Young Entrepreneur Spotlight
Good morning!
Today I will be spotlighting a young entrepreneur who is doing phenomenal things. I had the pleasure of meeting Ashli McLean in grad school and I am so proud of all of her accomplishments. Please pay close attention to this young lady because she will definitely be a woman of change.
Interview with Ashli McLean:
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Ashli McLean is CEO of Harvest Life Enterprises and Author of “$100,000 and Counting: A Faith-Based Guide to Winning College Scholarships”. Having graduated from Hampton University in May 2010 with her B.S. in Business Administration and in May 2011 with her MBA, Ashli worked in the financial services industry before branching out to start her own business: Harvest Life Enterprises. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
2. Tells us a little about Harvest Life Enterprises
Harvest Life Enterprises is committed to spreading Christian-inspired education, knowledge and principles through books, public speaking, partnerships and business. The first of its endeavors is the publication of “$100,000 and Counting: A Faith-Based Guide to Winning College Scholarships”. Using the book, Ashli now provides workshops to educate groups on scholarships and financing one’s college education including:
* Understanding the FAFSA, scholarships, grants and other sources of financial aid
* Key principles of winning college scholarships
* Scholarship resources & listings
* How to write the winning scholarship essay
* Academic and extracurricular factors associated with winning scholarships
* Money wisdom for college planning
* Special information for parents
In addition to workshops, Ashli provides Scholarship Coaching to current high school and college students with services including:
* 1-on-1 coaching on how to best access and win college scholarships
* Analyze student’s major of study, degree, and career aspirations in an effort to determine scholarships the student should focus on
* Research and provide scholarships for student to apply for
* Assistance with filling out the scholarship application packet
* Keep student focused and on track with upcoming scholarship deadlines
3. Tell us a little about your book
“$100,000 & Counting” is a faith-based guide to winning college scholarships, detailing Ashli McLean’s experience of receiving over $100,000 in scholarships for her college education. The book is an eclectic mix of academic advice, scriptural references, self-help principles, and personal testimony. With conversational writing, the book provides a wealth of information on college planning while remaining a Christian inspirational. Infused with counsel from college and scholarship professionals, it incorporates Ashli McLean’s faith in trusting God to meet her need of securing non-debt funding for college.
The guide walks readers through the ins and outs of scholarships and presents expert advice Ashli leveraged to win money for college. Having a special focus on minority students, “$100,000 & Counting” shares the resources and instruction regarding the college application and scholarships processes that many minorities feel disadvantaged in accessing. The book also includes a special guide for parents! “$100,000 and Counting” is an invaluable asset for parents and students seeking guidance on how to receive scholarships in a society where college costs are increasing significantly each year.
4. What advice would you give young people who desire to be an entrepreneur?
I would encourage young people desiring to become entrepreneurs to first and foremost take the vision to God! I believe God gives us inspiration and entrepreneurial visions, so dedicate those entrepreneurial visions back to God: pray over them, proclaim that the business will glorify God above all else, ask Him to guide you in managing the business, and ask Him to close the wrong doors and to open the right doors. I would also encourage hopeful entrepreneurs to not have short-term vision. There is no such thing as instant success that lasts long-term. So put yourself in a financial position to be able to fund the business while maintaining your lifestyle in the event that the business isn’t prosperous in the first year or two (which is normal). You may need to keep your current job until your own business allows you to move into it full-time.
5. Where can people go to purchase your book?
“$100,000 and Counting” can be purchased online at
www.100kdollarsandcounting.blogspot.com. The website also houses a wealth of resources on scholarships and college planning, news and upcoming events, scholarship listings, and more!
Please share this with everyone you know! Ashli McLean is a great wealth of knowledge! If you have children-please purchase this book!!!
I have my copy! God bless!
Mrs. Nicole “Sunshine” Ellis, MBA
Can’t breathe: Try Spiritual CPR: Consistent in praying, Persistent in pursuing the knowledge of God, and Resistant to temptation.
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