17: Vulnerability and Connection: How Telling Your Story Opens Doors

On this week’s episode, Kailey and Kelsey are joined by Ashley Eakin to discuss how telling your personal story can help build your career. After working many years in Hollywood, it wasn’t until Ashley shared her authentic story via a viral SoulPancake video that she found strength in her vulnerabilities as it pertained to her work. Since opening up to millions about her rare bone disease, Ashley has written, produced, and directed several projects and connected with countless others. She now uses all her personal and professional experiences to fight for representation in the stories we see on-screen. 

They discuss:

-How to use your personal story to build your career

-What it’s like to open up so publicly to share who you really are

-The ways in which vulnerability leads to connection

-Feeling the fear and doing it anyway

-What happens when you lead with your own story

-The fine line between being authentic and being a brand

-Balancing sharing authentically and privacy

-Expectations on creative output vs. what’s realistic 

-Finding your community online

To hear more from Ashley, head to Coming Up for Air episode 7!

Grab your Airpods, slip on your sneakers, head outside, and tune in to your weekly dose of fresh! 

letscomeupforair.com

bestfeelingforever.com

Ubeautifulsoul.com

CUFA // @letscomeupforair

Ashley // @asheakin

Kailey // @yourbestfeelingforever

Kelsey // @ubeautifulsoul