In celebration of Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to contribute essays exploring themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and beyond.
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Today, Ashlee Merritt, co-founder of Reply All Agency, presents a unique essay about trusting oneself to embrace change and taking the initial step into a new chapter, as part of Atwood Magazine’s Women’s History Month series!
Raised in Prince George’s County, MD, and with a decade spent in New York, Ashlee Merritt is currently based in Los Angeles. She is a marketing professional with over ten years of experience in the music entertainment industry, having collaborated with prominent companies such as Universal Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, and Artist Partner Group, as well as artists like Lay Bankz, Jhené Aiko, Kaash Paige, 070 Shake, Madonna, and Jason Derulo. Ashlee specializes in marketing strategy, project management, and brand development, and is recognized for building artist partnerships and delivering significant outcomes. She approaches her work with empathy and compassion, using creativity, industry knowledge, and collaboration to foster cultural relevance and drive business success.
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by Ashlee Merritt
I never imagined that entrepreneurship would be part of my journey.
Having always worked within corporate environments for reputable companies, I was accustomed to fulfilling my role and striving to improve things during my tenure. It wasn’t until about a year ago that I began to grapple with recurring thoughts about making a career change and questioning “what if.” I attempted to suppress those feelings by reminding myself, “This is what you worked hard for — a career in music at a record label,” which was a dream I had always held, and I felt incredibly fortunate to have realized it. Yet, I still sensed an inner pull to explore the “what if” scenarios and consider how a new phase of growth, both personally and professionally, could manifest for me.
After leaving my last position, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, excitement about the unknown and its possibilities, alongside feelings of anxiety about what my next steps would entail. I knew I wanted to pursue consulting but felt uncertain about where to begin, which led to anxiety and the familiar feelings of imposter syndrome—wondering if I could really turn this into a successful venture on my own.
Amidst this uncertainty, a meaningful conversation with a friend who later became my business partner encouraged me to take a leap of faith and pursue my desire to work independently. This dialogue led to the founding of Reply All Agency with that same friend, where we provide marketing consulting services focused on digital and streaming strategies for artists. It feels incredibly surreal to be on this new path of self-employment, and it has been an enlightening experience in the best ways! Truly learning to trust myself and stepping out on faith to transform my dreams into reality.
It’s thrilling to engage in an endeavor I once believed was beyond my reach or something that intimidated me. As a Black woman, it is profoundly empowering to trust in myself, my knowledge, and my experiences to pursue a passion or calling, even if I cannot see the entire path ahead—having enough faith to take that first step. Often, we feel confined by societal expectations and the pressure to adhere to the "rules" of success, but I increasingly realize that these "rules" are illusory, and we each have our unique timelines to follow.
I know I can’t fail because God is with me, guiding my journey. My purpose is to listen, follow, and use my life experiences to inspire others to pursue their own callings. To make that change, take a leap of faith, try something new, and do it even when fear is present. It takes courage to rise and try again… and truly understanding that what is meant for you cannot be taken away.
It’s a familiar saying, but we have only one life to live, and we can shape the lives we envision for ourselves through our choices.
While it’s undoubtedly easier said than done, recognizing this power makes it less daunting to confront and empowers you to think and act more freely.
My life motto has always been, “Be ready, but be patient, and let it all unfold.” – Ashlee Merritt
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:: connect with Ashlee Merritt here ::
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"Be Prepared, Be Patient, and Allow Everything to Unfold": An Essay by Ashlee Merritt for Women's History Month - Atwood Magazine