Ashley Travers shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ashley, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
That it is “small”, because we are humble. It is not that way. We are actually having our best year yet, as doors have officially opened to our second location located in Palm Beach, Florida.
Society has become addicted to the highlight reel that is social media. Truly authentic people have seemingly stepped back out of the spotlight, because they really are who they say they are, and it can be hard to keep up with everything happening online.
My Real Estate companies and my 501c3 are all built around the same core values. Each begins with being authentic in all we do, say, or build.
I believe when we post too much, or try too hard to keep up with saturated content, it waters down the trust of what is actually real, versus what is not.
Because of this, I remain a humble business owner, and try and focus more on my real life relationships rather than constantly posting about my work.
Not all Real Estate Broker/Owners revolve around status or money. There are a few of us left who genuinely enjoy what we do because of who we help and how hard we have worked to get where we are today.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Travers, and I’m a multi state licensed real estate broker/owner, nonprofit founder, and homeschool mom who is passionate about building businesses and communities with integrity and purpose.
I own RYSE Realty Group, a multi-state real estate brokerage founded on flawless customer service and trust. I also run Saint Michael’s Army, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting law enforcement families through financial assistance, advocacy, and mental health wellness programs.
What makes my story unique is the way I balance entrepreneurship with service, family, and giving back.
From expanding Faith Freedom Homeschool, a faith-based homeschool coaching and resource hub, to growing Saint Michael’s Army’s fundraising impact, everything I do is rooted in my core values—family, faith, freedom, and community.
Right now, I’m working on expanding my newest brokerage in Florida, strengthening our nonprofit’s support for first responder families, and building tools that empower mothers to homeschool with confidence.
At the heart of it all, my mission is to show that business can be both successful and deeply meaningful when it’s built on service, and revolves around strong faith.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Great question, especially in the current times.
What breaks the bonds between people is often pride, unmet expectations, or a lack of understanding.
Miscommunication is most commonly the culprit, but fear and selfishness create distance where trust and love once lived.
When people stop listening, stop forgiving, or start keeping score, relationships fracture. People struggle to keep up with the world, and have forgotten how impactful grace and forgiveness can be. Conversations have turned to aggressive arguments, and people seem to live on “the edge” all of the time these days.
What restores those bonds is humility, grace, and a willingness to see the other person’s heart beyond the hurt.
Bonds are rebuilt when people choose forgiveness over resentment, honesty over silence, and love over being “right.”
In my experience, faith plays an extremely powerful role here—because when we anchor our relationships in something bigger than ourselves, we find the strength to extend compassion and to keep showing up for one another.
I pray daily that this restoration can return to us sooner than later.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
The idea that failure defines you. Early on, I thought setbacks meant I wasn’t cut out for something—that if a door closed, it was the end of the story. But after falling flat a few times in both business and life, I realized failure isn’t final—it’s feedback.
Now I see failure as a teacher. Every time something hasn’t worked out, it’s redirected me to something better, or refined me in a way success never could.
Failing makes THE STORY. What great story have you ever read that didn’t include a major setback? Every good story includes many moments of inspiration from those who work to beat the odds and overcome what tried to stop them.
Instead of fearing it, I embrace it as part of the process of growth. I read 2-3 books per week. One of my favorite authors is CS Lewis. He once wrote:
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”
In business failure isn’t an if, it is a when, and understanding this is truly the key to success in every aspect of life.
Venture to be EXTRAORDINARY!
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I think a lot of smart people get it wrong today by equating intelligence with WISDOM.
We live in a time when information is everywhere, and being clever or quick with facts is celebrated. But wisdom is different—it’s applying truth with humility, discernment, and compassion.
Some of the brightest minds miss this because they’re focused on winning arguments, proving points, or building influence, rather than seeking understanding or serving others.
In my view, what restores balance is remembering that success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you live it out. Real impact comes from integrity, not just intellect alone.
The world is exhausted of it all. The moment I know everything there is to know in the room I am in, it is time to change rooms. Humility and wisdom will take people so much further. Finding balance here is extremely important and a very under celebrated skill. To grow is to be wise.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m home with my children, reading them the Gospel, or quiet mornings filled with scripture and a good strong coffee before the day begins.
Evenings spent with my family when our phones are put away, and we’re just present with each other. This is so important, and the core of everything I do.
Peace isn’t about the absence of challenges—it’s about knowing Who holds the bigger picture. When I remember that, I can rest, no matter what is going on around me.
Taking the time to make certain that we embrace this as a family is —and has always been— my top priority.
Our roots are firmly planted.
John Maxwell once wrote:
“If you don’t have peace, it isn’t because someone took it from you; you gave it away. You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control what happens IN you.”
Our peace should be a priority. For us, it is. This world demands enough. Be sure to take the time for yourself and those you love the most.
Contact Info:
- Website: RyseRealtyGroup.com / SAINTMICHAELSARMYSOLDIERS.COM
- Instagram: @ashleytravers_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DRS12XdQr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Ira Juke Photography
