I was I was feeling lonely, more than anything. I was like, Oh, I don't know what to do, like, and I'm making all these rash decisions, and I've got no one to bounce them off. And, and a couple of my business friends have said to me, Well, you need to hook up with Donna. And I was like, okay, who's Donna, and then I met you at a business expo, that was the first time we've met. And I was like, Oh, I love this woman. Yeah, we all know that I always don't get I'm a Donna addict. So yeah, that's how I joined it. I was like, No, I'm ready. I need Donna's help. Because I needed to establish some strong foundations in my business. And I needed people to bounce ideas off. And stop making those rash, fast decisions. Because I would think about it too much and then become overwhelmed so that I wouldn't make it and then I would make a stupid decision or fast one. That's why I joined you to get that that clarity and that calmness and that support, you know, your support behind me to either say, oh, and I think so or, yeah, okay. Yep. Yep, keep going with what you're doing.
Donna Hann
Yeah. And I think as business owners, you know, being able to make decisions quickly is a really important skill to have. So you have that ability to make quick decisions. And sometimes we have to, we're forced to as business owners to pivot quickly and to make those decisions. But it's about making sure that it also ties into your overall strategy. And that you're doing it in a way that also works for your clientele. And also for your family to because like you mentioned, you have an amazing partner, but it's tricky, because he's away for work, and then home and then a wave, where can you don't know what and when that's going to happen. So it's also the one making our decisions, factoring all of the other elements into life as well, which can be pretty tricky.
Ash
Yes, yeah. Yeah. And like, I mean, a lot of us do suffer from anxiety. And I'm one of those huge, yes. But having you and a group from ready to rise behind you to say, okay, am I crazy making this decision? Or am I not that support is invaluable? Like you just you can't put a price on that. That got me through from week to week? That group coaching call it, it was amazing.
Donna Hann
Yeah. And thegroup coaching call is there to support you, through the learning of all the different modules to keep you motivated to keep you moving through them. But it's also that space where we celebrate one another, we talk about what wins you've had we talk about the potential issues where you feel a little bit stuck, or you need a bit more clarity, or like you said, you just want to bounce an idea. And get that feedback from people who know what it's like to run a business, who have a family themselves and can sometimes see it from the outside looking in. And that is the game changer, I think yeah,
Ash
It's definitely a safe space, safe space to just, you know, no matter how dumb you think you may be. It's, it's a safe space to get it out there. And no judgement at all. And majority of the time, no matter how stupid you feel there that leads another three women in that group with their hands up black. I feel it. Yeah..
Donna Hann
That's definitely the group coaching and also the Facebook group that we have, you know, it's there to hold space for one another. And I'm very clear that it is a confidential space, it's a space where you can share openly that you don't have to feel as though you're silly to ask a question or that you can't be vulnerable in expressing how you're feeling, because it is a safe space. And what I love is that every single woman who's been through the program has honored that and has held space for each other, but also has felt safe enough to be vulnerable. Yes, when they have no sense, because we will have them.
Ash
Yeah, we do. And I think that's probably a huge reason why it's it's been kept like that is because we understand how precious that community is and how much it means to us. Yeah.
Donna Hann
So from a business side of things, because I know that sort of more and I do believe that it needs to be business and mindset as we're learning and growing as business owners. But what's been the biggest breakthrough for you as a business owner after going through the program?
Ash
I think the 90 day planning, learn how to 90 day plan was a game changer for me. I had not even considered making plans because I was the one that was making those really fast rash decisions with no substance substance behind them. So on a strategy to follow through, I'll just be like, Yeah, that sounds good at the time. But this 90 Day planning is just like, it's yeah, it's a massive game changer. huge game changer. And I also niched down a lot with my client avatar, because the the ready to rise program made me realize that I service, I do better quality service. And when I am niching, down and focusing on the on my, my ideal client, like the women in business, women lead and women owned businesses, that was my ideal avatar, and the ready to rise program really statement that for me that yes, like, I don't want to offer my services to every business, I really want to focus on those women.
