Ashley Crouch is a PR powerhouse who works with best-selling authors, CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, TEDx speakers, social innovators, & more

I am the founder of Appleseed, a PR company that helps female entrepreneurs get the media attention they deserve! We have worked with best-selling authors, CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, TEDx speakers, social innovators, and more. Our new online course, Master the Media, reveals the actual secrets and strategies we use to get our clients noticed… but it costs a fraction of the price.

My background is in women's magazines. In 2011, I helped to launch the "first no Photoshop fashion magazine for women," Verily, which currently receives 1 million views a month. I managed the media launch strategy, which landed the publication 180 media features in 8 months. I fell in love with being an entrepreneur and wanted to help more people, so I launched Appleseed. 

What is one thing you find to be true that most people would disagree with?

If you show up for yourself, life shows up for you.

What helped you get to where you are right now and keeps you going?

Achievement happens through small, gradual steps along the way. My motto is “start before you’re ready.” It has been a guiding light to help me take action even when I’m scared, and say yes to big opportunities.

Is there one “rookie mistake” that new entrepreneurs keep on making?

Entrepreneurs pour their heart and soul into their budding business or product, but often forget to think about who they are trying to reach. If you are busy bringing your company to life or trying to scale, it is easy to forget about how to market to your target audience… until the last second. That is where we come in.

Appleseed works with companies through each stage of their launch, scale, and pivot process; we build a targeted publicity campaign to amplify their business in the world. It helps attract the ideal audience while allowing the client to do what they do best: create.

How has being an entrepreneur changed the way you think about life?

Being an entrepreneur is a mindset. It involves tremendous internal self-discipline, time management, and vision. They look to serve. They compete with themselves to continue developing themselves. The goal is progress, not perfection. As a result, they might “work” longer hours, but it doesn’t feel like it because they are always growing, pushing to new horizons, expanding their ability. It is a lifestyle of adventure. It has taught me to always have the mindset of a student. The result is freedom and fulfillment.