Hi, I’m Ashton
I help executives and service-based businesses turn social media from a stressful obligation into their most powerful trust-building tool.
How Small Studio Started
Here's the thing about social media: it shouldn't feel like another full-time job.
But for most executives and business owners? That's exactly what it feels like. You know you need to be visible online. You know your competitors are showing up consistently. You know people are checking you out before they reach out. But between running your business, managing your team, and actually doing the work you're great at—who has time to figure out social media strategy?
That's where I come in.
I started Small Studio because I kept seeing the same pattern: incredibly talented people and businesses with amazing work to show—but zero consistency online. They'd tried agencies that posted generic content that sounded like everyone else. They'd asked someone on their team to "handle social media" (which meant it fell to the bottom of the priority list). They'd started and stopped a dozen times.
What they needed wasn't just someone to post for them. They needed a strategic partner who actually understood their business, could capture their authentic voice, and would think about the bigger picture while handling the details.
That's what Small Studio is.
THE MILWAUKEE CONNECTIONMilwaukee Based, Values-Driven
Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I work with clients throughout the Midwest and beyond. Whether you're a local business building your reputation or a national company looking for strategic partnership, I bring the same authentic, thoughtful approach to every client relationship.
Milwaukee has taught me a lot about showing up consistently, building genuine relationships, and doing good work without the fluff. That's exactly how I approach branding and social media.
How I Work: The GRACE Framework
These aren't just nice-to-haves—they're literally how I work with every single client.
Be a Good Human
I only work with values-driven businesses who care about more than quick wins. Kindness, integrity, and doing right by people aren't optional—they're non-negotiables. Life's too short to work with people who treat you like "just the help."
Strategic Relationships
I'm not a vendor checking boxes. I'm a strategic partner who thinks about your business at a high level while executing the details. I care about your success because your success is my success. We're in this together.
Authenticity First
In everything I do—from the content I create to the relationships I build—authenticity comes first. I give honest feedback, have open conversations, and create strategies that align with who you really are. Not who you think you should be. Not what some guru says. You.
Data-Driven Creativity
I love analytics. I love what the data tells us about what's working and what's not. But I also love creativity. The magic happens when you combine both—using data to inform strategy while staying creative and human in execution.
Excellence
Excellence isn't optional. I'm committed to delivering work that exceeds expectations while making the process actually enjoyable. Because here's the truth: social media doesn't have to be stressful. It can actually be fun when you're working with the right partner - which is why we always deliver & delight.
Who I Work With
Let’s Be Clear About What This Isn’t…
I work with two types of people:
Executives who want to build their personal brand on LinkedIn—not because they want to be "influencers," but because they understand that people do business with people they trust. They're VPs, directors, and C-suite leaders who want to position themselves as thought leaders, create warm connections before sales calls, and open doors for the next stage of their career.
Service-based businesses who want authentic, strategic social media that actually reflects how good they are. They're tired of generic content, inconsistent posting, and agencies that didn't "get" them. They're values-driven businesses playing the long game—building trust, staying top-of-mind, and showing up as their real selves.
What they have in common? They value authenticity over algorithms. They want strategy, not just tactics. They're looking for a partner, not a vendor. And they're willing to invest in doing this right.
I'm not here to help you "go viral" or "crush it" or "hack the algorithm." I don't do cookie-cutter templates or generic strategies. I don't post just to post.
I also don't work with businesses that view me as "just the social media person" or say things like "that's your job" dismissively. I'm a strategic partner, and I only work with people who value that partnership.
If you're looking for quick wins, overnight success, or someone to make you look like everyone else—I'm not your person.
But if you want authentic, strategic social media that builds trust and drives real growth? Let's talk.
How I’m Different
Not just what you say, but how you say it. Your content should sound like you—not like a social media manager trying to sound like you.
I actually learn your voice.
Before we post a single thing, we talk about your goals, your audience, and what success actually looks like. Strategy before posting, always.
I think strategically.
I love analytics. We track what's working, optimize based on results, and make informed decisions—not just hope things land.
I use data, not guesses.
You shouldn't have to think about social media. That's my job. You focus on running your business; I'll handle showing up consistently online.
I make it easy.
This isn't just a job to me. I care about your success. I celebrate your wins. I think about your business even when I'm not working. That's partnership.
I genuinely care.
Beyond Social Media
Other Ways I can Help
Business Branding
Full brand identity development or refreshes for service businesses
Social Media Audits
Expert analysis if you're DIY-ing or need strategic direction
Personal Branding for Executives
LinkedIn strategy and positioning that advances your career
Marketing Strategy & Documentation
Complete marketing roadmaps for internal teams
Notion Templates
For the DIY-ers who want professional systems without the full investment (yet)
Ready to build trust online and drive growth offline?
If you've read this far and you're thinking "Yes, this is exactly what I need"—let's talk.
I don't do high-pressure sales calls. I don't pitch you on things you don't need. I just want to understand where you are, where you want to go, and whether we're a good fit to work together.
If we are? Amazing. Let's build something great.
If we're not? That's okay too. I'd rather be honest upfront than take on a client who isn't the right fit.