Ashley K. Stoyanov, Author of "Jefa in Training"
As the Business Hada Madrina (“fairy godmother” in Spanish) on and off Instagram, Ashley K. Stoyanov has always been one to offer advice and provide solutions to communities of underrepresented entrepreneurs. And now, the self-proclaimed socialpreneur is bringing those same nuggets of wisdom and support to the masses with the release of her new book, Jefa in Training, “a Latina book by Latinas for Latinas.”
“Jefa in Training is 100% the accomplishment I am most proud of thus far,” says Ashley, who’s Mexican and French. “I always wanted to write a book and never did I think I would finish writing one before I turned 30. It’s an absolute dream come true to be a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.”
Keep reading to learn more about this mujer de magia—from her beginnings to the advice she’d give to aspiring authors and business owners—and once you’re done, pick up a copy of Jefa in Training to help bring your larger-than-life idea to life.
Grace Gavilanes: Tell us about your business! What inspired you to start it?
Ashley K. Stoyanov: I started my current business as a business development coach, aka the “business hada madrina,” as a result of my first venture, the nonprofit organization #WomxnCrush Music. After having to learn about growing a community from scratch, building a team, fundraising, implementing programs, and more, other creative entrepreneurs started turning to me for guidance. And I loved being there for them. The same way I started #WCM to create opportunities for women songwriters, I wanted to find a way to help the new majority launch and grow businesses and creative projects too.
GG: You’re the author of Jefa in Training. What was the writing process like? What surprised you the most about it?
AKS: The writing process was an emotional rollercoaster. It felt so natural and at the same time I have never questioned myself so much in my entire life [laughs]. The actual writing part came pretty quickly once I stopped overthinking, but what actually surprised me is how hard it was to structure it all. I would literally write three pages and then stare at the document for 30 minutes moving paragraphs around and then questioning the whole outline of the book I had already created with my editors. As a first-time author, I really needed the support of my editors and I am so grateful for them!
GG: If you had to give one piece of advice to an aspiring Jefa, what would it be?
AKS: Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
GG: Imposter syndrome is a very real thing in our community. Have you experienced it? If so, how do you reconnect with yourself?
AKS: Oooof, definitely. When I first signed my book contract I actually couldn’t sit down to write because I felt major imposter syndrome. I like to reconnect with myself by celebrating all the small wins—all of my past achievements—and setting small daily goals. They help make the bigger vision seem not so scary!
““My career started really lining up for me once I had solidified my personal ‘why.’ Once you put that out into the universe and start planting seeds, the opportunities will come.””
GG: What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?
AKS: Jefa in Training is 100% the accomplishment I am most proud of thus far. I always wanted to write a book and never did I think I would finish writing one before I turned 30. It’s an absolute dream come true to be a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.
GG: What advice would you give to someone hoping to follow a similar career path?
AKS: Trust in your journey and in your “why.” My career started really lining up for me once I had solidified my personal “why.” Once you put that out into the universe and start planting seeds, the opportunities will come.
GG: Your parents are Mexican and French. How did these two cultures influence your upbringing and contribute to the woman you are today?
AKS: I feel incredibly blessed to have had both cultures present in my life, while I’ve always felt closer to my Mexican side because I grew up going there every year for months at a time (I have yet to go to France). Spending time with my family, speaking Spanish, listening to Mexican music, eating Mexican food, exploring different parts of the country and connecting with different people—it’s had a huge influence on who I am and definitely the way I run my business. Mexicans are very hospitable and community-oriented—I treat all of my clients like family and am a huge community advocate. ¡Juntos somos más fuertes!
GG: What does being Latina mean to you?
AKS: To me, being Latina means being proud of where my family is from. Being proud of the beauty of Mexico, our traditions, our food, our music, our people, our values. I am deeply connected to those roots and mi querido Mexico!
GG: What would you tell 15-year-old Ashley right now if you had the opportunity?
AKS: I would tell her that in 15 years, she’s going to have everything she’s ever wanted—so stop stressing so much. Just stay focused!
