Ashley France

Meet Ashley France - Ashley is the CEO of ANF Consulting, LLC and creator of the Corporate Curly Brand. She is better known as the serial entrepreneur with the curly fro. Ashley is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She also has obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. Ashley's leadership skills started before obtaining her CEO title. In undergrad she was a peer mentor helping incoming freshman navigate through college, on the executive board of Terps Against Homelessness, Teaching Aid,  volunteered numerous hours working with children in the local community and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC.  While in law school she became the president of Business Law Society and Federal Bar Association, A student attorney defending wrongfully sentenced individuals, aided a free legal clinic in the local community, and became a member of the Black Law Students Association. via www.iamashleynicolee.com/about-me  (SISS)  Hi Ashley where are you from and where are you currently spending your time?  (Ashley France)  I am from Prince Georges County, Maryland and I currently live in Atlanta, GA.  (SISS)  What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle?  (Ashley France)  Some of the hardest things I had to go through includes, sacrificing time with friends, family, and events I wanted to go too. When you become an entrepreneur/business owner, you really have to put your all into, which includes missing out on a lot of things.  (SISS)  Entrepreneur, Business Coach, CEO @anfconsultingllc creator of @corporatecurly also on YouTube #SISS Tell us more, who is @TheAshleyFrance and what are you most proud of? (Ashley France)  I am a young black woman who is trying to make her parents proud by using my talents that God has given me to help people. I want my businesses to be a powerhouse for entrepreneurs and creators, to give them the business knowledge and tools to really scale their business. I am most proud of how I am inspiring people all around the world with telling my story of being a full time entrepreneur.  (SISS)  One year from now what do you hope to have accomplished (business or personal)?  (Ashley France)  I hope to have scaled my business financially an increasing my clientele. I also hope to have master classes and webinars where I am able to teach people on a grander scale.  (SISS)  How dedicated are you to fitness?  What is your fitness goal?  On your body, what is your favorite body part and what is your least favorite? (Ashley France)  I would not say I am dedicated to fitness, I fall off sometimes when it comes to eating habits and working out. I have lost over 25 pounds within the last year, this is the smallest I have been since I was about 20/21. Fitness goals to me is being at your best when it comes to health, I really focus on how my clothes fit and how my body feels rather than weight. My least favorite part would be my stomach because I want my abs back, but its also my favorite because I have made so much progress with it.  (SISS)  What makes you the happiest? What is fun for you? (Ashley France)  Being around my friends and family make me the happiest. Living so far away I don’t get to see them as often as I would like too. I get so much joy out of the Facetime and phone calls with them. I love going to brunch, music festivals, trying new restaurants, and binge watching Netflix series.  (SISS)  What were your best/worst subjects in school? (Ashley France)  My best subject was also literature and my worst subject was math! I missed that gene my dad and brother are great with numbers and math.  (SISS)  How do you deal with disappointment? How do you Keep Going? (Ashley France)  I was taught every rejection is a protection, I do not want any opportunity that was not meant for me or that God did not have in store for me. I keep going by telling myself every no is one step closer to a yes.  (SISS)  What is your superpower? (Ashley France)  I am able (SISS)  What is your weakness and what do you do to overcome it?  (Ashley France)  My weakness is that I try to do too many things at once, that is why I have come up with a system to plan out my weeks so that I am not assigning myself to many task in one day.  (SISS)  Can you tell us four things people might not know about you? (Ashley France)  I use to dance for 12 years (ballet, tap, and jazz), I was a cheerleader, I use to write poetry, and I love Harry Potter.  (SISS)  Can you tell us where else can our readers follow your daily inspiration? (Ashley France)  They can follow me on my Instagram page @Theashleyfrance  (SISS)  What’s your favorite quote? (Ashley France)  Trust the process.  (SISS)  At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business.  What are you most passionate about? (Ashley France)  I am most passionate about helping people through the talents that God has given me.  (SISS)  Who was the most influential person in your life and why?  (Ashley France)   My parents are, they literally came from little to nothing and they were able to obtain multiple degrees and make numerous strides within their careers.  (SISS)  Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self?  (Ashley France)  Five years ago I was in undergrad at UMD, I would tell myself that nothing ever goes as planned but to continue to stay focused.  (SISS)  Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you? (Ashley France)  There is no typical day with me, everyday is different depending on meetings, client calls etc. But I always wake up and start my day by answering emails and messages. Then I proceed with my schedule of calls and meetings.  (SISS)  What is your favorite book and/or the latest one you’ve read? (Ashley France)  Rich dad poor dad  (SISS)  What would be a good theme song for your life? (Ashley France)  Bodak Yellow by Cardi B (SISS)  When do you feel the sexiest?  (Ashley France)  When I have a beat face, but a super comfy but cute outfit.  (SISS)  Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow?  (Ashley France)  There are many people who inspire me on a daily basis, not necessarily one person.  (SISS)  What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you?  (Ashley France)  It means that your knowledge and intelligence is so high it oozes out and is seen through your every day walk and how you carry yourself  (SISS)  Thank you so much Ashley for sharing with us, please follow her on Instagram @TheAshleyFrance and purchase her Empowering Women T-Shirts