Neighbors

Hello Neighbor!

HI, MY NAME IS... Ashley Richards.

I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE FOR 14 MONTHS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… I am a third generation Arizona native, but I have called Scottsdale home for the last 14 months after moving from Phoenix. We love our new home and community because of the incredible mountain views, wildlife, weather, and wonderful schools for our two children.

A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE

INCLUDES… I like to call my days “organized chaos.” As a business owner, wife, and mom to two adorable kids, there is not a dull or slow moment in the day. My days include making lunches, taking the kids to school, a lot of meetings and Zoom calls with my team and wonderful clients, followed by pick up, sports, dinner and homework. I typically finish my day with work emails and a bubble bath.

MY FAMILY IS… My everything! My husband, Brandon, who works in IT, and I have been married for 10 years. We have two adorable kids: Ellie, who is seven and loves gymnastics and Barbies, and our son, Eli, who is five and a huge fan of Star Wars and baseball. We also have our adorable pup that we rescued from the Humane Society, Kona.

ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT

IS… Bubble baths. I take one daily in the evening as it helps me relax and unwind from the day.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO

BE… A CEO, and here I am achieving that goal! I own E Squared Marketing, a boutique digital marketing agency always willing to go the extra mile for our clients (esquaredmarketing.com). I remember going into my stepdad’s office and filing his paperwork, pretend answering his phone, and would pretend to fax papers to clients. Although the technology has changed over the years, those pretend tasks are still things I do today.

THE SONG I WOULD SING AT

KARAOKE NIGHT IS… Nothing says karaoke like Bon Jovi, so any of his jams.

THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES

ME IS… My sister, Mindy. She is my best friend and someone I look up to. She encourages me on the tough days and celebrates accomplishments with me. She is incredible and someone I admire so very much.

THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME

LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… My kids. They are at the fun age of exploring and learning, and they say a lot of funny things all of the time.

THE PERFECT DAY… I would spend the perfect day outside in our amazing desert on a hike with my family while teaching all about nature, bugs and animals, followed by a home cooked meal.

MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS…

Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children. Their mission is to provide social, emotional, and financial support directly to families managing the health and wellbeing of a loved one with pediatric cancer. The impact they are making on these families is incredible. Other favorites include ZimZam Global, Starry Night Foundation, and Family Promise. MY LIFE IS… So very wonderful. I am blessed with the most amazing family and to do what I love every single day.

THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED

WAS… Anything personalized. I have a makeup bag with my name on it that is still one of my favorite gifts.

MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… A trip around the world with my family. I would love to introduce them to new cultures and landmarks across the globe.

THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER

RECEIVED... “Don’t sweat the small stuff, and it is all small stuff.” There is also a book on this quote, and it is true! Often our thoughts are stuck on something that may not be a big deal in the grand scheme of things.