“I was working 16-hour days and still couldn’t pay my bills.”

In this powerful episode of Growth Conversations, Ashley Frank sits down with designer and agency owner Shalisha Pikel to unpack how she turned a near-rock-bottom moment into serious momentum.

From nearly failing web design in college to building a thriving business with consistent 10K+ months, Shalisha’s story is proof that personal growth and business growth go hand in hand.

They talk about what it really takes to shift from surviving to scaling—including mindset breakthroughs, sales systems, and the identity shift that helped Shalisha finally show up as a leader.

If you’ve ever felt behind, invisible, or unsure how to turn your talent into income—this one’s for you.

Shalisha Pikel | www.pikeldesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikeldesigns/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikeldesigns/

If this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you.
 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @theashleyfrank
💬 Share the episode, tag me, or just drop a DM—I’d love to know what landed.

🎧 Want more? Subscribe to Growth Conversations and leave a review on Apple or Spotify. It helps more people find the show and grow with us.

What if the economy isn’t the problem—it’s the pressure that shapes you?

In this first full episode of Growth Conversations with Ashley Frank, I take you back to 2007—when I started my sales career in the middle of a recession. It wasn’t glamorous. I had a headset, a script, and a list of cold leads who didn’t want to talk about online learning.

But those early days taught me everything I needed to know about sales, mindset, and what it really means to grow when things are hard.

In this solo episode, I break down 10 powerful lessons I learned during that season—lessons that still hold true in today’s uncertain economy. Whether you're navigating a downturn or just trying to find momentum, these insights will give you perspective, tools, and (hopefully) a bit of peace.

🔑 In this episode:

• The truth about success during a recession
• Why “rejection” is a gift in disguise
• How to stay grounded when it feels like everything’s changing

💬 If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s in the thick of building.

🔗 Learn more at ashleyfrank.com
📲 Follow along on Instagram @theashleyfrank
🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

This isn't just another business podcast. In this opening episode, I’m sharing why I finally stopped waiting and chose to share my voice—after sitting on my domain since 2013.

If you’ve ever felt like personal growth and business growth are connected (even if no one talks about it)... this show is for you.

I talk about why “safe” doesn’t get us where we’re meant to go, why strategy isn’t enough without self-trust, and why most people are just barely holding it together—but still showing up.

You’ll learn what to expect from this podcast, who it’s for (and not for), and why this isn’t leadership in theory—this is leadership in motion.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

👉 Stick around and hit play on Episode 1: 10 Lessons from a Down Economy

Learn more at ashleyfrank.com
Connect with me on Instagram: @theashleyfrank