- Tell us about yourself and your business journey:
Dr. Ashley Little is The CEO/Founder of Ashley Little Enterprises, LLC which encompasses her Media, Consulting Work, Writing, Ghost Writing, Book Publishing, Book Coaching, Project Management, Magazine, Public Relations & Marketing, and Empowerment Speaking. In addition, she is an Award-Winning Serial Entrepreneur, TV/Radio Host, TEDx Speaker, International Speaker, Keynote Speaker, Media Maven, Journalist, Writer, Host, Philanthropist, Business Coach, Investor, Advisor for She Wins Society and 15X Award-Winning Best Selling Author. As seen on Black Enterprise(2X), Forbes (2X), Sheen Magazine (Print and Online), Sheen Talk, Voyage ATL, Fox Soul TV, NBC, Fox, CBS, BlackNews.Com, Shoutout Miami, Shoutout Atlanta, TEDx Speaker, Morning Star, Yahoo Finance, Heart and Soul, The Book of Sean, HBCU Times, VIP Global Magazine, The Black Report, Vocal, Ted.com, Medium, Soul Wealth, Hustle and Soul, BlackBusiness.com, Glambitious Top 21 Women Of 2021, New York Weekly’s Top 10 Hardest Working CEOs alongside Billionaire Mark Cuban, US Insiders Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs alongside Billionaire and Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey, London Daily Post, Sheen Magazine 5 Pioneers Making A Difference In Their Communities, NCA&T Alumni Times, CEO Weekly Top 10 Influential People In 2021 alongside Billionaires Jeff Bezos and Beyonce’ and many more. Through the Biden & Harris Administration and Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University she was also awarded with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Next, she is a recipient of the “Author of The Year” award by Glambitious. She is also apart of The Forbes Next 1000 Class of 2021 in partnership with Square. This first-of-its-kind initiative celebrates bold and inspiring entrepreneurs who are redefining what it means to run a business. Furthermore, she is a recipient of Nashville’s Black 40 Under 40 Awards December 2021 it is an annual event honoring the best and the brightest for their accomplishments in their chosen field and for their contributions and commitment to the African American Community. She was recognized along with other influential leaders and distinguished entrepreneurs, including Oprah Winfrey, Mel Robbins, Gary V and many more, for the annual Brainz 500 Global Awards List awarded by Brainz Magazine. Lastly, she is a proud member of The Chancellors Round Table at North Carolina A&T State University.
- Which black history figure has inspired you the most and why?
Oprah Winfrey has definitely inspired me the most. First, she is a Black Woman who is the definition of resilience and never giving up. Oprah paved the way for all of us to create our own seats at the table and to never take "no" for an answer. Oprah became an important way for us to look at the ways in which society dealt with ideas around promise and potential. History will always remember her as being the first black woman billionaire.
- How have your efforts impacted the black community ~
My efforts have impacted the black community in many different ways. My whole platform is about serving others, reaching back, and creating seats at the table. I am The CEO/Founder/Visionary Author of The HBCU Experience Movement, LLC the first-black owned publishing company to publish prominent HBCU Alumni stories throughout the world. Prominent HBCU Alumni share their stories of how their HBCU has molded them into the people they are today. We are not only documenting our stories but we are creating endowments and partnerships with HBCUs throughout the country. The overall goal is to increase HBCU enrollment and Alumni giving. The company has won multiple book awards such as The Black Authors Matters TV Awards, The International Book Awards, and Inaugural Anthems Awards. We have been featured on multiple media outlets such as Forbes (2x), Black Enterprise (2x), Sheen Magazine, Fox Soul TV, The Book of Sean and The Black Report to name a few. My other companies are centered around impacting the black community as well Creating Your Seat At The Table Media Platform, Creating Your Seat At The Table International Magazine, Sweetheart Scholars Non-Profit, Little Publishing, LLC and Ashley Little Enterprises, LLC.
- What is next for you in 2022 and how can readers connect with you online?
My goal is to continue to do the work and take massive action. I look forward to building more powerful relationships and collaborations. Relationships and collaborations are the new currency. 2022 will be another AMAZING!! year. Each year will keep getting better and better.
- Describe the legacy you plan to leave behind for generations to come:
My legacy will be wanting to change the world one step at a time, every life I have touched, and every kind word I said to a person that has encouraged them to keep going. Most of all, inspiring others to think they can do it because they saw me do it.