From Struggling Single Mom to Digital Nomad Entrepreneur: Ashley Braso's Inspiring Journey

In this inspiring episode of The Nathan Newberry Show, course launch strategist Ashley Braso shares her remarkable transformation from a struggling single mom to a successful online entrepreneur living the digital nomad lifestyle in Mexico. Her story demonstrates how perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to a vision can lead to extraordinary life changes.

The Journey from College Graduate to Online Entrepreneur

Ashley's entrepreneurial story begins like many millennials: with a college degree and the promise that education would guarantee success. After graduating with a communications degree, Ashley quickly discovered that a bachelor's degree had become "the new standard" rather than a distinguishing qualification.

Working at a dental office, Ashley felt unfulfilled and certain she was meant for something more meaningful. "I had a big heart for making a change, helping people. I just wanted to know that my life on Earth was going to benefit those that came after me," she explains.

Her introduction to the online coaching world came through a Facebook ad in 2016. The concept that people could get paid to help others solve problems resonated deeply with her entrepreneurial spirit. This revelation marked the beginning of her online business journey, although success was still years away.

"I spent from 2016 to 2018 eating up everything I could. I watched every webinar, downloaded every freebie. I was just consumed with other people's content."

Key Investment: Time vs. Money

During this foundational period, Ashley made a crucial choice that many aspiring entrepreneurs face: investing time instead of money. Working minimum wage jobs while immersing herself in learning online marketing, she prioritized education over immediate income.

Her first significant investment in herself was $2,500 for coaching - money she didn't have but charged to a credit card. Ashley compares this decision to investing in college tuition: "A semester of school costs more than this. Do I believe in myself enough to put the money down and believe that I can make the money back at some point?"

Shockingly, Ashley reveals she invested approximately $112,000 in various coaching programs before ever making money back - an extreme example of her commitment to the entrepreneurial path, though she acknowledges not everyone needs to invest this much.

Breaking Through: From Community Manager to Course Launch Strategist

Ashley's first paid online opportunity came as a community manager for a seven-figure coach. This position provided invaluable behind-the-scenes experience in successful online business operations and reinforced her belief that online success was achievable.

The pivotal moment in her business came through a connection with someone preparing to launch a course without a proper strategy. When asked about the launch plan, Ashley recognized an opportunity:

"She looked at me and was like, 'What's a launch plan?' And I was like, 'Oh my gosh, you need to hire me ASAP because you're not going to reach your full potential if you don't have a launch plan.'"

This first client's success led to referrals, and Ashley began building her reputation as a course launch strategist while still struggling with imposter syndrome.

Overcoming Personal Adversity: From Rock Bottom to Rising Star

Ashley's business journey coincided with significant personal challenges. While trying to establish her business, she was dealing with a toxic marriage. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to leave with her two-year-old son.

"I show up at my parents' house. I'm feeling a bit like a failure. I'm 28 years old, I'm divorced, I have a 2-year-old, and I do not have a business. I have a freelance gig where in 2019 I made $7,000 online the whole year."

Just three weeks after leaving her marriage, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, this challenging period became a turning point: one month after leaving her relationship, Ashley signed her first three clients and became a full-time entrepreneur.

"When we reach rock bottom, the benefit of hitting the ground is that the only way to go from there is up."

From that point, Ashley never looked back. Through building expertise, delivering results for clients, and leveraging referrals, she established herself as a successful online marketing strategist.

Creating a Freedom-Centered Lifestyle: The Move to Mexico

As her business grew, Ashley's priorities evolved. With a new partner and a growing family (expecting their second child), she began questioning their lifestyle in Utah:

"We're literally as a family spending two hours together every night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. We work till 6:00, we have dinner, bath, bed at 8:00... and now we're going to have a baby. When are we ever going to see this baby?"

This realization prompted a bold decision: relocating to Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The move offered multiple benefits:

• Lower cost of living
• Affordable support for childcare
• Proximity to the United States (4-hour direct flight)
• Compatible time zones for client work
• Spanish language proficiency
• Established expat community
• Improved quality of life with year-round sunshine

The result is a transformed lifestyle where Ashley now supports her family through her online business while enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner with her family daily - something she notes is rare for American families.

Key Lessons from Ashley's Entrepreneurial Journey

Ashley attributes her success not to exceptional discipline or focus but to unwavering commitment to her vision. Despite numerous setbacks and opportunities to quit, she persisted.

"Whatever your dream is, it's always on the table as long as you don't quit. The moment you quit, that's when the actual availability of that dream is over for you."

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Visualize your dream life - Write down your ideal living situation, relationships, and income, even if it seems impossible.
2. Embrace resilience - "The best entrepreneurs are problem solvers by nature. It's not those who have the most resources that are most successful, it's those that are most resourceful."
3. Focus on the journey - "Don't get too attached to the end result and instead get lit on fire by doing the thing that lights you up."
4. Avoid future regrets - "Play full out so you can have no regrets and benefit from the amazing things. You will blow your mind by the things that you can accomplish, but it all starts with believing that you can."

Connect with Ashley

If Ashley's story resonates with you, you can follow her on Instagram at @ashleybrasso. Send her a DM to continue the conversation.

Are you inspired by Ashley's journey from struggling single mom to successful online entrepreneur? What dream would you pursue if you knew you couldn't fail? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring entrepreneurial stories!