Meet Ashley Nicole Stone | Entrepreneur, Brand Strategist, Business Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Nicole Stone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley Nicole, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t necessarily a straight path—it was a mix of divine direction, life experiences, and a little bit of stubbornness. I’ve always been someone who sees opportunities where others see obstacles, and I knew early on that I wasn’t built for the traditional 9-to-5 life.

I started my first business out of necessity—I needed flexibility, financial freedom, and the ability to create something meaningful. But over time, I realized that my businesses weren’t just about making money; they were about making an impact. Whether it was in the beauty industry, media, or brand consulting, I found myself drawn to helping women build something of their own, whether that was confidence, a business, or a new season of life.

Faith also played a huge role in my journey. There were moments when I thought I had everything figured out, only to have God completely reroute me. I’ve had to pivot, rebuild, and redefine success multiple times, but each shift brought me closer to what I was really meant to do—empower women to walk boldly in their purpose, whether in faith, business, or personal growth.

So, the thought process behind starting my own business? It was about freedom, impact, and purpose. I didn’t want to just build something for myself—I wanted to build something that helped others rise, too.

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.
My Art: Storytelling Through Business, Branding, and Faith
I like to think of my work as a blend of storytelling, strategy, and creativity. Whether I’m building brands, creating content, consulting with women entrepreneurs, or leading faith-based initiatives through Pretty In Praise, my “art” is about taking ideas, dreams, and visions and turning them into something tangible.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on aesthetics or surface-level branding—I go deep. I help women uncover their true story and build brands that reflect who they are at their core. For me, branding isn’t just about logos and colors; it’s about identity, impact, and alignment—making sure your business or brand reflects your purpose and values. I incorporate faith, storytelling, and real-life experiences into everything I create, making my work deeply personal and transformative.

My Journey: The Road Was Anything But Easy
I didn’t wake up one day with a perfectly laid-out plan. My journey has been full of twists, pivots, and unexpected detours. I’ve built businesses, sold businesses, and lost businesses. I’ve faced seasons of burnout, moments of doubt, and times when I had to start completely over. But every challenge forced me to dig deeper, learn, and refine my purpose.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to pivot with purpose. There were times when I held onto things too long because I was afraid of change. But I’ve come to understand that letting go isn’t failure; it’s making space for what’s next. God has redirected me time and time again, and every time, it’s led to something greater than I could have imagined.

Lessons Learned & What I Want the World to Know
Resilience is everything. Success isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up, pivoting, and pushing forward with purpose.
Your story matters. Whether in business or life, authenticity wins. People connect with you—not just your product or service.
Faith and business go hand in hand. God is part of my business plan. My work is rooted in faith, and that’s why I attract the right people, the right opportunities, and the right purpose-driven results.
Build with people who uplift you. I wouldn’t be where I am without mentors, my community, and the strong women in my network. Surround yourself with those who challenge and inspire you.
At the heart of everything I do, my mission is simple: empower women to step into their purpose—whether in faith, business, or life. I’ve lived through the highs and lows, and now, I help others navigate their own journey with clarity, confidence, and a little bit of grit.

So, when people ask what I do, it’s simple: I turn stories into brands, visions into reality, and faith into action.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them on the ultimate Kickin’ It Local experience, starting with a stroll through Historic Grapevine—it’s a must for the charm, shops, and small-town vibes. We’d grab coffee at Summer Moon (because that Moon Milk is unbeatable) and hit up Keller Farmers Market on the weekend for local finds. Food is always a highlight, so we’d stop at Mad Mexican for their fluffy tacos, feast on the best fried chicken in Texas at Babe’s, and indulge in a brisket potato from JRS BBQ after catching the rodeo at the Stockyards. For a little luxury, we’d spend a day or two unwinding at the Gaylord Texan, then hit Grapevine Lake for paddleboarding. Dinner plans would include Italian seafood at Acquario and pizza at Devivo Bros., because you can never go wrong with those. Since I don’t drink, I’d host a girls’ night at 139 Olive, where Rose 32 would craft the best mocktails while we laughed the night away with friends. Whether it’s great food, Texas-sized fun, or just quality time with good people, there’s no shortage of ways to Kick It Local in DFW! Check out more of my local finds at KickinItLocal.com.

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?
There’s no way I would be where I am today without the love, support, and wisdom of the people who have shaped me along the way. First and foremost, I have to give thanks to God—His hand has been in every detour, every lesson, and every moment of growth.

My mom has been my rock. She’s been on the receiving end of my panicked phone calls, my voice of reason when I needed grounding, and my greatest source of inspiration. She listened to every idea, gave advice (even when I didn’t want to hear it), cheered the loudest when I won, and wiped my tears when I fell short. Her unwavering belief in me has carried me through some of the toughest moments in my journey.

My husband, Mike, has been my anchor—always balancing me. He supported me while I chased my dreams, but more than that, he’s been my partner at home, making sure our family was taken care of so I could have those cherished moments with our kids. Over 20 years in entrepreneurship, I couldn’t have juggled all the things I have without the two of them standing beside me.

I also have to recognize the men and women who shaped me—many of whom were the people who worked for me. They taught me how to be a leader, and I learned just as much from them as they did from me. I’m also incredibly grateful for the mentors at the SBA and the Women’s Entrepreneurial Center in Hartford, Connecticut, who taught me invaluable skills and helped me develop the mindset to build and sustain businesses.

And today, my circle continues to grow because of the amazing women in my network—those who lift each other in business, life, and those moments when we just need to laugh and have fun. Shoutout to The BE Hive! This community of strong, ambitious, faith-driven women continues to inspire and remind me that success is never meant to be walked alone.

Website: https://www.ashleynicolestone.com

Instagram: https://ashley.nicole.co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ceoofallthethings

Other: www.kickinitlocal.com www.139olive.com. www.kickinitmediagroup.com

Image Credits
Kickin’ It Media Group