Donna Hann
Yeah, 100%. And it makes your marketing so much easier, right? Because 100%, you're not trying to like tell people about a whole bunch of different things that you offer, you're like, This is what I do, this is what I'm known for. It makes that so much easier. But it also makes when you're creating all your packages and offerings within your business, and your price points and all of that. Everything is so much easier when you can niche down and really get clear on who your ideal customer is. And I think sometimes we think we know, we're like, uh, yeah, I know who my ideal customer is. But until you do the activity until you're really, really think about it and sit down and create that profile of that person. Then you go on now I really know.
Ash
Yeah. And even the part where you discuss like your core values and things like that, that was huge for me as well, because I thought I had my core values down, but then you got to keep asking yourself deeper and deeper, and it actually becomes quite emotional. You realize that why you do business is not actually it's more of an emotional thing like you. Yeah, that for me, it was for my business. It is it's an emotional based business.
Donna Hann
Yeah. And I think that's true for a lot of businesses. Ash is that yeah, you know, the reason that I get you to dig deep into why you do what you do is because once you can understand the emotional connection to why you run your business, and how you have chosen to do it, it then becomes the differentiator between you and everybody else who does branding, photography, or whatever else it is that, you know, listeners are doing, what their business. So it actually is the thing that separates you is you and the more that we can plug into that, the better our business will be, the more aligned it will be to our heart to continue to do it year on year on year, because a business is a long game, it's not a quick can't make a quick buck in a business. Yeah, and so the other thing too, I think with that, as well as you feel as though that your cup is being filled when you've built a business that's wrapped around your core values, because it can be hard work. Can't it you know?
Ash
And that's the power of a personal brand is it's based on your morals and your core values. You can't pretend to be something that you're not.
Donna Hann
Yes, yep. I love that. I love that. When you think back to the decision making process, was there anything for you that had you hesitating? Do you remember?
Ash
Um, I was anxious because I'm a nervous personality isn't I'm an anxious and I was like, what if, you know, what if I made to look out like, I'm an idiot or anything like that, but I mean, not really. I just knew once I, my friends had spoken about it, and let me know what they had got out of it. And the clarity that they received out of it. It was a no brainer to me. I was like, yeah, and obviously, I mean, you got to think about financial sides, but it's an investment in yourself. And once you start investing in yourself, people see that and they're more than willing to invest in you. So yeah, absolutely.
Donna Hann
And do you feel like that you have recouped your investment that you initially made the progress?
Ash
10 tenfold? Yeah. 10. Yeah. Over and over and over again. I definitely, definitely, just the mindset that has changed in me, the clarity, I now make decisions with strategy behind them. And out plan. I've, you know, it's just I never did that before. Each week. I was like, What am I gonna do this week? What am I going to do this week? And it's not like that anymore. Yeah, yeah. Yeah.
Donna Hann
And I've seen your confidence really shine like you now. When I hear you speak when we are in the same room together and there's other people there when I see you do your social work. At a staff, like you're more visible now, like you're actually doing stories and stuff like that, and we're seeing ash, which I know is a big step for you. So that confidence level is what I've seen from you. And also the other thing that I was so excited about was you winning an award. And oh, my goodness, Ash won the business to watch in her local area, which is a massive award like it is. She didn't quite get the Business of the Year. But this is the next one. Like, you can't get any closer to winning the Business of the Year Award for the local area where Ash runs from so tell us about that experience.
Ash
It's an emotional one. So I was very nervous. It was in a monster ready to rise program when I was named a finalist and then top five and then. So Donna, and all the ladies got to see my emotional roller coaster of of how I was feeling towards that. The night I was actually working as well. So I kept myself busy to control myself. I think if I wasn't, wasn't working, I would be complete mess.
Donna Hann
Yeah. So you're running around taking photos of everyone was winning the awards and weren't able to like sit and just be at a table and wait for them?
