Connect
To Top

Meet Ashley Freehan of The Purpose Gathering in Mesa

Avatar photo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Freehan.

Ashley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As an overwhelmed business owner, wife and mom, I found myself saying yes to everyone else, struggling to juggle all the things and feeling completely stressed out and anxious most of the time. I so desperately wanted my photography business to grow without completely ignoring my family, but the balance I was searching for seemed so out of reach. I was constantly comparing myself to other business owners who were exactly where I wanted to be. They were doing all the things I wanted to do, they seemed to have it all together and in my opinion they were crushing it.

I soon realized that most of them were unmarried and without children. It was such a life-changing moment when I realized this, and I’m honestly embarrassed it took me so long. I was finally able to release some of the pressure I was putting on myself to live up to these expectations of what I thought I should be measuring my success by.

I realized that it was okay that my business was growing slower and that I really didn’t want to miss out on any moments with my kids. I wanted my husband to know he was more important than my business and that our family would always be my number one priority.

Over the past several years, as cliche as it sounds, I’ve gone on a journey of self-discovery and I’ve really found a sense of peace knowing my priorities and how to juggle whatever life throws my way. These past several months God has really laid it on my heart to share my experience with others and educate fellow mom business owners who may be facing the same struggles I’ve gone through.

In February, I decided to start a Facebook meetup group to connect with local mom business owners to create a community where we could safely share and feel encouraged, strengthened and supported. I started leading monthly meetups that consist of networking, getting to know each other and free education all pertaining to life as a mom, wife, and business owner.

I have also partnered with four other amazing friends to bring the first ever mom business owner workshop to AZ. We really want to provide practical strategies to juggle all the things. We will be covering all the areas we struggle to find balance including self-care, marriage, parenting, and business.

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?
As with any new endeavor, it’s never an easy road. When I started this journey, I was just a wedding photographer, and definitely not an influencer or a speaker. I have absolutely zero experience putting on a workshop and didn’t know how much really goes into putting on something like this. I just felt called that this is what God wanted me to do. I’ve always been a go big or go home kind of person. I love the quote ‘Done is better than perfect’ so I’ve adopted that as my motto.

I would rather put something out into the world that may not be perfect but at least it’s been done. I can always make it better as time goes on, but I’ve got to start somewhere right?. I’ve heard Rachel Hollis says many times that if you don’t make your dreams a reality someone else eventually will and you will have to sit back and watch them live your dream. I was not willing to let that happen. This workshop has never been done before and I see such a huge need for it!!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Purpose Gathering – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am passionate about so many different things that it’s hard to clearly answer that question. I’m kind of at an interesting place in my life. I am a Wedding Photographer and super passionate about creating amazing experiences and beautifully capturing wedding days for my couples but I am also passionate about educating and creating an amazing community to support mom business owners.

So right now I’m in new territory trying to navigate both and really figure out how to seamlessly do both and do them well.

How would you describe the type of kid you were growing up?
Growing up, I was very strong-willed and determined. I loved being creative and playing outdoors. I remember having an amazing sense of adventure and always dreaming up the wildest stories. I wasn’t afraid to get dirty and was always up for anything.

Pricing:

  • Monthly Meetups : Free
  • Interactive Workshop : $97

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Shannon Worley Photography; Tasha Brady Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Related Items

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in