Dallas Startup Week 2020

Ashley Lamothe knows that life might not be lived effortlessly, but it can be lived authentically. She has made this honest approach a guiding principle in her personal and professional life. As the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A 7th and Fig. in downtown Los Angeles, Ashley strives to create a company culture that values an individual’s uniqueness as a vital means for collective success.

Starting her career with Chick-fil-A at the age of 15, Ashley served as a restaurant team member in her hometown of Marietta, GA where she learned the ins and outs of day to day guest service and food preparation. Although the initial plans of her employment were for the purchase of a car, Ashley continued working at the company as she pursued higher education. She went on to graduate from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics whereby she enrolled in a Chick-fil-A management and development program for the next 2 years. Upon completion, Ashley became the youngest African American female franchise owner in the company’s history at the age of 26.

Ashley has used her entrepreneurship to empower other women to fulfill their business goals. In 2013, Ashley traveled on behalf of Chick-fil-A to less economically developed countries in Europe to speak to women about business ownership and best practices as a means to achieve economic stability. In 2014, Ashley coordinated and led one of the first Chick-fil-A business retreats specifically geared toward female franchise owners. In 2015, Ashley was selected as one of The Root 100, which honors African Americans “breaking down barriers and paving the way for the next generation”, for her achievements and influence within the Los Angeles Area. Ashley also serves on the Chick-fil-A Operator Support Council, a small group of franchisee owners selected to speak into and give feedback on future projects within the organization. Heavily involved with Hollywood and Downtown Young Life, Ashley proudly serves in this organization that exposes inner-city youth to Christian values as a means to encourage them to attain life goals. Ashley derives joy from helping people recognize and reach their true potential.

If you believe you have more to offer this world, Ashley Lamothe can help you get there. Whether an aspiring business owner, mother, person of color or millennial, Ashley strives to equip and encourage future leaders for the workplace and beyond. In her free time, Ashley can be found traveling the world, cooking dishes for her family, or releasing stress in a yoga position. Feel free to follow Ashley and her escapades on social media via Facebook and Instagram at @AshleyTheOne and at AshleyTheOne.com.

Sit down for a virtual fireside chat between Jamila Sherman, Manager of Programs & Membership @ The DEC and Ashley for a conversation on franchising fundamentals.