From Single Mom to STR Queen: Ashley Freeman on Grit, Faith, and Building Freedom

What this episode covers

In this episode of Balancing Ambitions, Kim Menapace sits down with Ashley Freeman, founder of Velvet Ditch Villas, a single mom turned short-term rental powerhouse. Ashley shares how she went from scraping by as a tennis coach to managing over 100 STR units—and how her faith, hustle, and heart helped shape the empire she’s building today.From spiritual mission trips to building a team of 20+ women, this conversation explores what it really looks like to pursue freedom while staying grounded in service, values, and your why.00:00 – 02:15Kim introduces Ashley Freeman and the theme of the episode02:16 – 06:00Ashley's start in STR after her divorce and teaching tennis06:01 – 09:00Scrambling to make ends meet and renting out her own home09:01 – 12:00Juggling multiple jobs, parenting, and late-night cleanups12:01 – 16:00Finding spiritual clarity and purpose through mission work16:01 – 19:00STR growth, building a team, and spin-off businesses19:01 – 23:00Creating a mission-driven culture and serving with intention23:01 – 27:00Kim’s reflection on partnership, burnout, and boundaries27:01 – 31:00Pivoting away from the business and reclaiming fulfillment31:01 – 36:00Season of grit vs. long-term imbalance + Ashley’s shingles wake-up call36:01 – 42:00Breathwork, self-awareness, and breaking from fight-or-flight42:01 – 47:00Redneck Ranch: hobby farm, healing, and unexpected joy47:01 – 52:00Life lessons from farm life + welcoming guests into the experience52:01 – 56:00Ashley’s tennis career, teaching kids, and finding her next chapter56:01 – 60:00Where to find Ashley + powerful final reflectionsConnect with the Guest:https://www.instagram.com/ashleyfreemanofficialConnect with the Host:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573846123108Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balancingambitionspodcast/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BalancingAmbitionsTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_menapace

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