Ash
Yeah, it was, it was like, my camera wasn't the safety blanket. So I had that all night. But when I didn't win my category, I it was like a little bit of a relief, I think, because my anxiety was like, okay, that's fine. I can just focus on work and celebrate my friends, because a lot of my friends were also finalists and one and that was super exciting. So I got to celebrate them. And this award that I won, I actually didn't know even existed. So I was completely blown away that when they called the Ashley aspect, I was kind of like, What in the world is it going on? So it was huge. And then for about three days after I was I was in shock. I was like what on earth just happened and I needed that time to process what that actually that of that Pacific award, I went in thinking, you know, I had a chance of winning professional services award. But when you win the business to watch for 2023. That's a whole different thought process. And I had to like get my head around that. Wow. Like, of all the incredible businesses. You know, in our region, I'm being recognized as the one to keep their eye on. So yeah, I am extremely proud. And extremely honored and extremely thankful. And it just filled my bucket gave me that little bit pushed it. Yeah, like I am definitely on the right track. Like I'm doing the right thing. This is what I'm meant to do. And it just has pushed me even harder to make this a bigger and better and offer more and just service my clients better.
Donna Hann
Yeah. It was so great. And you know, the other beautiful thing about it was how the community really celebrated with you. Like everyone was like, You totally deserve that. That was, that was amazing. And it was just beautiful to see. So
Ash
It was beautiful to feel and like you recognize and absorb how much you are loved until, I mean, you should feel it every day. But when something like that happens, it is a massive slap in the face and the realization that like you are so supported and you are so loved and yeah, definitely felt it was incredible.
Donna Hann
Yeah, so good.
Donna Hann
What would it look like? If you could create your ideal work life blend and thrive as a business owner in just eight weeks? Let's say you've taken the leap into running your own business. And now you're ready to step into your potential and really shift your business to the next level. But how do you do that? You're probably thinking, at the moment you feeling exhausted from working your butt off juggling the kids and the thought of doing more, it tipped you over the edge. And yet, at the same time, you've got a burning desire to grow your business and make an even bigger impact. I hear you I've been there deep in those trenches too. But over the years, I've built a number of different businesses and children's party business and online retail store and a multi six figure dance studio that ran without me 80% of the time and I sold it for an amazing profit. And I can help you to do the same. In the ready to rise program. I want you to imagine feeling energized confident, empowered with a plan and the skills to intentionally grow your business in alignment with your family lifestyle. The result is you thriving as a profitable business owner and having a valuable business with future scalability. I know I can support you to build what you want. So why wait to redesign your business? Let's change it, let's rework it so that it works for you your lifestyle and your bank balance. Let's make imperfect action together, it's time to embrace amazing opportunities that are waiting for you. And the Ready to Rise program is now open, it's time for you to step into your business with both feet, and join Ready to Rise, go to donnahann.com forward slash course, doors closed on the Eighth of March. So don't wait, do it. Now.
Donna Hann
Let's circle back to your your business in the sense of what would be your top three tips when preparing for a photoshoot like as in for the person who's having their brand photography done, what would be your top three tips for preparing yourself for that?
Ash
So number one, I think would definitely be is to make sure that you have you're currently like a good photographer. So connect with the right photographer do a bit of research. There are so many incredible photographers out there. But there's also so many avenues of photography that people can specialize in. So I think it's very important that you do find a branding photographer that specializes in branding, and also one that you can connect with on a personal level, because these people are going to be in your face with a camera. And they have you know, there's a power there that can make you feel sort of really uncomfortable and make you feel extremely comfortable and extremely beautiful and radiant. So make sure that you do your research, put your feelers out, find a good photographer for you, that is a good match that you feel comfortable with, then it's going to hype you up. Yeah, my number two, sorry, I got some notes down here.
Ash
Number 2 is is really understandyour client avatar. So really understand that the photos that you're you're going to be taking is going to connect with your ideal client. So there is no news, you know, doing these photos that are totally unrelated to your business and a totally unrelated to your, your client. So make a list down, be clear on your client avatar, and then come up with a mood board on how you connect with those clients. And my number three is, if it's again, it's similar to your avatar, but really understand your avatar like your your mark your morals and your work ethic. So what you want to portray yourself as how you want people to see you and your personal brand. And don't be something that you're not being truly authentic to your to yourself, and to your values and your morals and your ethics. So don't get out there and take photos of yourself that people are going to look at and be like this is very confusing about who she is in real life compared to who she is portraying herself to be in a photography. So really make sure that to marry.
Donna Hann
Yeah, that's great tips. Yeah, yeah, I think they're really great tips. And you know, going back to your first tip, I remember booking a landscape photographer to do a family photo shoot, and thinking, Oh, they'll be good, like, we're gonna be out on the farm. So it's gonna be like landscape ish. And you know, and they were happy to take my money. But I tell you what, the photos with bull and I've never used them. And so I think going back to your point is that you need to find someone who's specialized in that area, because a family photographer, I mean, you made an amazing transition from being a wedding photographer to a personal brand photographer, but you've done the work that like. So I think it's really important to find the right person, and then someone that you click with someone that you feel comfortable with. Because like you said, you're going to spend a lot of time with them in front of the camera, and you want to trust that they know what they're doing when they're, you know, moving around you with different angles and getting you to do different things. You want to trust that they know what they're doing, and so that you can lean in and just do what they say. And yeah, and like you said, it's just being organized, knowing what kind of shots you want that are going to speak to your ideal customers. And that aligns to your business value. So people look at that photo and go, Ah, I can see that she stands for x y z in her business, whether it be quality or professionalism, or you know, there's so many different things right that we want to elevate. We want to Yeah, ask yourself, what do you want to be known for? And then make sure that you're creating the picture that talks to that. Yeah,
Donna Hann
So good. So before I cut to my final thoughts for the episode and wrap things up, would you like to share Add your website and Instagram handle so that people can get in touch with you. Yes, definitely. So
Unknown Speaker
You can find me on Instagram @the.ashlee.aspect. And my website is www dot that ashleeaspect.com.
Donna Hann
Awesome. So I'll link to all of that in the show notes. If anyone's listening and you want to get in touch with ash, you can totally do that. Don't go away. I'm going to be back with my final thoughts. But thank you so much ash, for joining me today, sharing about your experience within the ready to rise program, but also about how people can really maximize their personal brand.
Ash
Thank you so much for having me. Yeah.
Donna Hann
Thank you for a beautiful conversation.
Ash
To talk all day about it, though.
Donna Hann
Yeah, I know. Totally good. Totally could but yeah, definitely go check out ashes website, check out her Instagram as well, because sometimes you put up some really great tips for using Instagram for your personal brand, and a whole bunch of other stuff. So definitely follow ash there. But thanks, Ash, it's been awesome having you on the show. And I can't wait to see where your journey goes from here.
Donna Hann
So like many of the women who've been through the Ready to Rise program, Ash's business was established when she joined. But she felt stuck. She needed some direction, some accountability. She knew she wanted to level up but was unsure of how when she actually decided to value herself and her business, get out out of her own way, and join the program and commit to doing all the things that she wanted to do. She's now making incredible money well deserved during the things that she loves. She's winning awards. She's hot on the lips of her ideal clients. And she's making an incredible difference to the people that she works with. And I think that's really inspiring, don't you? The thing is, it all starts with a choice. It's the choice to go all in, it's the choice to level up and leave nothing to chance. And Ashe knew that she had the potential. She had a vision she had a huge passion for her ideal business and her lifestyle. And she also recognized that she needed the support from a business coach to make it happen. So instead of making mistakes, wasting time wasting energy and money, you know, muddling her way through, she got the clarity on the things that she needed to move the needle forward and take her business further. Even though she had moments of feeling uncertain and feeling scattershot. And completely out of her comfort zone. She reached out for what she needed inside the ready to rise program, and then gave it her all and I think that's pretty awesome, don't you? So after listening, I hope that this episode has inspired you to go after what you want, even when it feels scary, to be unafraid to reach out for business support and guidance and see it as a way of setting yourself up for success, not just for the immediate future, but for years to come as well. The doors to the Ready to Rise program are open, so why not go and check it out. And if you think you'd like to be part of the Ready to Rise family, jump in. Have the best day and thanks for listening. Bye.
Donna Hann
Thank you for listening to this episode of the She's in Business podcast. I hope you enjoyed it. Please share it on Instagram and Facebook and I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a review on iTunes. Be sure to include your business name and your Insta handles so I can give you a shout out to if you want to know more about what I do the programs that I offer and how you can work with me then head over to donnahann.com and follow me on Instagram at donnahann_coach. I hope this podcast inspires you to be courageous to step into your potential and take action on building a successful and profitable business beyond what you thought was possible.
