101. Building a Mission-Driven Company with Ashley-Lauren Elrod

How can your art be a catalyst for social impact? In this episode, Jennifer speaks with Ashley-Lauren Elrod, Emmy-nominated producer and founder of the mission-driven production company, Visionary Woman Productions. Ashley-Lauren shares her inspiring journey of marrying advocacy with art that focuses on impactful storytelling to combat and address sensitive issues like sexual assault, domestic violence, and the stigma around mental health. She provides tangible tools for artists and entrepreneurs looking to build mission-driven companies, including how to legally establish a business, the back-end necessities, onboarding clients, and various ways to secure funding. This conversation is a reminder of the vast ways art can be used to inspire, advocate, and drive tangible change, from influencing legislation to empowering communities.  About Ashley-Lauren: Ashley-Lauren Elrod is an award-winning triple-threat, versatile professional with proven acting, producing, casting, directing, and production design expertise. Her unique approach to media, film, and marketing through her company Visionary Woman Productions makes her a highly sought-after industry dynamo who is known for her exceptional thought leadership and nonprofit advisory work. As a board-certified, trauma-informed leader, CSA survivor, and suicide attempt survivor, Ashley-Lauren connects her story in all that she does, partnering with organizations to raise awareness, change legislation, and tell powerful stories that need to be told. Ashley-Lauren is a true champion of diversity, safety, and inclusivity in all aspects of entertainment, media, marketing, and advocacy. She brings fresh perspectives, energy, and spirit to every project she takes on. Her passion is to impart the tools and knowledge to help people lead a fruitful and audaciously authentic life and to assist clients in achieving their creative vision through bold, audacious moves. Ashley-Laurens’s IGs: @ashleylaurenofficial Ashley-Lauren’s Website: www.ashleylaurenonline.com Visionary Woman Productions IG: @visionarywomanproductions Visionary Woman Productions Website: www.visionarywomanproductions.com Download the FREE Monologue Selection Toolkit: www.jenniferapple.net/freebie Want to coach with Jennifer? Schedule a session here! https://appt.link/jenniferapple Learn more about Jennifer Apple: www.jenniferapple.net Jennifer Apple’s IG: @JenniferApple_  Monologue Sourcing Promo Link! https://empoweredartistcollective.com/podcastpromo Learn more: https://www.empoweredartistcollective.com/podcast EAC IG: @EmpoweredArtistCollective  EAC TikTok: @EmpowerArtistCollective EAC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweredartistcollective/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/8e72e8dcb662/stay-in-touch Check Out Our Merch! https://www.empoweredartistcollective.threadless.com/ Any thoughts you'd like to share? Email us at [e-mail] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices