Ashley Oliver shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Although my business is often what people see the most of me—because it takes up such a large part of my life—what I’m most proud of building is something far more personal: the future I’m creating with my family. My business is truly the result of my faith, and it’s become the foundation that allows me to build a life beyond just work. I’m getting married in less than two months to my high school sweetheart, and as we begin building our home together, filling its walls with love and preparing for a family, that’s the part no one sees at the forefront. But it’s what I’m most proud of: creating a future rooted in faith, built on love, and strengthened by the values that matter most.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Oliver, and I’m the founder of Ignite Social, a full-service social media agency that specializes in filming, creating, and posting all of your content for you. What makes Ignite unique is that we don’t just manage accounts—we become true partners. I’ve built a team of professionals who take the time to get to know each client on a personal level so we can capture their story authentically and showcase what makes them stand out, ultimately connecting them with their ideal audience.
My own journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional. I actually earned my bachelor’s degree in biology with the intention of becoming a doctor. After a few years in the medical field, I felt a strong pull that I was meant for something more. That led me to take a leap into the business world, serving as operations director for a small beauty business while earning my master’s in business. It was there I fell in love with entrepreneurship and saw firsthand how powerful social media can be in transforming a brand. That’s what inspired me to start Ignite Social—to help other businesses grow, thrive, and tell their story through the lens of social media.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful goes back to my natural inclination for leadership as a child. I always gravitated toward bringing people together, leading with honesty and love, and working toward a common goal as a team. Throughout my life, I found myself in leadership roles—whether it was being captain of my cheerleading squad, serving as class president for years in high school, or becoming president of my sorority in college.
I never sought out leadership for the sake of holding a title or being in charge. For me, it felt innate—an ability I wanted to share to help those around me succeed, not just myself. Those early experiences shaped me into the person I am today and have been foundational in my journey as a business owner. They taught me that true leadership isn’t about standing above others—it’s about standing with them, and that mindset has been invaluable as I lead my company and my team.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life came when I made the decision to leave the medical field. I had invested so many years of schooling into a path I once loved, and walking away from it felt like losing a part of myself. Around that same time, I also experienced the loss of family members and a season of feeling completely lost as an individual. The anxiety I carried was crippling—I lived in constant fear of the unknown.
What changed everything was when I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. At my lowest point, I gave everything over to Him and allowed His will to guide my life. My faith in Christianity has truly healed the deepest wounds of my heart. It has given me peace, purpose, and strength to keep moving forward. My relationship with Jesus continues to transform me daily, shaping me into a stronger leader and a better person than I could ever be on my own. Even as I continue to grow, I hold tightly to the truth that His will is always better than mine, and I choose to follow it every day.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in my industry is the idea that social media is all fake. Do people put on personas online? Absolutely. But I don’t believe that’s the way it should be, nor is it the way to truly succeed. Social media at its core is about connection, and connection happens when you’re authentic.
Trends come and go, but what really sets you apart is showing up as yourself—your values, your quirks, your unique attributes. That’s what resonates with people and builds trust. Every business has a different ideal client, so while it’s important to understand what works, it’s even more important to showcase what makes you different. Authenticity is what allows you not only to stand out, but to thrive—and in many cases, even become the trendsetter others want to follow.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I led with love. That every client, colleague, and person I came into contact with felt a genuine connection and a sense of community. I want people to remember that Ignite Social wasn’t just a business—it was a team built on partnership, support, and true relationships.
I value leading with integrity, honesty, and compassion. While some say leadership shouldn’t involve heart or emotion, and though I understand, I believe the opposite—that the best way to serve people is by truly caring for them. My hope is that my legacy is one of building people up, fostering community, and showing that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of humanity. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone who led with love, and who made others feel seen, valued, and inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ignitesocialinc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitesocial__/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignite-social-inc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ignite-Social-61558673607230/
Image Credits
CB Photography LLC
