Life and Work with Ashley Lancaster

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Lancaster.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Since I can remember, I’ve always been the little girl that enjoyed helping others. From a small kid and throughout my life, showing compassion towards others was a big thing for me. Although, I never planned or fathomed being the founder of a non-profit organization, I will say my natural interest in helping and caring for others led me down this journey.

It wasn’t until my final year of undergrad that I felt compelled to form some type of group or organization that aided individuals like myself–the individual facing great adversity but determined to succeed. At that time, I was a young mother, in a relationship that was stressful, working a full-time job and attending school full time, without much help and limited resources. I remember just being tired and drained, everyday feeling like I just couldn’t get one foot in front of the other. I was making great efforts to beat the odds, but things kept occurring that made my journey 10 times harder. To say the least, it was a very challenging time in my life. The two things that kept me focused and determined to keep going was my son Chase and the dreams I had for my future, hence Chase’N’Dreams.

I realized in that season that, it’s so many people whether young or old that want to get on the right path, and that have their own big dreams but are just lacking the tools and resources to get them there. After successfully making it through that trying time of my life, I was motivated to be the person that I needed at that time, so I birthed Chase’N’Dreams Org.

Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s definitely been an eye-opening and fun road. I think some people believe non-profit work is easy or doesn’t take much effort, but it does, especially if you want to do it in the proper fashion and be effective in your mission. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure the formation is done properly. There are many intricate steps in forming a non-profit, that most people are unaware of, like having a certain amount of people on your board, submitting applications and specific documents to your state, and filing annual taxes. What I’ve learned along the way is, essentially having a non-profit is like running a business. Who would’ve thought giving back to the community, entailed having to file taxes?!

Things that I’ve struggled with on this journey has been, the lack of ample resources to see my vision through, balancing my time, and not having a strong team. Since the beginning, I’ve covered every expense, when things weren’t donated. It can get extremely hard when you have a big vision, but you lack the monetary resources. Honestly, I’ve found myself discouraged many times because of that. It’s a process, but I’m learning to not get so caught up on my grand plans and work more diligently on the small details to eventually achieve my ultimate goal.

Some advice I’d give a young woman starting is, believe in your vision and don’t rush yourself. God planted a unique vision in each of our minds, and it can never be executed by anyone the way it can by you; no matter if someone shares similar interests as you. No one can do, what you do and how you do it, so embrace that and allow that to motivate you to keep going on your journey. You’ll get discouraged, feel you’re not doing enough, or may get lost, but never give up on your pursuits. Everything will fall into place in perfect timing if you stay persistent in your purpose.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chase’N’Dreams Org – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Chase’N’Dreams is an organization that strives to assist and support disadvantaged youth in pursuing their post-high school aspirations. I’ve always felt that what holds most people back is their lack of support, proper guidance and resources. When I created Chase’N’Dreams my main mission was to prepare and provide the youth with the tools and resources they need, by connecting them directly with individuals who are where they’re trying to go. If some of us had someone to show us the blueprint early, we could’ve avoided some unnecessary obstacles.

Since starting this organization, I’ve been most proud of our Annual Prom Makeover Giveaway. For the last three years, I’ve been able to collaborate with some amazing high schools and local business owners, to provide our winners with the ultimate prom package. It’s been a true blessing to meet and gift my winners with this package because they’re so deserving. All of them have been well rounded young ladies, who work exceptionally hard in school, yet deal with many hardships at home. What I admired most about each of these ladies, was their determination to succeed. Although I’m gifting them with a prom makeover, the true gift is having the opportunity to meet them and learn more about who they are. Each interaction I have with a student leaves me inspired, grounded, and filled with satisfaction knowing that I’m doing my part to change lives.

I’d say what sets me apart from others is my ability to really relate to my kids and the genuine compassion I have towards each child and what I’m doing. I wholeheartedly want to make a difference in the lives I touch and inspire them to see themselves beyond their circumstances. When I interact with these young adults, I see myself and that’s what fuels me to keep going. I’ve been blessed tremendously, and I want to share all my knowledge and resources with whoever is open to receiving it.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I’m big on self-help, self-care and psychology, so I tend to gravitate to books that speak to elevating your mind and spirit and the understanding of others.

When I was around 13, my step-father gave me a book by Dale Carnegie called How to Win Friends and Influence People. At that time, I had absolutely no interest in the book and brushed it off completely, but when I became an adult, I found it to be very useful. After reading it again, I found so many jewels that resonated with me and that helps me to maneuver in this world. That’s a book I’d recommend to everyone!

Aside from books and podcasts, I truly go to music to keep me inspired. I relate a lot to artist like Nipsey, PAC, and Jay-Z because they bring awareness to the issues in our communities and are/were courageous in their tactics to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chasendreamsorg/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChaseandDreams/
• Twitter: twitter.com/chasendreamsorg

Image Credit:
Larance Photography

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