Ashley Maurene Hunter

I am back!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 21:21:00 +0000

I know.. It has been a year in the making and lots of changes have been brewing in Austin, Bahrain, Dubai and now Oman. I am preparing for my trip to Oman to speak at the Business Woman's Conference.. Lots of great things going on so stay tuned!

Oman.. and sorts

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:50:00 +0000

So.. I have pretty much been in the air for the last month and now I have settled down long enough to write this post and to upload photos! I have been to Oman... to try and write insurance on airports there.. I have been back to Abu Dhabi...to get them to invest in new insurance schemes... I went to Dallas and spent sometime with some of my best girlfriends for Memorial Day and now I am back in Austin writing insurance and setting up new meetings... Here are some photos before my camera died in Oman.. I was so sad that the camera died since it has been around the world with me!

It has been a while...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 03:13:00 +0000

Well.. I know.. I hear ya.. It has been a while.. Things have been totally busy around here at HM Risk Group and just in my life in general.. I just returned from Dubai where I had a great meeting and let's keep our fingers crossed that I can inked a great contract... I am very hopeful as usual.. I have also been quoted in an article for
www.womenentrepreneur.com and www.bankrate.com.. So, let's just say that I am super stoked about that!

I was able to stay with my friend Lamonda while I was in Dubai she is an amazing baker and I have photos of her apartment in the city as well as the cake she baked while I was in town.. It tasted just like birthday cake.. Watch out for her soon!! Until then... Have a great one!

I know.. I know..

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:57:00 +0000

I know.. I know it has been a while but, let me tell you.. I have been all around the world and back and have met some interesting characters in the process!! I am currently in Austin and last night attended the Urban Music Festival.. I wish I had photos..but the acts were so "old school" that it wouldn't have been much fun anyway!! I just wanted to let you all know to run...not walk to pick up your April issue of Black Enterprise.. You girl in is it... Nothing else to recount.. Have a great one!

I'm back from the sky

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:16:00 +0000

So.. I have been in several time zones in the last week! I am currently in the United States but, you can't tell because it is clearly 2:00AM in the morning and I am writing this posting! Well. I just wanted to add some pictures from my meeting with Lloyds, and the speaking engagement in Dubai.. Totally awesome! Enjoy and I hope everyone else is getting more sleep than I am! Have a great weekend!

In Dubai..Delta rocks again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Okay so.. my trip to Dubai started off great I arrived at the airport way too early and tried to check in outside because the guy wanted a tip although I explained to him that none of that would be happening.. He tried anyway! Well..just as a suspected I could check in because of my passport.. Not sure what the problem is but, I assume it has something to do with all of those stamps in it! Well.. I finally checked in - flying with Delta and I met the most amazing woman she has a law degree, and worked for years at a large insurance broker in Austin before her candle finally disappeared!! She was awesome - anyway I hung out there with her before she told me that I had to go - I was ushered in pass the wait and flew to Atlanta.. I set next to a man who didn't speak until we were landing and then I couldn't get him to keep quiet!! Then the most awesome thing happened twice - I flew first class - I have to tell you people I have never been more rested than I have been on these flights to Dubai... Delta is back in my good graces because they are going to help make my speech today awesome!! I have slept more on this trip than I do any other time!!

Way to go Delta!! Well.. I have to get out of here because I have to speak today about the joys of social marketing!! Which shouldn't be too hard since I am doing that right now!! No photos. but, I will post shortly! Oh.. I almost forgot pick up your April Glamour Magazine.. I'm on page 184 or somewhere around there!!

News you can use!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:25:00 +0000

So.. Sorry people for the long time no hear..Here is the news in a nut shell here from San Antonio, Texas!

1. I have attached the pictures from my photo shoot for the magazine that I am in.. I think it hits the newsstands in April

2. I am speaking next week in Dubai to a group of business women.. I am totally excited about

http://www.woibex.com/speaker.asp

3. Business is growing.. So, happy about that!

I am sure there is more but, this is all I can remember for now.. Until next time.. Keep your feet off the ground and keep reaching for the stars!

