From Uncertainty to Success: Ashley Shank’s Entrepreneurial Journey
In a recent episode of Brooke’s Babbles, Brooke sat down with Ashley Shank, the founder of Wynn Consulting, to discuss her inspiring journey from a career in cybersecurity to owning a successful digital marketing agency. Ashley's story is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the courage to pivot when things don't feel right.
From Cybersecurity to Marketing
Ashley began her career in the bustling tech world of the Bay Area, working for major companies like Facebook. Despite the prestige, she found herself unfulfilled and yearning for a change. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for marketing, a field that truly "lit her up." She pursued marketing courses at UC Berkeley and Stanford, which eventually led her to leave her job and embark on a new path.
The Leap to Entrepreneurship
In 2015, Ashley made the bold decision to move to Boulder, Colorado, a place that resonated with her desire for a balanced lifestyle. With no job or connections, she took a leap of faith and started Wynn Consulting. Her agency, which specializes in high-end design rebrands, has grown significantly, serving service-based businesses with a focus on collaboration and transparency.
Values and Lessons Learned
Throughout the podcast, Ashley emphasized the importance of collaboration, transparency, and expertise in her business. She shared how these values have been instrumental in building trust with clients and achieving success. Ashley also highlighted the significance of networking and supporting other women entrepreneurs, which has enriched her both professionally and personally.
A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ashley encourages those with a dream to take the plunge, even if the path isn't clear. She advocates for celebrating setbacks as opportunities to pivot and learn. Her journey is a reminder that with passion and perseverance, success is within reach.
Ashley Shank's story is a powerful example of how following one's passion and embracing change can lead to a fulfilling career. Her insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone considering a leap into entrepreneurship. Subscribe now to Brooke’s Babbles for more inspiring stories and insights.
About Spark Marketing & Consulting
At Spark, we believe that behind every great business is a story worth telling—and a brand worth building with intention.
What began as a passion to help small businesses grow has evolved into a mission to help founders bring clarity, consistency, and connection to their brand. Through strategic storytelling, thoughtful branding, and fractional CMO support, we help entrepreneurs not just market—but mean something.
Whether you need help shaping your message, aligning your team, or building a marketing engine that actually moves your business forward—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Learn more at www.sparkmarketingandconsulting.com.
Ready to align your brand with your vision? Schedule your free consultation today.
Navigating Financial Planning with Michael Stanford: Insights from Brooke's Babbles Podcast
In a recent episode of Brooke's Babbles Podcast, host Brooke Kuhn sat down with Michael Stanford from Upstream Financial to discuss the intricacies of financial planning and the misconceptions surrounding it. Michael, a native of Colorado, shared his journey from aspiring to join the Naval Academy to becoming a financial advisor, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
A Journey of Faith and Business
Michael's path was not straightforward. Initially set on a military career, a government shutdown altered his plans, leading him to Colorado State University. There, he discovered a passion for finance, influenced by his entrepreneurial family background. His grandfather's farming business and his mother's pediatric practice instilled a strong work ethic and a love for small business.
Aligning Values with Work and Family
Michael candidly discussed the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship. His goal is to have his wife stay home, which drives his dedication to his business. However, he emphasizes the importance of aligning values with work, stating, "If I'm not a successful husband or a man of God, then my business suffers."
Misconceptions in Financial Planning
A significant portion of the conversation focused on common misconceptions about financial planning. Michael addressed the belief that one needs substantial wealth to consult a financial planner, emphasizing that planning is beneficial at any stage of life. He also highlighted the behavioral aspects of finance, which AI cannot fully grasp, underscoring the value of personalized advice.
Faith and Financial Values
Michael's faith plays a crucial role in his approach to finance. He believes in using his gifts to serve others and sees financial planning as a way to uplift communities. He challenges the notion that money is inherently evil, advocating for a balanced view where wealth is used responsibly to support family and community.
Conclusion
Michael Stanford's insights offer a refreshing perspective on financial planning, blending professional expertise with personal values. His story is a testament to the power of faith, family, and perseverance in shaping a fulfilling career.
Subscribe now to Brooke's Babbles Podcast for more inspiring conversations.
About Spark Marketing & Consulting
At Spark, we believe that behind every great business is a story worth telling—and a brand worth building with intention.
What began as a passion to help small businesses grow has evolved into a mission to help founders bring clarity, consistency, and connection to their brand. Through strategic storytelling, thoughtful branding, and fractional CMO support, we help entrepreneurs not just market—but mean something.
Whether you need help shaping your message, aligning your team, or building a marketing engine that actually moves your business forward—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Learn more at www.sparkmarketingandconsulting.com.
Ready to align your brand with your vision? Schedule your free consultation today.
Why Love (and loss) matters in storytelling
At SMC, we believe storytelling isn’t just for branding—it's how we connect, how we heal, and how we grow. And behind every business is a human story. This reflection comes from my personal life, but the truth behind it applies to entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and anyone trying to build something meaningful.
Whether we lose a loved one, walk away from a partnership, or close a chapter that mattered—loss is part of the human story. But it doesn’t make love, time, or effort wasted. In fact, it often becomes the soil from which our greatest work grows.
In storytelling—especially in business—we’re often told to “share the value” or “tell your why.” But what about the parts we can’t wrap up in a neat bow? What if the story is still unfolding?
I’ve learned that our most powerful messages don’t come from perfection—they come from the parts we lived through.
My experiences and lessons throughout life have shaped the work I do now. They made me more compassionate, more curious, more committed to helping others tell stories that matter.
If you're navigating a personal shift while building a brand or business, know this: Love is never wasted. The heartache, the change, the letting go—it can all become part of your message. And that message? It might be what connects you to the people you’re meant to serve.
About Spark Marketing & Consulting
At Spark, we believe that behind every great business is a story worth telling—and a brand worth building with intention.
What began as a passion to help small businesses grow has evolved into a mission to help founders bring clarity, consistency, and connection to their brand. Through strategic storytelling, thoughtful branding, and fractional CMO support, we help entrepreneurs not just market—but mean something.
Whether you need help shaping your message, aligning your team, or building a marketing engine that actually moves your business forward—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Learn more at www.sparkmarketingandconsulting.com.
Ready to align your brand with your vision? Schedule your free consultation today.