Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small business and are excited to bring you another spotlight! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Ashley Jolley, owner of Ashley Jolley Real Estate.
We asked Ashley to share some fun facts about herself. She shared that she doesn’t know how to tell time on an analog clock. She can also touch her nose with her tongue. Lastly, she said that if she could go back and relive any time of her life, it would be her senior year of college. She was a collegiate lacrosse player and was named Player of the Year and All American. And, her team made it to the national championships. She likes to refer to that time as her “glory days.”
Ashley also shared a bit about her business with us. Get to know Ashley Jolley and her business, Ashley Jolley Real Estate, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“My dad was a realtor my entire life and I swore to myself I would never work in real estate. My dad passed away in 2014 and then I became a mom in 2017. The stars aligned and I was craving work/life balance as a mother and decided to finish what my dad started.
“I became a licensed Realtor in 2018 and vowed to myself that I would do things differently in this industry. I believe the feeling of “home” is truly the best feeling out there. We as moms have such an innate desire to provide that feeling for our family. I love working alongside families to help put down roots for their family and kids, no matter the location or budget.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“In the beginning of my career, I spent a lot of time figuring out the hard stuff. It helped me become a better Realtor and a better person, but if I could go back and do anything differently, I would have looked for mentorship opportunities.”
What is the best business advice you've ever been given?
“People over profits. I have those three powerful words on a sticky note that I read every single day. Buying and selling a home is such a personal and emotional moment for people. I wouldn’t be able to look myself in the mirror if I ever turned that process for someone into a profit-first moment for me.”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that? How do you persevere in challenging times?
“Yes, often, although, the BEST realtors I know are all women and moms. I have lost business due to clients thinking, “I wouldn’t have time to represent because I have young kids,” and also lost a listing opportunity because I was pregnant with my daughter at the time and they were concerned I wouldn’t be able to do my job. It’s difficult to change people’s opinions or ideas. So instead of being upset about those lost opportunities, I view them as a blessing as it likely wouldn’t have been my ideal client anyways. :)”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“The biggest impact I want my business to have is within the four walls of my home. I am not trying to be the next Barbara Corcoran or become a high-level CEO of a large real estate brokerage. I am not trying to change the way homes are bought or sold or develop an app or e-course. I want to impact my kids to be able to provide financially for them to set them up for success. I want them to see their mom enjoy something and be good at it. I want them to see they can be and do whatever they want as long as they treat people kindly.”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2022?
“I believe a strong female business owner outworks and outhustles their male counterparts but does it in less hours because we’re way more efficient and can multi-task. 🙂
“We as women (and moms!) have an uphill battle when it comes to owning a business due to the emotional and physical load we carry with also being a mother. We are expected to be hustling at the office while also managing the well visits, library book return, permission slips, and ordering diapers. However, this juggle is what makes us SO good at being business owners. [It] gives us the grit and tenacity to get it done!”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“There will be low days and high days. Don’t forget how the other one feels. When you’re having a “low” day, remember how good the “high” days are to pull yourself up and keep going. On the “high” days, remember how the “low” days feel to continue to be grateful, humble, and vulnerable. “
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I have a great group of other female realtors that keep me accountable and are a great sounding board for when I am feeling low. Having relationships within your same industry has been pivotal for me as entrepreneurship is very lonely. My favorite podcasts are NPR’s “How I built This,” Glennon Doyle’s “We Can Do Hard Things,” and the Buffini Podcast.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“Work hard and be nice to people.”
What's your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Indian Village in Detroit for the architecture. The Grosse Pointe Communities for great small-town atmosphere and quaint vibes, downtown Plymouth for a night out of dinner and drinks, [and] Higgins Lake to visit our cabin!”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Ashley Jolley Real Estate on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
