Meet Ashley Leland | LIV Sotheby’s Realtor & Homeschool Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Leland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work/life balance has changed over time depending on how many things God has called me to do. In my life, I don’t want to just check a box, I want to make sure that I do my best and give all of me with everything I am entrusted with. Before kids, time seemed limitless and I juggled different hobbies, careers, activities- all when I wanted to complete them. Now after having children, I have learned that time is not my own- it is wholeheartedly the Lord’s.

Balance is not about doing equal amounts of work and life each day, it is about making sure each day is in alignment with what God has called you to do. You have to protect your peace and have clarity about what your priorities are and what needs to be accomplished that moment. If I have a full work day- then I give all of my attention to my clients while I am with them. If I have coffee with a friend, they get all of me for that time. When I am homeschooling my children, I am not distracted by my phone and am focused on their education. When I am on a date with my husband, I am enjoying time with him and not consumed by thoughts of the many “to do’s” that are waiting for me. When I wake up in the morning, I ask God to allow me the time and energy to focus on what He calls me to that day. When I go to bed at night, no matter what I accomplished (or didn’t) during the day I still sleep well knowing that I fulfilled what was asked of me. In order to achieve a fulfilling balance, it takes being able to operate your life from a place of rest and peace while learning to cancel out the noise of the world. It is also healthy to have boundaries so you don’t fall into the worlds lies about “grinding” and never stopping. There is something so freeing in being content with where you are while you still have goals that you are working towards. It takes work to actually operate your day and balance priorities from a place of rest. The way I think of it is that life comes in seasons, and when it is more full, you have to be able to make sure you are at your best and filled so you can overflow to others. I have also learned that the word “NO” can be fruitful when it comes to balance- it is okay not to say yes to everything, and it is healthy to give yourself permission to pause so you can breathe.

Being a full time Realtor, full time homeschool mom, writing a cookbook, and all the other hats that us entrepreneurial moms wear, the art of balance has definitely changed and will continue to change as kids grown and different needs arise. However, I would say that it has evolved for the better, it has made me firm in my priorities, convictions, and boundaries. My grown and mindset has allowed me to add more fun, adventure, and room for spontaneity into our life while being present for my family and my clients.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Realtor and thrive on relationships and helping advise others during a stressful/exciting time. I came from a wedding planning background and it translated well into real estate. I went from managing peoples biggest day of their lives to now managing one of the largest purchases/sales of their life. In both industries, it is purely relational with the ability to be in tune with my client to anticipate their needs and have a plan of action for any circumstance. I pride myself on being open, honest, communicative, graceful, and knowledgable about what I do. I excel at negotiations when it comes contract time but my favorite part is getting to know my clients and being able to find a home that not only fits all their must haves, but also a good portion of their wish list too, a place that fits who they are. Being a good agent is more than just opening doors and writing contracts, I am an advisor. I truly listen, understand, and provide insight that sometimes my clients didn’t even know they were feeling/thinking. For me, I have always been good with relationships and the trajectory that has led me to where I am has felt natural. Of course there are challenges, but I look at each one as growth opportunities to better myself and I don’t let myself get stuck in the past. Life is beautiful and as long as I remain joyful and focus on the positives, no matter the situation, I will come out triumphant. The biggest priority to me is to share Gods love and light to others- He is good all the time and His love never fails.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you were coming from out of town a week is not long to see everything Colorado has to offer! Here are some of my must haves!

Day 1- BRECKINRIDGE! My favorite mountain town that has beautiful hikes, a river, quaint coffee shops, and the best hidden pizza spot- Downstairs at Erics that also has an arcade! There is also a slide that goes down the mountain- Alpine slide that is a must do. After dinner, we would go get rolled ice cream at the local shop. Breck with be a full day or two trip. During winter time, they have awesome tubing sleds close by in Frisco and can obviously ski/board at Breck itself.

Day 2- Need a day to relax and reset- I would visit a few of the local coffee shops in between pool/river days, The river in Golden is a fun one to ride and Golden just got a great tea room called Babes. Other coffee shops that are a must visit are- The Exchange Coffee House in Castle Pines, The Perfect Blend in Parker, and Oo De Lally Coffee in Castle Rock.

Day 3- Hiking! Either around Red Rocks or a concert/outdoor movie on the Rocks. Or Lair o the Bear is also a wonderful hike in the mountains.

Day 4- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo day in Colorado Springs!! On the way home we would stop at the Broadmoor and have dinner and drinks.

Day 5- Slower day of connection, communication and playfullness at a local park. Dinner at home (since I love to cook) and then drinks at Provision in Castle Rock- the best whiskey bar around.

Day 6- Exploring towns, farmers markets, and more local coffee shops. Then dinner out! Either- Italian food at Ovest Via Ristorante in Parker- they have the best gluten free pasta I have ever had, or Mexican at La Loma in Castle Rock, or for a fancier option- The Capital Grille on Larimer square has a divine lamb dish and a great pineapple martini. Plus that street is famous with the tivoli lights and if they come at the right time we could dine outside! All of those restaurants would be a must have.

Day 7- Brunch at #Hashtag in Highlands Ranch then guests choice before they depart!

So much to do and never enough time to do it all!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband- Brendin Leland. He is my best friend, my love, my rock, my support, my voice of reason, and helps ground me and points me back to Gods truth – always.

Website: https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-df250714141110843342/ashley-leland

Instagram: @ashleymleland

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-leland-316b2a1a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.leland.7