Inspiring Conversations with Ashley McEwen Broadnax of Crowns Up Learning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley McEwen Broadnax

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a proud Nashville native, born and raised in a family of educators on both my mom’s and dad’s sides. Growing up, I was heavily influenced by youth development programs, which played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Those experiences lit a fire in me to give back and support the next generation. I’ve spent over 16 years working in youth development and education, where I had the opportunity to teach middle school science and even started Crowns Up, a nonprofit mentorship program for middle and high school girls. Through these experiences, I saw firsthand the gaps in our educational system—specifically, the need for resources that truly reflect the diverse cultures of our students and help them grow their social and emotional skills.

Becoming a mom brought all of this into even sharper focus. I realized just how much was missing in terms of culturally relevant books and educational materials. That’s when I decided to start Crowns Up Learning, a company dedicated to creating inclusive resources and services that speak to all kids, no matter where they come from. Our mission is to combat the school-to-prison pipeline by providing educational products and services that highlight Black, Brown, abled, and disabled individuals, ensuring every child sees themselves represented and every learner feels valued.

To get Crowns Up Learning off the ground, I joined The Academy powered by Corner to Corner, where I learned the ins and outs of running a business and found a wonderful community of support. I wouldn’t be the entrepreneur I am today without the tools, knowledge, support, and resources provided by Corner to Corner. Today, I’m focused on growing Crowns Up Learning, continuing to develop resources that not only reflect our students’ cultures but also help them thrive emotionally and academically. My journey has always been about giving back and making sure every child has the chance to succeed. I want to create a world where every crown is lifted, every voice is heard, and every learner is seen.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely isn’t a smooth road—far from it! Like many solopreneurs, I’m navigating my fair share of bumps and twists along the way. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to build a business from scratch. When I first launched Crowns Up Learning, I had this crystal-clear vision of what I wanted to create, but I quickly realized that having a vision is just the beginning. With limited resources and not much experience in the business world, there are countless late nights, moments of self-doubt, and times when I wonder if I’m on the right path.

A major hurdle I’m facing is the changing landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Over the past few years, we’ve all seen DEI initiatives come under attack, which makes advocating for culturally relevant materials in our schools even more important—and more challenging. It isn’t always easy to stand firm in our commitment to representation and equity, especially when some people see this work as controversial. But these very challenges only strengthen my resolve and remind me why what we’re doing at Crowns Up Learning matters so much.

Then there’s the challenge of breaking through all the noise in the educational space. Competing against huge brands that have been around for decades, with their big budgets and massive warehouses, can feel like an uphill battle. There are so many voices and products out there, but not all of them speak to the unique needs of diverse students or focus on tearing down harmful systems like the school-to-prison pipeline. It’s a real struggle to make sure our message gets through—that we’re not just another educational brand, but one that’s truly committed to representation and justice for all students. We’re here to provide something different, something real, but cutting through the noise to get that across is tough.

Balancing my roles as a wife, a mother, an educator, and a business owner is another constant juggling act. I started my business when my husband was one year into his first year of his masters program, our son was almost 2 years old, and our daughter was only a few months old. So one can imagine all of the things that have to get done as I fulfill the responsibilities that come along with those roles. At times when I’m working and away from my family, I struggle with “mom guilt”, but I’m learning to be intentional with my time. Also, I’m grateful for my husband and partner. His support helps to ensure that I can the things that I do and take advantage of the many opportunities coming my way. I wouldn’t want to imagine this journey without having him by my side. Some days, I feel like I’m stretched too thin, trying to meet the needs of my family, grow the business, and stay connected with the communities I care so deeply about.

Being a solopreneur means wearing all the hats—I’m handling product development, marketing, customer service, HR, accounting, operations, running social media accounts—you name it. There are definitely moments when I think about just stopping and taking on a more traditional job, especially when things get really tough. But I know in my heart this is the work God has called me to do, and I want to stay faithful to that calling. There are times when I feel lonely on this journey and wish I had more guidance, especially since I didn’t know many entrepreneurs when I started. I have to constantly remind myself not to give in to doubt or let imposter syndrome creep in. I tell myself every day that I deserve to be here and that God chose me for a reason!

And of course, there are the financial challenges. Like so many other startups, I’m constantly figuring out how to fund this vision. Bootstrapping the business means making tough decisions and sacrifices, often working with limited budgets while still aiming for big, meaningful impact.

But even with all these struggles, each challenge is a valuable lesson shaping Crowns Up Learning into what it is today. Every obstacle strengthens my commitment to our mission and pushes me to keep going. The support from the community, the positive feedback from educators, parents, and students, and the unwavering belief in the importance of our work are what keep me motivated. It’s a tough journey, no doubt about it, but every step is worth it to make a difference in the lives of young learners.

As you know, we’re big fans of Crowns Up Learning. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Crowns Up Learning, we are driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to create a world where every child, educator, and parent feels seen, heard, and valued. We are all about developing educational materials and resources that are inclusive, culturally relevant, and designed to empower every learner. But that’s not all—we do so much more than just create products.

