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

Hi Ashton, how do you think about risk?
I spent many of years not risking anything; not my words, my actions and a lot of times not even my thoughts. It felt dangerous-which is the literal definition of risk. Then my world flipped on a dime and I had nothing to lose. So risking became almost a challenge for me. What CAN I do that might seem dangerous to some but will bring me ultimate joy? To me that was traveling the world. Most of my traveling is done solo-mainly because thats just where I’m at in this stage of life. Solo travel is wild and crazy and terrifying but also crazy rewarding and entertaining. It forces you to submerge yourself in the culture and be one with the world the around you and be as fully in the moment as possible. After that first high of flying to another country on my own and wandering the streets until dusk at my own leisure I was hooked. I NEEDED to be risking everything I could for that passion and immense sense of peace I felt with myself that I hadn’t felt in years when I abandoned who I was for a terrible marriage. Thus, my travel persona and YouTube channel were born. Ashton on Adventure-a girl who got a second chance at life and is seeing the world one adventure at a time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always adored photography and videography. Pictures that transport you a moment in time. Movies that show you the world from the comfort of your couch. The moment I decided I was leaving everything behind and selling all that I had for a minimal, travel lifestyle I began documenting-vlogging if you will-my life. Videoing the good the bad and the ugly of how I was able to do it. I wanted to inspire others and show them the possibilities. Growing up we are shown one lifestyle: finish college, get a good job, get married and have kids and live happily ever after in the same house and town forever. I truly believe we as humans were meant for so much more and want to show that through my travel channel on YouTube. Videoing every little moment is hard. Editing it into a 20 minute episode is hard. Getting to a certain level of subscribers on the platform to monetize your brand and begin making it a true business is really, really hard. But as Glennon Doyle says, “we can do hard things.” I keep pushing and editing and creating and hoping something will go viral enough to give me a bit of a push off the ground. I keep watching tutorials and honing my craft. This YouTube channel biz is a slow burn to get into. Especially with so many amazing creators out there who have already perfected their craft and setups and have a constant money stream to continue on with. BUT If only one lonely girl sees my video after having her heart torn to shreds and thinks to herself that her adventure is waiting and she buys a plane ticket-I’ve succeeded in what I set out to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I adore San Diego. Walk the streets of Coronado and meandering through small shops with the most perfect weather. A morning run at Sunset Cliffs. Strolling through the zoo on a beautiful day with friends. And trying ALL of the cute restaurants and bars along the way.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutouts. What a fun question that is almost impossible to narrow down. I would be no where near where I’m at today with the love and support of my family and friends. Particularly my parents who not only support every crazy turn I take, but who took me in and have given me a “home base” while I’m off galavanting the world. To my best friend (and part time therapist) Jessika who keeps me grounded but never fails to help me see my biggest potential. My younger brother who is an amazing entrepreneur who has the best advice and is beyond inspiring. And to every person who showed me kindness in my darkest days…I can’t name them all but you saved me and got me here. Lastly to “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle which I listened to while sitting atop Cathedral Rock in Sedona watching the sunset and to Oprah’s podcast “What I know for Sure: Possibility & Awe” while driving through Iceland solo. Life changing pieces of work I hope everyone can take something from.

Website: www.ashtononadventure.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ashton_on_adventure

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ashton_on_adventure

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