About Ashley Tilson
and her entrepreneurial journey
I’m Ashley D. Tilson, a creative entrepreneur and business support partner who’s learned firsthand that resilience isn’t something we’re born with… it’s something we build. My story is one of transformation: Turning challenges into strengths, and passions into purpose. Today, I channel that journey into helping others find clarity, confidence, and forward momentum in both their lives and their businesses.
From Adversity to Ambition:
Growing up wasn’t easy. I faced emotional and financial hardship from an early age — the kind of instability that forces you to mature quickly and figure things out on your own. But those experiences taught me how to survive, how to organize chaos, and how to keep going even when life felt uncertain.
That need for control eventually became a strength. Over time, I developed a sharp eye for structure, an instinctual sense for creating order, and a belief that mindset and systems could turn just about anything around.
By the time I turned 14, I was already working. Most teenagers I knew didn’t need to work (and many didn’t want to), but for me, it was never seen as optional. I saw it not only as a necessity, but also as a way forward. Those early jobs were more than just income; they gave me confidence, taught me how to adapt, and helped me realize the kind of impact I wanted to have in the world.
Building a Career of Versatility:
My full-time career began in 2006 when I joined a family-run business as a Receptionist. On paper, it was a basic administrative role, but I quickly found myself doing far more. With a natural curiosity and a drive to be useful, I started assisting with accounting tasks, inventory tracking, and financial reporting for the CEO. That experience revealed something important: I wasn’t just capable of keeping things running — I was good at making them run better.
From there, my path unfolded through a series of roles where I wore many hats. I’ve created Health & Safety policies that were OHSA approved, managed vendor relationships, took care of payroll and HR duties, and helped streamline operations wherever I could. Each new challenge expanded my skills and reinforced what would become a core strength: learning fast, filling gaps, and finding practical solutions others didn’t see.
Though my dedication brought recognition, promotions, and awards, it also brought burnout. At the height of my time with a growing retail chain, I managed purchasing across 18+ locations and increased profitability by optimizing inventory and budgets month over month. But behind the scenes, I learned the owner planned to sell off the stores and quietly shut down the company. After giving so much to build something sustainable, the decision felt like a betrayal. I stepped away to protect my mental health, not realizing it would become the start of a new chapter.
From Healing to Helping:
In January 2019, I launched my first business as a Spiritual Guide and Healer — inspired by my own life-changing journey of overcoming childhood trauma and reclaiming my true identity. This wasn’t just a career shift; it was a calling. I had recently earned certifications in several forms of alternative healing and chose to specialize in trauma recovery, helping others rewrite their narratives and step into empowerment.
The work was deeply meaningful, but not without its challenges. Many of my ideal clients were also facing financial hardship, which often meant offering my services for free or at reduced rates. While I struggled to accept that the business model wasn’t sustainable, the experience shaped me in ways that still inform my work today. It deepened my understanding of authenticity, empathy, and the transformative power of simply holding space — values I carry forward into everything I do.
The Pivot to Business Support:
In 2020, a former mentor invited me to step into a Virtual Assistant role. What began as straightforward administrative support quickly evolved into something more — blending digital marketing, business development, and coaching. I found myself naturally helping business owners bring structure to their operations and clarity to their next steps.
That experience sparked something. I saw how my background in office management, paired with the lessons I’d learned from launching and running businesses, could form the foundation of a career that was not only impactful but sustainable.
By 2024, I had fully stepped into this direction as my primary focus. Through launching Root & Reach, I now combine strategic support with intuitive coaching to help entrepreneurs and small business owners streamline, grow, and lead with confidence. It’s a purpose-driven path, one that allows me to empower others as they navigate their own journeys.
A Life Rooted in Growth:
Today, I live in rural Eastern Ontario with my husband and our adopted dog, Tia, who keeps a watchful eye from her beds in our home offices. When I’m not supporting clients or building new ventures, I find joy in cooking, gaming, and — when the mood strikes — crafting or diving into small home renovation projects. I’m a simple person with big dreams, focused on building a legacy that encourages others to explore their own potential.
If there’s one message I hope my story conveys, it’s this:
you’re not alone.
Whether you’re facing personal challenges or navigating the complexities of business, I’ve been there — and I know that transformation is possible. My journey is still unfolding, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
Honorary Mentions:
Published in The Consuming Flame (2000)
Creator/Blogger behind Empath Confessions (2018 – current)
Mentor in the High Priestess Ascension Academy (2020 – 2023)
Administrator for the New Earth Alchemists Academy (2020 – current)
Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine (2021)
