Meet Ashton Kirkeide | Marketing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashton Kirkeide and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashton, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Work life balance has always been a struggle for me. When I worked in corporate marketing, I thought I had a good balance until it finally hit me that anxiety and lack of sleep shouldn’t be my normal. After years of being “balanced,” I was hit by the realization that I was a highly-functioning workaholic. I never shut off my phone. I would wake up checking my emails or check them at the BBQ on Sunday. I fooled myself into thinking it was a good balance or, at the very least, “worth it.” It took me years of reflection and setting boundaries to learn what a good work-life balance was, and, to be honest, I still struggle. I set time limitations on my phone now and won’t check my emails after normal work hours. I also set a boundary with my clients that I respond to emails within 48 hours. I regularly have to check in on my boundaries and make sure I’m holding them firm. Sometimes I am, and sometimes I’m not, but the regular check-in helps reset before things go way off the rails!

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Black Horse Marketing about seven years as a fun and creative diversion from my corporate marketing career. I never intended for it to become anything bigger than that. However, after years of corporate burnout, I started to question my work-life balance and whether my current pace was sustainable.

Spoiler alert – it wasn’t.

Right around the same time, the company I worked for went through a takeover, and I realized I had an opportunity. At the time, I didn’t know what kind of opportunity or what I was going to do. At that moment, the goal was just “not this.” I left the company and decided to consult for a little while.

Well, a little while has turned into years, and while business ownership is never easy, it’s given me the freedom to really look at how I want to live life. I’ve learned a ton in business since I started. It took about 4 months to stop undervaluing my work. It took another 4 months to not be crushed for a week after a nasty ex-client email.

Business ownership takes a lot of personal growth. That was the part I never expected.

But I can proudly say I love what I do now. I love my clients. I love hearing their stories, goals, and aspirations.

I’m always striving to improve both personally and professionally. I know I will always need to stay true to my boundaries to maintain a work-life balance, but at least I am the one steering the ship now!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Phoenix is such an incredible place to visit! I always recommend coming in the Fall or Winter unless you LOVE the heat. I absolutely love to eat out, so my favorite places are always restaurants. However, there are some amazing hikes and outdoor activities, too.

O.H.S.O Brewery – If you love fun spirits and have a dog, you can’t miss OHSO. They have large dog-friendly patios at all their locations, and the food is great! It’s a nice casual place to grab lunch or dinner and hang out with friends. The Pilgrim sandwich is my favorite!

Top Golf – You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy Top Golf—trust me, I’m not! This is a great place to hang out, have
a little fun, and get some dinner while you play. It is cheaper to go during the day, but you’ll miss the lights from Casino Arizona and Top Golf itself.

Modern Oyster – I love seafood, and believe it or not, Arizona has some pretty good seafood options. Modern Oyster has a selection of oysters and fresh fish shipped in daily, and they are amazing!

Echo Canyon Hike – Many people have heard of hiking Camelback Mountain, but a lot of people don’t know about the other side. Echo Canyon is the second trail on Camelback Moutain and is more challenging. You even get to do some bouldering towards the top. Make sure to pack lots of water!

Fountain Hills Disc Golf – I live in Fountain Hills and can’t say enough about Fountain Hills Park. The central point of the park is a man-made lake with a massive fountain. Around the lake is one of the premier disc golf courses in the country. If you time it right, you might even see a tournament!

Desert Botanical Gardens – The Desert Botanical Gardens are beautiful year-round, but my favorite time is around the holidays. They often have artists set up their work throughout the gardens for an added touch. The Christmas Lumineres is incredible and a can’t-miss if you are here in December.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many shoutouts, it is hard to consolidate them on a list!

My husband, Jeremy Kirkeide, has always been incredibly supportive of all my crazy ideas and business propositions.
My business coach, Alison Reeves, has helped me push my business forward, identify personal growth areas, and maintain boundaries.
My family – for instilling an incredible work ethic and drive.

Website: www.blackhorsemarketingservices.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackhorsemkting/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-horse-marketing-services/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackhorsemarketingservices