Meet Ashley Nicole | Author/Poet/Publisher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Nicole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process followed the path of my passion to write. Writing was something that came easy to me and something that my parents encouraged. I was gifted glitter pens, gel pens, pens with my name on them, journals, diaries with locks, and colorful notepads with the likes of Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, and Bugs Bunny. I was inspired and addicted to movies like “Harriet the Spy” and “Matilda”, and shows like “Moesha” and “Clarissa Explains it all”. The main characters were intelligent young girls who were creative and unorthodox with an insatiable need to carry on an internal dialogue that was captured in their diaries, or a lust for reading where they discovered new information and ways of putting together language. Writing then became a sport where I would challenge myself to become more descriptive, elaborate, direct, innovative, progressive, and elegant with each new poem, short story, and novella. I started to capture the natural effects my writing had on my audience by sharing pieces with my parents, closest friends, and even people who I would have just met. Every single time I read anything to anyone it created a cathartic reaction that lead to follow up requests of hearing another piece or questions on the whereabouts of a book that did not exist at the time. I then gained the courage to take my poetry to the stage by reading out of my journals at open mics. After my first time reading, two people approached me after the event to express in great detail how they loved my poem. I knew then what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I continued to perform and memorize new work as if preparing to rally troops for war. There was an excitement, anxiety, and danger that handcuffed me to the habit of daily writing and weekly performances. After so many performances, where I was asked for my poetry book, I decided to publish my first book, “The Death of a Serial Monogamist”, in September of 2015. Following the sale of my first thousand copies that were sold in open mics, festivals, and pop up shops, my audience began to ask me how I sold so many books, where I found the courage to perform, and how I was able to tour and place my books in the hands of celebrities? I wrote the answers down in a poetry work book that would become my second book, “The Author of Legacy”. I then went on writing, discovering curious poets along the way who sought to be a part of my poetic journey gifting me with their poetic stories that would seal the conclusion of my poetic self help book, “Other Peoples Problems”. From there I was asked to help other poets with the process of publishing turning me into an over night publisher where I then needed to create a business platform that could keep up with the demands of my supporters. So all in all it was my thoughts of writing down every poem that came to mind that were followed by my thoughts of sharing. Sharing my love for writing created my unintentional path towards becoming a Poet/Author/Publisher.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I stand out because of my enthusiasm, confidence, and honesty when I’m on stage. My energy appeal comes from my absolute dedication to my poetry and uplifting the aspirations of art culture everywhere. I keep going, I go often, and Never plan to stay gone.

I am most proud of my books because aside from my talent and passion, had to be come balanced by time, work, and development. With each published work I was showing my community how magic works; turning words into work and work into wage.

I got to where I am today by saying yes to every dream I had and every artistic opportunity that was offered. My life had become a snowball of growing to do lists, goals and calendar events. Each of those items gave momentum to my growth and kept my business busy and simple.

The most important lessons I learned were to invest all income, budget all outgoing funds, create a plan for projects, funding, and marketing, and invest with the rule of 3 percent in mind; if you get the attention of 100 people, 10 will talk with you, and three will buy.

I want the world to know that I prayed for the freedom write poetry and travel the world with billions of dollars to help me do it comfortably and I did it! Invest in your prayer/manifestation time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday would start with a morning walk in mission trails followed by lunch at Cheba Hut. Following a shower we could find ourselves resting in the car at Sunset cliffs taking in the view and fresh air. Tuesday would start with shopping in Fashion Valley Mall followed by lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, where we could walk off our meals in Seaport Village then end the night at Neo Soul Tuesday for some Open Mic and R&B music. Wednesday would include a day spent at Mission Beach walking the boardwalk, relaxing in the sun with a side of wings and Margaritas at the Wave House. Thursday would start slow for the sake of catching up on rest then heading to Serrano’s downtown for tacos and signature sauces, followed by beignets and a stroll along the San Diego Harbor. Friday we’re getting group discounted messages then attending the rooftop bar at the Hyatt for drinks and finger foods then an evening of people watching Downtown. Saturday we are spending the entire day in old town visiting rock shops, eating ice cream, visiting museums, and shopping for trinkets in the Knick knacks shops and Sunday…. We save our energy for an evening of Dancing at Reggae Sunday either down town or in North Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my Parents, Karen & Anthony Wilkins for listening to every poem, making special poetry request for their own projects and applauding me all the way through to where I am now. And I would also like to thank them for believing in the limitless capabilities of where I will go. I would also like to thank The Black Xpression Family for providing their platform and extending poetic opportunities that lead to new connections, destinations, and projects. The onslaught of invitation after invitation that was sparked by my Black Xpression family helped to create popularity I stand on today.

Website: www.Amazon.com/author/ashleynicolew

Instagram: @authorashleynicole

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-nicole-b3a713111

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAshleyNicole12

Other: Link to EPK: https://spark.adobe.com/page/liOTNEQyDLpeY/