Ashley Small is the president of the brand development firm, Medley Inc. Small got her start in 2005 as an intern for JONES Magazine and independently began working as a PR and social media consultant.
Some of Small’s clients include MOCAH (Museum of Cultural Arts Houston), Belle Epique Salon and Makeup Bar, Melodrama Boutique, Houston-based publishing house, AddisonCraft, and pop-soul artist Deandre Wright. Small shares with rolling out how she used social media to market and grow her business. –alex green
What distinguishes Medley Inc. from other firms?
Our niche is web marketing. I think my advantage lies in the fact that I understand how to use the web to garner publicity. However, we still refer to our textbooks from college for method and structure in PR. I’ve worked at a major L.A.-based PR firm, launched social media campaigns for a major national magazine and worked in advertising at a newspaper in one of the top 10 markets. As a result, I have a good understanding of media in all aspects.
How do you stay current?
We’re constantly on the web. Reading industry-specific blogs, learning new tools and best practices. I personally have some pretty brilliant friends and mentors, so that helps.
What’s next?
In addition to an April open house for Bella and several events for AddisonCraft, we’ll be helping to spread the word about MOCAH’s upcoming projects — the Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance mural and a mosaic mural that will serve as the welcome marquee to The Center in River Oaks.
How can others be successful in your field?
Find the balance between being a creative, brilliant person and being a businessperson. Too often, we neglect the business side, and it ends up hindering us in the long run. Also, be aggressive and assertive, but always take time to remind yourself that your purpose is to help others succeed…if that’s, in fact, your purpose.
For more information, please visit: https://www.medley-inc.com/ https://www.ashleysmallonline.com/ www.twitter.com/ashleyrsmall www.facebook.com/ashleysmall.
