FEATU R E
here she is! You get to sit down with a younger you for coffee, what do you tell her? Don’t give up! There will be bad days where you want to throw in the towel and question why you opened your own business and why you even went to law school. There will be days so great, you can’t help but celebrate (even if it’s alone in your office). Expect the unexpected and roll with the punches. Build a strong tribe around you and find a mentor. There are no days off and you will never want to be away from your phone. If you’re not actually working, you’re networking, marketing, or just thinking about potential ways to grow.
Who has inspired you along the way? First and foremost, my parents. My dad is a retired firefighter and my mom was a school administrator. They sacrificed so much to provide for me and my brother and to put us through college. Also, my female colleagues who excel at their careers, balance their personal lives, and encourage others to believe in themselves. I have received invaluable advice from them in every aspect of my career – even when I didn’t want to hear it.
With so many accomplishments, what are you most proud of? I’m a first-generation college graduate. I’m the only person in my family to go to law school. I graduated law school with honors when I was 24. I became a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and opened my own law practice at 30. Knowing what I’ve accomplished in a short time motivates me to keep pushing forward.
ashley
HOMETOWN:
AT L A N T I S , F L O R I D A
callahan
Now for the obligatory question, how do you juggle it all? The short answer… LOTS of caffeine! I’m all about planning in advance and scheduling. I’ve also learned that I’m never going to be able to accomplish everything on my to-do list each day. I’ve been much less stressed ever since I’ve made peace with that. I also have an awesome husband who picks up a lot of my slack at home when my business obligations take priority. w
LKN TOWN:
HUNTERSVILLE
HOUSEHOLD:
HUSBAND THOMAS A N D ST E P- DAU G H T E R ALLISON, 6
Ashley Bonomini Callahan is the owner and managing attorney of The Callahan Firm, located at 8712 Lindholm Drive, Suite 300, in Huntersville. You may reach Ashley at 704.237.0859 or email her at ashley@ thecallahanfirm.com.
i am an LKNw oman because…
“I grew up in the West Palm Beach, Florida, area and after graduating from Florida State University, I moved to Charlotte to pursue my law degree. I immediately fell in love with the area and knew I wanted to make it my permanent home.”
38
JANUARY 2020
w OMAN.COM
L AKENORMAN
WRITER LESLIE OGLE
PHOTOGRAPHER TONI LOVEJOY