I used to say, “Chris and I left ministry…” but the truth is—we didn’t. It just looks different now. Chris was in seminary to be a pastor. Third-generation preacher’s kid. His dad pastors a historic apostolic church on the west side of Chicago. Me? I didn’t have that same call to the pulpit, but I was down to serve right alongside him. At 22 and 24, we were young and married—learning, growing, doing street ministry, feeding folks, running youth programs. We loved the people and the purpose. That heart to serve never left. It just evolved. When we started Speak Your Way To Cash®, we thought we were stepping away from ministry. Turns out, God was just giving us a new platform. Now, every event we host cording to @yolanda_k_churchwell feels like “business church.” People tell us they feel different after attending—and that’s because love, faith, and service are built into the DNA of everything we do. Our whole family’s involved—Chris, my mom, my brothers, my baby girl, my nieces and nephews. It’s a full-blown family mission. Ministry didn’t end. It expanded. So if you’ve ever felt called to serve but thought, “I’m not supposed to be in a pulpit,” hear me—ministry isn’t confined to a stage. It’s anywhere you love, lead, and lift people higher in the name of Jesus. It’s wear you surrender your plans to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And hear me on this; whatever you put your hands to do you’re supposed to work as unto God. That means learning and executing in excellence. That includes investing to be the best at your craft and putting in as much time as it takes to be great. If your business is a gift from God treat it with the respect such a gift deserves. God can use your voice—right where you are. Maybe more of us are in ministry than we think. 😉

1. You’re going to act in alignment with your BELIEFS not your feelings. 2. You’re going to manage your emotions. 3. You’re going to keep your word even when it’s hard. I can’t tell you how many CEOs don’t keep their word. Their excuses lead them, NOT their commitments. 4. You’re going to work for as long as it takes to be great. Y’all, you’ll win if you just try in this season. And then go a step beyond average. 5. You’ll provide a great service. Create strong offers. 6. You’ll actually listen to the people you’ve entrusted to lead you, 7. Professional reputation matters so you’ll protect yours. Pay your bills on time. Be who you POST to be. Don’t make excuses, make a way. Now is not the time to be wishy washy. People won’t trust you. You can’t lead others when you can’t lead yourself so take care of you so you can lead well. 8. Nourish every relationship that matters and let go of people and things that don’t serve you. 2026 will be EPIC. There is literally nothing that can stop you when you’re focused.

First I would like to say that I am happy to be apart of this community! Just listening to Ashley has been so inspiring for me. In a post she said she thought she gave up ministry but she is definitely God sent. I have seen so much confirmation from God in just stepping out on faith. I have secured a contract for Email Marketing Services with more to come. I am looking forward to more growth and more learning (mentorship and coaching) 🙏🏽 prayerfully with Ashley Kirkwood. LOL! I’m tryna step with the big dawgs 😂

I am looking for a brand consultant / strategist. Any recommendations?