Designing a life filled with happiness, health and creativity is no easy task, but that is exactly what Ashley Hay, a healthcare content writer and consultant, found when starting her own business. I asked Ashley to answer some tough questions about her journey, and share what others can learn from her experience of running a business while surviving some difficult health scares. Here’s her story.
Tell us a little about your business and where the inspiration came from to start it?
After twelve years as a bedside oncology nurse, I wanted to explore career options away from the hospital setting. I have some chronic health issues that progressed, which made it difficult to maintain my career path and endure long, physically demanding hours on my feet. I'm so much happier, healthier, and creative in my line of work now. I'm still very much a nurse, I just educate patients and peers a bit differently now.
Choosing to dive into entrepreneurship takes a lot of courage. What parts have been easy and what parts have been more difficult?
I was surprised to learn that I had a mind for business. As a nurse, this was something I never considered and seemed very outside of my comfort zone. I really enjoy owning my own business; many anticipated difficulties actually turned out to be easier than I imagined. Overcoming impostor syndrome took quite a while. Once I fully dealt with the root of that, everything seemed to come a bit easier. I fully acknowledged my worth and the high quality of content I produce.
What impact do you hope to make with your business?
One of my favorite bedside nursing tasks was teaching my patients and peers. I hope to make an impact by educating patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers through the delivery of clear and accurate medical content, tailored for all levels of understanding.
What obstacles are you coming up against at the moment?
Restructuring my client list for 2020 has been a challenge. Having more experience, I'm able to select desirable clients that are offering work I'll enjoy doing. However, waiting for the right client(s) can prove difficult. It's a great lesson in both patience and decisiveness, I've had success in sticking to my intended business plan.
Where do you hope to see your company in 5 years?
This is really hard to say. I find that with every new connection I make or client I obtain, another opportunity is not far behind. I'm open to new experiences. Ideally, I would like to see my focus shift more toward authoring textbooks and novels.
A business tool you can’t live without:
A pencil. I'm a big note-taker and list-maker. I frequently jot down creative writing ideas anywhere and any time the moment strikes me. I sometimes will find multiple pencils in my hair or behind my ear at the end of a long day. They are easily in every single room of my house at this point...everywhere!
If you could choose one person to mentor you and your business, who would it be?
Meg, these questions are tough! Hmm. Right now I'd go with Brené Brown as an ideal mentor for this stage of my career. She's got an infectiously positive attitude and interesting perspectives on a wide variety of topics. Brown is a bestselling author and has a few advanced degrees, so I'd have a lot to learn from her. She speaks publicly for a living, despite being an introvert, which means that she's probably a great listener in her off-stage time.
What is the most fulfilling part of running your business?
The freedom it has provided me. I'm able to care for myself and my family way more than I ever could previously, due to the demanding schedule and emotional capacity required in a bedside nursing role.
How can our community support you?
After some serious health setbacks this year, I had to put my work on hold. Luckily, after hospitalizations, surgery and a lengthy recovery…I’m happy to say I’m back at it. Starting to ramp my client list back up slowly, working as a clinical consultant and medical journalist. Looking forward to the remaining quarters of 2021.
Where can people go if they want to connect with you?
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If you are an impact-driven leader with a positive message who deserves the spotlight, fill out the form below, we’d love to interview you or someone else you want to acknowledge for an inspirational journey worth sharing.