Ashley York: Successful Young Entrepreneur and Working Mom

Ashley York

Ashley York has over a decade of experience in the real estate industry and founded her own

boutique brokerage, Realtopia Real Estate, along with her team a little over 3 years ago.

Her previous experience working in customer service and DePaul University degree has prepared her for

life as an entrepreneur - or should we say, mom-preneur as she navigates running a 40-agent brokerage in this

fast-paced economy while raising two young daughters. 

Ashley York: Successful Young Entrepreneur and Working Mom

BD Mag - What do you love the most about being an entrepreneur?

If I had to pick one thing, I love the most about being an entrepreneur, I'd say the creativity it allows me to apply to each situation I encounter. Whether it's solving an issue that comes up or devising new methods to connect with our customers, I enjoy the challenges I encounter each day. The flexibility of controlling my daily schedule is a close second, such as being able to spend more time with my kids and even the privilege of picking my daughter up from school. 

I love how entrepreneurship can push you to your limit and then make you fall in love all over again. It's also amazing to see a brand grow before your eyes. Nothing beats when someone tells me, "I have heard of your company!" or "I keep seeing your sale signs everywhere!". It's that recognition which truly keeps me going and pushing forward despite the challenges. The feeling of accomplishment I savour in those moments doesn't compare to much else I've encountered during my professional career.

BD Mag - What traits do you possess that contribute to your success running a company?

I believe my persistence and motivation have been the key attributes driving our success as a company. Some may view stubbornness as an undesirable trait but when it comes to running a company, that's exactly the attitude that's needed. There's no one coming to bail you out when hard decisions must be made, and you can't just give up and throw in the towel. Pushing through the bad days with a smile on my face is definitely a strength I appreciate about my strong type A personality.

A strong leader must also be able to navigate a lot of moving parts simultaneously while not losing focus on the bigger picture. Motherhood has honestly enhanced my multitasking skills and elevated me to become a better overall version of myself which has allowed for tremendous growth in leadership for me.

BD Mag - What has been your biggest challenge so far while growing your real estate brokerage?

Scaling our small business has definitely been a struggle. Not only must our technology grow along with us but also our processes. It's a daily juggling act to put out all the "fires" I encounter while focusing on the company's future growth and trajectory. I am constantly refining the way we do things to make everything more efficient.

With growth also comes additional challenges, such as managing more personalities and having to delegate more tasks. Delegation is also a struggle as an entrepreneur but a very necessary component to allow for growth. Surrounding ourselves with a dependable team has been instrumental to our success thus far.

BD Mag - What is your definition of success?

To me, success means living life on my own terms. Being able to control my schedule, enjoy some balance in my days, dictate my own financial future and work towards my own goals and visions rather than someone else's. 

BD Mag - What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs and working moms?

Surround yourself with people who elevate you. Entrepreneurship can be lonely and not many people will be able to relate - so find your people. Also, drop the mom guilt and focus on the positive aspects of being a working mom such as modelling work ethic to your kids and allowing yourself to have an outlet for all your creative energy which only makes you a better mom!

Keep up to date with Ashley on Social Media;

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyeyork/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/realtopiare

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/realtopiaRE

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/realtopiare/