Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Kaneko.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a jack-of-all-trades, multi-passionate creative—from photography and film to design, illustration and calligraphy.
Growing up in Hawaii with such a diverse background really influenced my eclectic eye and this versatility served me well in crafting big brands for big companies as a Creative Director in Chicago over the last decade.
But, I always felt pressure to pick a lane creatively until I started working with the makers of the world—the mom-and-pops, the start-ups, the small but mighty side hustlers and solopreneurs who often need to wear as many hats as I do.
So last year, I left the stability of my 9-5 and a city that was my second home for 15 years….to move to Nashville and start Ash Branding Co.— with the mission of helping small businesses, solopreneurs and side hustlers start wherever they are, with whatever money, time or resources they have to build the brands they need to power their passions.
So far, it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I love working one-on-one with small business owners and making good branding more accessible through not only brand design but also creative DIY courses and coaching programs designed specifically for solopreneurs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I always knew that I loved helping and working with small businesses. I would find myself helping friends and family on the side while working as a Creative Director. But in an agency, you have big teams and bigger budgets. I had to get really creative and resourceful in finding ways to build high-quality, big brands with limited resources. But that challenge has turned into one of the keystones of my business—I now offer Branding on a Budget™ courses, downloadable guides and resources with tips and tricks for building big brands on with small budgets.
Starting over in a new city, leaving a career I spent over a decade building and starting a new company from scratch was one of the hardest and scariest decisions that I had to make. It definitely has not come easy or without many challenges along the way. But I also think that going out on my own and being a solopreneur, working from the trenches so-to-speak has also allowed me to understand deeply the small business owners that I serve.
I can see how hard it is, I know first-hand what it takes to build a brand on a small budget because I also have to do it day-in and day-out for myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ash Branding Co.?
I started Ash Branding Co. because my passion is helping people live theirs.
I’m most proud when I see the confidence that a well-crafted and meaningful brand can bring to a small business owner or side hustler. But just as important is the confidence that it gives customers who are looking to buy from that local business, maker or artist.
I say that I create meaningful brands for well-meaning people because I want anyone with an idea or passion for something to have a real chance at it. And whether that’s uncovering their story with a brand, or maybe they just watch one of my videos or follow me on Instagram and it gets them inspired—my hope is just that in some small way, I can be this stepping stone in making that happen for them.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’m not a risk-taker by nature. But I took a giant leap when I decided to leave my 9-5 job and career that I spent over a decade building to go out on my own. I knew it would be a huge risk. I was giving up a lot. It was scary and full of challenges and doubt. It still is.
I also didn’t anticipate a global pandemic happening at the same time.
But I wouldn’t change anything about the decision I made. Everyday as an entrepreneur is filled with uncertainty. But I can’t imagine going back to my old life. And while I’ve been doing this work for a long time, I finally feel that I’m making a real difference in my own small corner of the world and for really deserving people that just want the same thing I do—to share their passions and create a life they truly love.
Contact Info:
- Email: ash@ashbranding.com
- Website: https://ashbranding.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashbranding.co/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSJYvKQQCovrHexDu-GM0w
