Mint Sweater Girl Interview Series- Hannah Ashton

The Mint Sweater Girl Interview Series is a series where we interview Mint Sweater Girls to showcase their empowering stories and influence in their communities.

Today, our series continues with our friend, Hannah Ashton.

About Hannah:

Hannah Ashton is an 18-year old YouTuber, influencer, and entrepreneur. She started making videos at age 10 with her American Girl Dolls. She has grown her current channel to over 140,000 subscribers and she uploads videos weekly about women lifestyle, empowerment, and productivity.

After getting many questions and requests from viewers about growing their own YouTube channels, Hannah saw a need for a coach/mentor with experience in the field of YouTube management. In January of 2017, she started Hannah Ashton Content, a freelance consulting business where she coaches women on how to create successful YouTube channels.

Hannah also manages a team of 12 women, digitally, as they help run the company’s blog, social media, and her personal podcast. She strives every day to inspire other women to pursue their dream career and lives, no matter their age.

We’ve admired Hannah and the opportunities she’s taken to use her platform and her Youtube Channel to build a strong message for women and aspiring young entrepreneurs, today we wanted to share her interview with you and allow her message to empower you too.

When did you know that starting your own business is what you wanted to do? 

I have always loved the idea of being an entrepreneur. I guess you could say that I dabbled in running a business with little things in my childhood like selling paperclip bracelets in elementary school and running an Etsy shop with my bestie in middle school. As for my YouTube business, I knew I wanted a platform to call my own. So I started creating my website in December of 2016.

How did you feel the moment you realized you found your passion?

I feel like finding my passion has been an ongoing thing for me. I’ve done sports and theater shows my whole life and I definitely have a love for those extracurriculars but I knew I really found my passion in high school when I started focusing and growing my channel. I was always wanting to improve it no matter how many hours a day I had to work.

In your entrepreneurial journey you are continuously surrounded by women and you, yourself, are empowering women, how have these connections and friendships impacted you personally?

I love all the empowerment I see on social media and whenever I network or build relationships with women who have the same vision I, too, become inspired! However, it has definitely opened my eyes, and sadly, I see the exact opposite of “building up other women” in high school. Even though we are surrounded with the trend of “women empowerment,” gossip, cliques, and all the stereotypes of high school are still present. But I am trying to do my best to always be inclusive and empowering in my friendships and embody the inspiration I gain from situations outside of school.

For many, it takes a lifetime for them to find what they’re passionate about, but you’ve uncovered your dreams and started chasing them long before others. In this moment, now, what do you feel is your purpose? 

I believe my purpose is to share with other women how I’ve been able to create a life and career I love through YouTube––thats why I started coaching! I also believe my purpose is to share the love of Christ and authenticity with my audience too.

What would you say to the girl who is struggling to find her purpose or doesn’t know if she’s found hers yet? And how will she know when she does?

Many of my friends have struggled to find their purpose, especially as they are trying to choose a major. However, I would say to go back to what you loved when you were younger. What gave you thrill as a child? Art, the outdoors, singing? Try to bring those things back into your life, if they have fallen out, and see if they bring you the same joy they did back then! I think you know you’ve found your purpose when you think about it when you wake up or when you got to bed or just more than you should.

You work one-on-one with other girls who are hoping to start a successful YouTube channel, what do you feel is the most common obstacle that arises and what is your best advice for her when overcoming it? 

The most common obstacle I see is simply the fear to start. It can be intimidating to post your genuine self for all the world to see and it’s terrifying to think about your friends and family watching too. However, I would advise her to weigh the obstacle. Ask yourself if their opinions are that big of a deal in the spectrum of starting your dream or something that can help achieve your dreams. That really puts it in perspective.

Whenever you face an obstacle or feel stuck and unsure of what to do, who do you turn to?

I definitely turn to my mom. She is the most caring and invested woman I know. She has created an amazing life for herself and even though I don’t like to admit it: she is always right.

For the girl afraid to start Vlogging because her life is “too boring” what would you say to her?

Honestly, my “boring” vlogs are the ones that do the best! My vlog watchers like to see the day-to-day of a teenage girl with hustle. Those vlogs will just consist of meal prepping, taking calls, and filming.

So don’t be afraid to give the perspective of your life!

At the end of the day, what has you smiling most about your life?

I would have to say my boyfriend, Joshua. He isn’t obsessed with social media or YouTube at all but he still constantly supports me and keeps me centered.

How do you overcome the social anxiety every time you hit publish? What would say to the girl who is struggling to hit that publish button in her life? (i.e. blogging, youtube, social media, publishing online)

Hitting publish now is like second nature. For most of my videos, I don’t hesitate to upload! My advice, though, would be to think about your future and how hitting publish on this awesome thing you created could propel you to reach your future goals! Chances are, those future goals will trample the social anxiety of the moment.

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We would like to take a moment to thank Hannah for taking the time to share her thoughts, life, and inspiration. Hannah continues to lead and use her platform to advocate for women empowerment, encourage aspiring young entrepreneurs, and we are so grateful for her and the inspiration she continues to spread.

To learn more about Hannah and to receive daily inspiration from her you can find her via the links below:

Hannah Ashton: http://hannahashton.com/

Hannah’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MissInnerBeauty2

Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misshannahashton/?hl=en

*Photo of Hannah taken by: Sarah McAffery Photography

To read our previous interview with Laura Quintero and our other interviews from the Mint Sweater Girl Interview Series head on over to our blog via the links.