Ashley Johnson is a business woman, change maker and impact innovator. Recognized by the Huffington Post, Ashley is creating her own brand management and PR agency ANJPR Consulting, LLC and has consulted with national brands such as AARP, BET Networks, Essence and Walt Disney World Resort. She received her BA degree at Howard University in Public Relations minoring in Community Development. Ashley later received her Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communication at Georgetown University. She recently received her certificate in Social Impact Partnership from Georgetown University.
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Patrice: What is your Swagher? What makes Ashley, Ashley?
Ashley: My “Swagher†is my internal and external confidence that I commit to embody daily. Through prayer, fasting and mental wellness I make sure I embody optimism and positive energy with everything I do. I ultimately strive to be an inspiration by not only my strong worth ethic/entrepreneurship but my spirit of giving and kindness. Every day, I live out my purpose of inspiring others through entrepreneurship, connecting and collaborating brands + people to collectively drive impact to the community.
Patrice: Before we get into your new business venture, tell the readers a little bit more about your PR firm ANJPR Consulting, LLC and how you got your start in public relations.
Ashley: I started my journey in public relations when attending Howard University. My major was Public Relations with a minor in Community Development. While attending, I started freelancing for extracurricular organizations on campus in addition to non-profit organizations and small businesses in D.C. From there, I graduated then decided to attend graduate school at Georgetown University majoring in Public Relations & Corporate Communications. I wanted to dive deeper into PR and learn in-depth about digital PR trends. After completing the program, I decided to rebrand and formal launch my agency, ANJPR Consulting, LLC. in 2017 offering services to entertainment & lifestyle brands with public relations, brand strategy & management, and event production services.
Patrice: I’ve been watching your hustle for a while on social media and you are definitely a boss babe in your business. For women who are entrepreneurs and needs a push in their career, what advice would you give them?
Ashley: My advice would be find a mentor and or/ invest in a business coach to give you the accountability and motivation that you need to take your brand to the next level. You must connect with the right people and invest in the best resources in order to learn from other people who have done it before, so you won’t make the same mistakes.
Patrice: Okay so for the big moment. I want to first say congratulations on creating the Mentorship Circle. During COVID-19, there has been a lot of new projects and new business owners reaching for the stars and I applaud them for taking that leap in their career! For our readers, tell us about The Mentorship Circle.
Ashley: Thank you so much! Yes, The Mentorship Circle (TMC) is ANJPR’s newest community impact project that was birthed during COVID-19. This is a 4-month free virtual cohort for 24 women entrepreneurs hosted from September – December, 2020. These women were selected from a pull of applications across the United States. They lacked resources due to the economic and mental impacts of the global pandemic. Our company decided to step back from our PR/marketing agency service and design a free virtual experience that unifies women and tackles business practices and mental wellness with prominent guest speakers who are entrepreneurs in the DMV. Participants will meet virtually for the next three months from 7 to 9PM EST, with different topics ranging from business development, branding/dress for success, goal-setting/envisioning, mental wellness and business networking. In addition, the women will build new relationships with 24 women entrepreneurs from diverse industries and locations while participating in interactive discussions, coaching and homework assignments. ANJPR’s mission is to mentor minds in order to elevate brands with prestige. The creation of your new virtual project is making a big impact in the business world since the pandemic.
Patrice: How does your team choose who will be a part of TMC? What is the criteria?
Ashley: The applicant must have met the following requirements:
 Female entrepreneur age 21+
Compelling and impactful story around your business
Access to virtual technology to participate in sessions
Must be available to participate in the entire program
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Patrice: What does this virtual experience focuses on and how long is the mentorship program?
Ashley: This is a 4-month free virtual cohort for 24 women entrepreneurs hosted once a month from September – December, 2020.
Patrice: Will this project continue next year as well?
Ashley: Maybe, we are looking at potentially hosting a conference next year.
Patrice: As a publicist and consultant, what types of resources does your firm offer to small business owners?
Ashley: We offer brand design and management, public relations (press releases, EPK and media placements) and event production.
Patrice: Do you have anything planned for the remainder of 2020?
Ashley: Just The Mentorship Circle, and facilitating consultations for potential new clients.
Connect with Ashley:
 Instagram: @anjprconsultingllc
@queenashash
