#086: Our Take the Leap Stories, Reflecting on Our Journeys and What Comes Next

Welcome to the 54th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this heartfelt season finale, "Our Take the Leap Stories, Reflecting on Our Journeys and What Comes Next,", co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria share their personal Take the Leap stories, reflecting on the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the importance of setting boundaries, charging your worth, and building purpose-driven businesses rooted in freedom, impact, and authenticity.Key Takeaways from the Episode: Our Take the Leap stories: Ashlan's Journey: Started freelancing by accident after helping a friend’s mom with Instagram marketing, which turned into a full-fledged business 15 months later.Victoria's Journey: Laid off from a corporate job, freelanced during a job search, then officially launched her business in 2021 to reclaim her health, joy, and autonomy.Our Best Advice:Charge more from the beginning. Your work has value, and people will respect your rates.Always be learning. Stay relevant by adapting to new tools and trends, but don’t rely on them blindly, especially AI-generated content.Our Worst Advice:Promoting burnout as leadership. "Always be the first one in and last one out" creates a toxic work culture and is unsustainable.Appearance policing. Ashlan was nearly fired for her rainbow hair, highlighting the damaging culture in traditional workplaces.Real Talk About the Industry:Nonprofits are under severe funding pressure, forcing some to close or shift to volunteer-run models.Entrepreneurship doesn't guarantee stability, but it gives you control over your own decisions and path.2024–2025 has been financially tough for many businesses, but that doesn’t mean you're failing—it may just be time to pivot.Important Business Lessons:Get everything in writing—even if you're working with friends.Systems, contracts, and clear communication are essential to long-term sustainability.Don’t build the same toxic structures in your own business that made you leave traditional employment.Our Why:Ashlan’s why is rooted in honoring her late sister and supporting purpose-driven work that uplifts others.Victoria’s why is creating a life of freedom, joy, and health for her family, while helping others find their voice and impact.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with us:Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the LeapFollow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_todayFind Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedInFind Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram