Brand Creator Ashley France Chats About 404 Agency & The Life of Being an Entrepreneur

As the Founder of 404 Agency, Ashley France is also a woman with a vision who lives a life being an entrepreneur, influencer, and brand creator. In addition, she has developed digital products to help small business owners and entrepreneurs trying to develop their brand in more effective ways. I had the pleasure to chat with Ashley more about 404 Agency, advice on running a great business, and the three key facts to social media marketing.

ashleyfrance1 — **Ashley France, Founder of 404 Agency**

What inspired you to start The 404 Agency?

AF: “I was already servicing entertainment clients through my consulting company, but I noticed it was confusing to my corporate clients so I decided to separate the two.”

What do you think it takes to run a great business?

AF: “It takes patience. Many people think success will happen within the first six months while in business and that is not the case. You need to trust the process because there are vital lessons you will learn along the way that will help you reach your bigger goals.”

What’s the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting out?

AF: “The best advice was focusing on getting known for one thing at a time. I tried to offer a million different services when I first started, so people where confused about what to come to me for. Then I decided to narrow it down & focus on social media marketing .”

What are your favorite and least favorite things about being an entrepreneur?

Favorites: working from home, creating my own schedule, paying bills with money I earned myself, being able to work from any location.

Least favorite: having to buy my own health insurance, figuring out payroll & taxes.

Tell us about some of your most memorable events and highlights so far in your journey as an entrepreneur .

AF: “Some of my most memorable events include: walking the BET awards red carpet with one of my clients, speaking at universities, being an advisor for an entrepreneurship fund, going on tour with one my clients, and securing a meeting at Tidal for one of my clients.”

In moments of adversity, how do you build yourself back up?

AF: “When I have bad days, I pray and remind myself I can’t have faith with fear…I need to trust the process and everything that I am going through is happening for a reason.”

What advice do you have for someone who hasn’t figured out their purpose yet?

“Keep searching..it took me awhile to figure mine out. Once God tells you what it is, don’t fight it! The faster you start walking in your purpose, the easier life will get. Also, don’t be afraid to keep working to pay the bills while you figure out your purpose.”

What are some things every person should consider before they consider entrepreneurship?

“The amount of hours that you will put in. If you are someone who likes to start at 9am and end at 5pm on the dot, then this life isn’t for you. Also, if you are someone that will give up within the first year because you don’t reach your money goal, this isn’t for you either. Building a business is a long term game.”

What are three key facts to always remember about social media marketing?

1.) Be authentic. That’s the only way you will attract your tribe.

2.) Show up everyday.

3.) Bring value to your audience and engage with people.

What’s your personal affirmation or bible scriptures that reminds you to never give up?

AF: “You can’t have faith without fear. Trust in The Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Major goal in 2020?

AF: “ohh I have so many lol, but I guess the overarching goals is to continue to grow my business.”

About Ashley France

Ashley France is an influencer, brand creator, and an entrepreneur. She creates content and awareness for numerous brands through her social media platforms. Through her content and promotion, Ashley has generated thousands of impressions for brands such as Adidas Original & Pepsi, thus helping them to reach new audiences. When she is not influencing the masses online, Ashley is running a marketing and branding agency where she works with artist such as Roscoe Dash and Slim Jxmmi.

Instagram: @Theashleyfrance

Twitter: @Theashleyfrance