In addition to our range of products, we offer consulting, curriculum development, professional development workshops, and family engagement events. With 16 years of experience in education and youth development, I’ve learned what it takes to be engaging and effective in teaching, and I love passing those skills on to educators and youth development professionals. My goal is to empower not just students, but also the educators and parents who support them every day. Being a parent myself, I know how crucial it is to consider parents’ needs, so I always keep them in mind when developing our products and services.

Our products are designed to provide representation, rigor, and opportunities for teamwork. A great example of this is our I AM…ABC Affirmation Flashcards. These aren’t just flashcards—they’re a powerful tool for empowerment and self-discovery. Each card features a letter of the alphabet, an affirmation, and an inclusive illustration. But what happens if the child doesn’t understand what the affirmation means? We’ve got that covered. On the back of each flashcard, there’s a definition of the affirming word, making it easier for children to grasp the meaning behind the words they’re speaking.

I often hear from parents who want to have meaningful conversations with their children but aren’t always sure how to start, or from teachers frustrated that students lack social skills. That’s exactly why each flashcard includes conversation starters relevant to the affirmation, as well as an additional affirmation that educators and parents can speak over their students. These cards are not only great for literacy and vocabulary development, but they also promote positive self-identity and cultural pride. They’re versatile and perfect for a variety of settings—classroom activities, group discussions, one-on-one sessions, morning meetings, even in the car on the way to school, or as part of nightly bedtime routines. They provide countless opportunities for teamwork and spark meaningful conversations that help build social and emotional skills.

While I can develop any type of curriculum, my true passion lies in creating social and emotional learning (SEL) curricula. These curricula are filled with hands-on activities, rich content, relevant topics, and easily implemented layouts that incorporate music, arts, and more. Our SEL curricula aren’t just about learning—they’re about making connections and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and others. A prime example of this is The Royal Standard—our comprehensive SEL curriculum currently available for purchase. It includes over 100 lessons that cover nine themes, each complete with a student workbook and pre- and post-tests to measure growth and understanding. The Royal Standard is designed to be dynamic and engaging, helping students explore their emotions, build resilience, and develop essential social skills through a variety of creative approaches.

I am incredibly proud of our commitment to representation and social justice, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in just a few short years. We’ve secured three retail placements in our first two years of business, won two pitch competitions—one with Corner to Corner and another with SCORE Nashville—and, most importantly, we’ve created something that my family and I can truly be proud of. I’ve built Crowns Up Learning to be the kind of resource I needed when I was younger, something that speaks to all students but especially to those who often feel overlooked.

What I want readers to know about Crowns Up Learning is that while I am intentional about serving underrepresented populations, our products and services are for everyone. They are effective even if you’re not Black, and our focus on inclusivity ensures that all students benefit. I’m also willing to travel to provide in-person services because my desire is to serve and make a lasting impact—not just make a quick dollar.

At the end of the day, Crowns Up Learning is more than just a business—it’s a movement toward creating a more inclusive and equitable world, one learner at a time. We’re here to uplift every crown, amplify every voice, and ensure every learner feels represented and ready to succeed. If you’re looking for educational materials and services that truly make a difference, we’re here for you.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Start with your existing network—you might be surprised by the wealth of knowledge and experience right around you. Reach out to people you already know, like friends, family, former colleagues, or even acquaintances. Let them know what you’re looking for in a mentor or networking opportunity. They might have connections or advice that can help you get started. I’ve learned to spend time listing out what I need from mentors. That way, when I finally get a meeting or even a 15 minute phone conversation, I can make the most of the time by asking the right questions. Have a goal in mind for each meeting. Asking yourself, “what do I want to gain from this conversation?” is good way to keep the goal at the front of your mind. One of the strategies that has worked well for me is attending local events, workshops, or meetups that align with my interests or professional goals. In Nashville, I found attending events incredibly valuable.

Leverage social media and online communities to build your network. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and even Instagram can be great for networking and finding a mentor. Follow people and organizations in your field, engage with their content, and don’t be afraid to reach out. I’ve built meaningful connections just by reaching out to people whose work I admire and starting a conversation. Be open and authentic when networking or looking for a mentor. Share your story, your challenges, and your goals. People connect with you more deeply when they see you’re genuine and passionate about what you do. I’ve found that being open about my journey, including my struggles and successes, has helped me build stronger, more meaningful connections.

Remember, networking is a two-way street. While you’re looking for support and guidance, think about what you can offer in return. Maybe it’s a skill, an introduction, or just being a supportive peer. Mentorship works best when it’s a reciprocal relationship. Look for structured mentorship programs in your community or industry; they often pair you with experienced professionals and provide formal guidance. And stay curious—mentorship isn’t just about getting answers; it’s about challenging yourself to think differently and push your boundaries. Keep learning, be open to new ideas, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.

Pricing:

• All educational products are $15 or can be bundled 2 for $25
• Consulting $75 an hour
• Curriculum Development – $75 an hour
• The Royal Standard SEL Curriculum – $4500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crownsuplearning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownsuplearning/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrownsUpLearning/
• Other: https://acute-sea-114.notion.site/Crowns-Up-Learning-34e3248aa51b4c9fbbdb5c912de0dd53