Built from Nothing, Fuelled by Vision, Courage, and the Women Who Lifted Me
Meet Ashlea Blake, Business Manager for Blake Travel and Speaker on The Emerging Young Leaders Panel for 2026
Starting from scratch was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
I started my business during COVID. Everyone thought I was insane, the biggest challenges weren’t just financial — they were emotional. I had to back myself before anyone else did. There were moments when the phone was quiet, the workload was overwhelming, and the pressure of building something from nothing felt heavy. I was wearing every hat: sales, admin, marketing, finance — all while trying to create a brand people could trust.
Another challenge was learning to navigate doubt, not just from others, but from myself. There’s no roadmap when you start a business, and I had to learn through mistakes, setbacks, and a lot of trial and error.
What kept me going was my “why” — and my vision.
Very early on, I knew exactly the kind of business I wanted to build: personal, passionate, intentional, something boutique, and grounded in genuine care for people. I’ve always had a clear vision of what Blake Travel should stand for, and even when things felt uncertain, I stayed true to that vision. It became my anchor. Whenever doubt crept in, I reminded myself of where I was heading and why I started.
Every booking, every happy client, and every small win was proof that the vision was working — even if the progress was slow at times.
I also leaned heavily on my work ethic. When things felt uncertain, I worked harder, learned faster, and stayed committed to the bigger picture. And honestly, the support of the people around me — the clients who believed in me early, the women who cheered me on, and the community that formed around the brand — gave me the strength to keep pushing.
Building this business took courage, but it also gave me courage. Every challenge shaped me into the leader I am today, and I’m proud of the journey — not because it was easy, but because I never lost sight of the vision, it has changed me as a woman. Now I believe I can overcome and achieve anything.
For me, “giving to grow” isn’t just a philosophy — it’s the backbone of how I lead and how my business has evolved.
Every major milestone in my journey has come from investing in people first. Whether it’s mentoring other women in business, taking the time to really listen to my team, or showing up for my community and supporting other small businesses, I’ve found that generosity and kindness always comes back tenfold.
Giving my time and knowledge has helped me grow my confidence as a leader because it reminds me that leadership is not about having all the answers — it’s about creating space for others to succeed. When I support another woman to take a step forward, I take one too. When I share what I’ve learned, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. And when I invest in my community, I build a network that lifts me as much as I lift them. Lately I’ve had some struggles in my personal life and the support from the community I’ve been networking in, has blown me away. It keeps me going.
My business has grown because of collaboration, not competition. I truly believe that when women support women, Or business’s support business’s, everything becomes possible. And if I can be even a small part of someone else’s rise, that is success to me.
My biggest advice is this: back yourself, even before the results show up.
So many women have the talent, the passion, and the ideas — but they hold back because they’re waiting to feel “ready.” The truth is, none of us feel ready at the start. Confidence comes from action, not the other way around.
1. Start small, but start.
You don’t need a perfect plan — you just need the courage to take the first step. Every big business begins with one tiny, imperfect action and don’t be scared to make mistake.
2. Get clear on your vision.
Know exactly what you want to create and what you want it to stand for. That clarity will carry you through the days when things feel hard. When you stay true to your vision, everything else falls into place.
3. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Social media doesn’t show the late nights, the self-doubt, or the setbacks. Stay in your lane. Celebrate your progress, even when it’s slow.
4. Surround yourself with people who lift you.
Find mentors, find allies, find women who encourage your growth. Community is everything — no one builds something meaningful alone.
5. And finally, lead with authenticity.
People connect with real. They connect with honesty, vulnerability, heart and passion. Your story, your values, and your unique way of doing things are your strongest advantages. Don’t dim them — amplify them.
If there’s one thing I hope women take away from my journey, it’s this: you are capable of building something extraordinary, and when you rise, make sure you reach back and pull another woman up with you — because that’s how we all grow.
What I’m most looking forward to about the event, is the energy — that incredible spark that happens when you put passionate, driven women in the same room.
A Force for Good has this way of bringing together women from all walks of life, all with their own stories of resilience, ambition, and heart. There’s something powerful about being in a space where everyone is cheering for one another and openly sharing what they’ve learned along the way.
For me, it’s the connection. I love meeting women who are just starting out, women who are reinventing themselves, and women who are already thriving that can push me to take things to the next level. Hearing their stories, their challenges, their wins — it reminds me why community matters so much.
I’m also looking forward to the energy in the room — that mix of inspiration, vulnerability, laughter, and pure determination. It’s impossible to walk away from this event the same person you walked in as. You leave with new ideas, new motivation, and a renewed sense of purpose.
