Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Donaldson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hey there! I’m excited to share my journey with you all, a story that’s deeply rooted in my experiences as a plus-size woman, a nurse, and a community builder.
I graduated from college in 2020, and let me tell you, living in a small town my entire life made me crave something bigger, something different. I had my sights set on Dallas, longing for a fresh start and new adventures—though I had no clear plan on how to make it happen.
Once I moved, I dove into my nursing career and quickly made incredible friends. But as I navigated adulthood, I realized that keeping up with everyone’s schedules was a challenge. That’s when inspiration struck—I decided to create Black Girls Hang Out, a space for black women to connect, unwind, and most importantly, be ourselves without the pressure to code-switch.
The idea sparked from a personal moment of disappointment—waiting for friends who stood me up while I sat alone on my couch. In that moment of vulnerability, I knew I needed to cultivate something beautiful from it. I shared my vision on Meetup, hesitating at first. A week later, with the help of an amazing friend who offered to design a logo, my idea blossomed from a handful of women to an incredible community of over 2,000 ladies who meet and connect throughout Dallas, creating lasting friendships and support.
Alongside this community, I ventured into the realm of content creation. I’ve always been a “yapper” (as my friends joke!), and at 16, I began my YouTube channel, focusing on fashion and beauty. However, moving to Dallas brought another layer to my journey. I felt a compelling urge to shed the layers of doubt and insecurity I had about my body and how I dressed. It was time to express myself boldly.
As I started showcasing my outfits online, I clung to the mantra: “Love yourself fiercely.” This phrase became my rallying cry—an effort to empower especially plus-size women like myself to embrace their bodies, to express themselves unapologetically, and to find joy in fashion.
Each day, I’m living my truth and inspiring others to do the same. My mission is simple: to encourage women to celebrate their bodies, their style, and their beautifully unique selves.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Putting myself out there has never been easy, but one of my best qualities is my willingness to start. I’m very spontaneous, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t have to start off perfect; you just have to start. You’ll never succeed if you never try. So, I found that initiating things is really easy for me. However, maintaining consistency and growth in both my community and my content creation has proven to be a challenge. There were times when I faced negativity or when others didn’t see my vision, which made things tough.
As the founder of an incredible group and an active content creator while juggling my full-time nursing career, the journey is undeniably demanding. But I’ve committed to this path wholeheartedly. I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with friends who uplift and support me, helping me stay energized and motivated.
With their encouragement, I can continue to pour into others, knowing I have people who pour into me. I’ve also realized that many people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. So, when it comes to creating events or hosting things, I really rely on a team and delegate, which helps me to stay consistent and do it all.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle content creation, with a strong emphasis on creativity. What sets me apart is my ability to take simple concepts and present them in innovative and engaging ways. I constantly seek to enhance and elevate ideas, making them more enjoyable and vibrant. My goal is to create a fun, uplifting atmosphere where my audience can find joy and a brief escape from life’s challenges through my content.
What makes you happy?
I believe that happiness is rooted in our experiences, and I seek joy through my faith and genuine relationships with amazing people. The greatest joy for me comes from gathering loved ones around a long table, sharing laughter and conversation in spaces that I have curated. Hosting events, game nights, and book clubs are some of my favorite activities, a passion I’ve had since childhood. Recently, I organized a surprise 45th birthday party for my aunt, and it brought me immense joy to see the people I love enjoying the environment I created.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithashleysymone?igsh=eXVjbDQ2Zm9xanp2&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifewithashleysymone?si=zCl1TNeluT6vrLzP
Image Credits
Kesha from Lynncreatesphotography for all of the person shots
