Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Bendiksen.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I guess the foundation for my business started long before I ever even knew who or where I would be today. I like to think that my story, and the moments that truly impacted me, began when I was a teenage girl and deeply struggling in life. I was sexually assaulted by my first boyfriend, severely bullied, depressed, and lacked all self-confidence or belief in myself. Those experiences then trickled into college, resulting in a two-year abusive relationship that forced me to drop out of college and become homeless. After a severe attack by my partner, I finally left with the help of the court system. Though, I felt broken, defeated, and found myself at rock bottom. I had nothing going for me and nowhere to go. For some reason however, that moment changed my life. When I left the courthouse, I suddenly had a revelation. I thought of all of the opportunities I’d missed out on for most of my life, how much I had thrown away, and most importantly, how tired I was of not being successful like other people. I changed my thoughts, decided to rebuild, and reinvent my life from scratch. I worked part-time jobs, became wildly independent, and started volunteering at a local women’s shelter to heal and give back. I also started aligning myself with other organizations, women’s initiatives, and was offered seats on dozens of boards and committees. Over the years, I became Chairperson of major initiatives and even founded my own nonprofit. I also returned to school, graduated as Valedictorian with a degree in criminal justice, and worked years in victim services. During that whole phase of rebuilding, I discovered my true purpose. I also discovered my talents for communications, community engagement, public relations, project management, leadership and motivation – all with a social justice lens. After years of employment in some great jobs, my mother passed away in 2014 and it catapulted me into the next phase, to where I am now. Time is ever-fleeting. I quit my high-level state job to go solo and now I’ve turned all of my greatest passions into my career as a speaker, abuse prevention educator, and empowerment mentor to women and teens like my former self.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Other than all of the life struggles I just mentioned, entrepreneurship, in itself, is never a smooth road! It’s a crazy, wild ride and a daily journey of self-discovery and growth. When I left my day job, my priority was paying my bills. To do this, I started to outsource and freelance everything I was good at – from social media management, to marketing and design services, resume writing, freelance writing, etc. While it just about paid my bills, it wasn’t bringing in the money I really wanted or dreamed of making when I went solo. It also took time away from building my business! It was like I still had a job, except working for tons of other people. I had to force myself to let go of all of my clients and start saying no to anything that didn’t fit my mission. Meanwhile, trying to grow that business, it’s so easy to fall victim to comparitis! I am constantly reading, researching, listening to podcasts, viewing other peoples’ websites. It’s hard not to compare the success (or alleged success) of others to yourself. You start to think you need a better website, or that you’re not qualified to offer a certain service, or that you’ll never be able to charge what others are charging. It’s SO distracting and also so not helpful. Instead, I’ve learned to stay true to course. I try to remind myself every day of my unique worth and value. I’ve also labored to get clear on MY business and who I serve. With a million new ideas a day, focus and simplicity can be a challenge. I am trying my best now to simply stick to my mission and build only that every day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into your story. Tell us more about the business.
My company is Ashley Bendiksen International, LLC, with a mission to empower, and help transform those who are broken or ambitious like I was and need a path.
I am a professional motivational speaker for the two groups of individuals that need my expertise the most – teens and women. I travel year-round to schools and conferences offering keynotes, workshops, and trainings on abuse prevention, empowerment, leadership, and career development. This results in countless personal disclosures, proving to me how prevalent and pervasive many of the issues I discuss really are. I also advanced trainings for abuse prevention/response for professionals – like training employers on recognizing abuse in an employee, establishing best practices, and knowing relevant state laws. To support individuals closer, I also offer coaching and mentoring on a limited basis, and will be launching my first book this year, as well as signature online courses and resources.
What sets me apart is my story. I’ve been able to achieve larger-than-life success from hardship and adversity, and it’s a powerful example to others of who they can become too. In my daily life, I am told that I am incredibly inspiring. I’ve received awards for my work as an activist, and I receive countless messages from individuals saying I’ve helped them turn their lives around. It’s a pretty weird, but amazing thing. I still sometimes don’t believe it’s me they are talking about. Perhaps this is what makes me unique too. It’s a selfless business. My only mission is to truly serve.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Bad luck has shown me what I truly want from life. My new outlook is that disadvantage can be your greatest advantage. What I experienced gave me the perspective I needed to create a business and fulfill a purpose to serve others and find solutions to problems that destroy lives.
On the flip side, I’ve learned to create my own good luck. I think “luck” is a myth. It all lies in what you give. I’ve realized that my energy, level of positivity, and faith are what truly attracts opportunities. When you change your outlook and get clear on what you really want, the universe starts to send things your way. I’m a huge believer in the power of mindset, and how you can create any “luck” you need to reach your goals. I have so many success stories all from visualizing and sending out the right vibes – both in my personal life and in my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashleybendiksen.com
- Phone: 508-525-9972
- Email: ashleybendiksen@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ashleybendiksen
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashleybendiksenspeaker
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ashleybendiksen
- Other: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybendiksen
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