Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Brooks.
Hi Ashlyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have a bit of an untraditional background. I was a Houston Texans Cheerleader in college, then began my career as a civil engineer for a construction company, and moved into writing as a way to achieve a better work/life balance. I’ve been published in Forbes, USA Today, and Kiplinger, but I wanted to write for myself, and not only be at the mercy of a large publication. The waves of layoffs started coming in, and that is what solidified my decision to start a local publication. That’s when I created Cypress Digest.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur is never a smooth road, but it’s the friction that polishes the stone. Along the way, I’ve gained perspectives and lessons that many never have the chance to experience. I’ve built skills across marketing, writing, editing, SEO, pitching, selling my value, and advertising. These have been costly lessons at times, but each one has strengthened my foundation. Through perseverance, I’ve come to see them not as obstacles, but as invaluable growth opportunities.
My greatest challenge is also my greatest asset — time. As a one-woman show, I create all of my own copy, designs, and ads. That gives me complete creative control and the flexibility to produce exactly what I want, when I want. Unlike others, I’m not bound by rigid timelines. Since I run lean on labor and overhead, I can afford to take more risks, test new ideas, and innovate without fighting through layers of bureaucracy. The trade-off is that I often reach my ceiling faster than competitors who may have a team of ten supporting their publication — but that constraint pushes me to be more creative, efficient, and resourceful.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Cypress Digest is the community connector of Cypress, TX.
We deliver community updates, local news, practical guides, and hundreds of events every month. Our commitment is simple: unbiased, non-political, and positive news that keeps residents informed and connected.
We put the community first by working directly with local businesses, giving them an affordable platform to reach their neighbors. Instead of recycling generic, high-level headlines, we bring meaningful local stories and real value.
Businesses choose us because we provide clarity. We don’t sell vanity metrics—we put you directly in front of the community, showcase your value, and do it without charging thousands each month. As Cypress residents ourselves, we live the stories we tell: attending local events, following Texas updates, and staying engaged in the conversations that matter most to our neighbors.
Thanks to this human approach and commitment to transparency, Cypress Digest is on its way to becoming the most trusted voice in Cypress.
What are your plans for the future?
We’re planning to double down on our audience and expand our platforms to deliver even greater reach and value — with a goal of tripling our reach within the next quarter alone.
Pricing:
- Subscribing is Free!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cypressdigest.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cypressdigest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cypressdigest
- Other: https://directory.cypressdigest.com
