Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Ashley.
Hi Tamara, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
From childhood well into adulthood, I’ve been exposed to various challenges and adversities, things that I now understand or see as preparation tools that were designed to align me with my purpose. From a childhood plagued by sexual abuse to an adult life that saw many days of substance abuse, alcoholism, homelessness, and suicidal attempts. I’ve had to use the pains of my past to build the foundation for the life God called me to.
I remember feeling so alone through my trials, I remember feeling like the only way to put a stop to my pain was to put a stop to my life. But God had more in store. He needed me to survive all of that, so that I could show others what was possible once they put their trust in Him.
So here I am today, creating a community and a space that is committed to showing others that there is purpose on the other side of their pain. Here I am, showing others what healing and “doing the work” really looks like. My brand, Pain to Purpose, is about changing mindsets so that we can change our lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been the furthest thing from smooth. There are bumps, there are sharp turns, there are potholes that could damage you, there are blind spots, there’s traffic, there are so many different obstacles. But! The beautiful thing about the hard road is what you experience along the journey. Some days, I have no idea if I am really pursuing my purpose, and if I am, am I doing it the way God wants? Some days I wonder if I can really take this as far as my dreams desire. I wonder if people even believe in what I am doing or if they are just being “nice.”
It gets frustrating, it gets overwhelming, it gets lonely. One minute you’re on a high and you believe you’re unstoppable, the next you feel like the odds are stacked against you and the only thing you’re destined to do is fail. Then comes the financial burden of bringing your vision to life. Where will the funds come from to do this? Will people buy into this? Will I dig myself into a hole that I can’t get out of? There are so many things! But when you remember your why, your assignment, what you’re called to do, and who called you to do it, you remember that there is provision. You remember that a way will always be made because it’s your purpose. It HAS to work!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Tamara Ashley. I am a coach, mentor, and speaker. I am also an advocate for mental health, and I am well-versed in leadership and business. And how could I forget that I am also a native of the DMV, being raised and spending most of my childhood all over the Washington Metropolitan area?
I’m most known for my ability, or as I like to call it, my gift, to empower. I believe in uplifting, motivating, and affirming individuals to be the best version of themselves. A lot of times, we allow our circumstances or situations to chip away at our character and our true identity. When you allow that to happen, you’re allowing your purpose to be clouded. I believe in teaching people that your circumstances do not define you; instead, they refine you. They build you; they prepare you; they set you up to embrace the greatness that’s been on the inside of you since birth. What started as just small conversations with friends and strangers expanded to hosting, facilitating, and speaking at empowerment events all over the area. I’ve been able to share my testimony and relate to so many that it has shined a light on me that I initially ran from.
My brand, Pain to Purpose, was born out of my past triumphs. I’ve traveled a long road of pain, healing, forgiveness, depression, disappointment, victory, sickness, mental illness. You name it, I’ve made a stop there on my journey of life so far. As I started to build a life for myself, that was very open and transparent when it came to the things I dealt with. I started realizing that I wasn’t alone in my battles. People that had experienced a lot of the same things were gravitating to me, more and more. Now, when I was going through, I just knew I was the only one, so I hid my pain. I kept everything bottled up because I didn’t feel like anyone would understand or that anyone would care about my problems because they already had their own.
Little did I know, there were people who were actually waiting for my voice. They needed me to show up and show them that there were spaces safe enough for them to be as transparent and as honest as I was. And that’s what Pain to Purpose is, it’s showing people that they are not alone, it’s showing them that there is victory on the other side, it’s showing them that the pain served a purpose and if they’re willing to do the work, they too can heal and flourish.
I’m most proud of the fruit my brand has produced. It’s not about selling out events for me, it’s not about popularity, and it’s not about being on major platforms. It’s about the testimonies that come long after the events are over, it’s about the relationships I build with like-minded individuals, it’s about the lives I am able to save, it’s about the mindsets I am able to shift.
People who may have wanted to take their lives yesterday now feel seen and worthy of life. People who lack self-confidence now believe they’re unstoppable. People who had no idea what their purpose was are now knocking out goals and pursuing dreams. Most importantly for me, people who didn’t really have a real relationship with God or struggled with their belief system now know that He is real, and they see how He transforms lives. Because He surely transformed mine.
Pain to Purpose right now caters to empowering women and young girls by creating events that are deemed safe spaces for the work to begin. We focus on mental health, relationships, breaking stigmas, purpose, goals, spiritual journeys, healing, forgiveness, and so much more. This is just the capacity where we are currently flourishing and setting the foundation. In the near future, I plan to expand and create the same space for men. A space where they can come together. Build community and uplift one another.
Men are so left out, they have emotions, traumas. They have work to do, they need to heal, forgive, pursue purpose. And they are so deserving of spaces such as these where they don’t have to be super masculine or “strong”. A space where they can talk about real life issues without judgement and without fear. Don’t worry, it’s coming!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about the city is that the opportunities here are endless. There is so much room for growth and evolution. Now, what I like least sometimes is our pride. We hate to ask for help, and we shy away from spaces that make us feel vulnerable or weak.
If we learn and embrace the fact that we are better together, we could take over the world. We need more platforms and spaces that promote community and promote people coming together to help each other navigate through life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @paintopurposellc