Oh.. People I almost forgot...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:57:00 +0000

I also most forgot.. I was also mentioned in the blog.. The glass hammer.. Which I am very proud of as well!! Check it out!

http://www.theglasshammer.com/news/2009/02/06/shaking-hands-with-strangers/

I am selling some of my stuff...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:49:00 +0000

This was a pretty huge week for me - I was photographed for Black Enterprise Magazine, I picked up two new clients, I had to tell of two old clients... and I sold my first large purchase - my washer and dryer! This was the first "large" purchase I made after graduating from college! I knew that after three years of having to walk downstairs to wash my clothes, that was not going to be me once I had my own apartment. I was willing to sleep on the floor as long as I was able to wash my clothes at home!! There is news looming ahead and that is the reason why I sold my washer and dryer.. Don't worry.. I have one in my apartment so, I still have the luxury of washing and drying my clothes in my apartment! Here is my final farewell to my washer and dryer... I will miss you dearly!

My File Cabinet

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:16:00 +0000

This past week was amazing our 44th president was sworn into office.. So, what other news can top that? I finally finished my file cabinet for my office and you all need to mark your calendars.. I will be quoted in Glamour Magazine's April edition.. Sorry this week is low on things going on but, how can you compare with Barack and Michelle Obama?!

Below are photos of my completed file cabinet.. Enjoy!

Lots of things great happen this week!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:16:00 +0000

I will just start this off by saying this was the best week ever for my business!!

For starters - I had a meeting with a trade association here in town and I we are developing a program where I am the sole broker for their members needs!! That is totally awesome.. I am working with a local radio station here in Austin and I am going to be on the show at the end of February or early March depending on schedules! And last but definitely not least - I was interviewed by Black Enterprise Magazine and my business in going to be featured in the magazine!! I am so excited about that!! Not going to bore you with the details but, stay tuned and I will let you know when it hits the news stands!!

I was on a bonding panel as well this week to discuss the ends and outs of the bonding process for the City of Austin. I have attached some photos-enjoy!

New Year.. New Office

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:20:00 +0000

So.. it is now 2009 and it is a new start and for that reason I have a new office space. I am very excited and I thought that I would share photos of my new space! It is in downtown Austin, Texas so, if you know of anyone needing commercial insurance please call me! or stop by.. I am here!

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 02:31:00 +0000

I know.. this may be a little late but, this nine hour time difference has been a beating on my body. I did however, want to share photos from my New Years Eve in Dubai with some of my best girlfriends in Austin...Enjoy!

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 04:54:00 +0000

I love the new year... It is a time to reflect and prepare for the future. I have spent the last year starting new ventures.. moving on.. taking risks... losing lots...gaining tons.. and I have made a ton of friends in the process!! I hate new years resolutions so I will just call these a list of things that I hope will make 2009 a year to remember!

1. Diversity my business... I am trying to not get burned out on insurance!
2. Travel more.. learn more...
3. Learn a new language
4. Move to a new country
5. Play music more
6. Enjoy my family and friends more
7. Live my life.. like I am dying tomorrow.

Here are some pictures from my trip so far. Enjoy!

Christmas in Dallas so far....

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:58:00 +0000

I decided to come to Dallas for a week before Christmas so I could spend time with my family and friends before I left out of town for work... Here are some of the photos so far from my trip to Dallas..

Christmas in Dallas

My brother finally graduates and more holiday parties!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:43:00 +0000

Well.. I am so happy to say that after three and one half years of college my brother finally graduated this past weekend from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. I know.. I know this isn't that long but it seems like forever.. My brother is such a free spirit and never really took school as seriously as my sister and I so, finally my brother is out of school and will have to go back if he plans to get a job worth anything in this economy!

I have also added pictures from another holiday party in Austin.. enjoy.. I have been to four holiday parties and counting!

The beginning of the holiday parties

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:02:00 +0000

My favorite holiday of the year would have to be Christmas.. My dad said that growing up he would love the anticipation of Christmas but to be let down the night of Christmas.. I have always felt the exact same way.. This is the beginning of my holiday season with some photos of some of my best friends from college.. I more commonly call "The Girls!" I have many more pictures to come.. The season just started!! Enjoy!!

Happy Thanksgiving...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:16:00 +0000

I was in Dallas spending Thanksgiving with friends and family and I just want to spend this post saying, Happy Thanksgiving and I hope that everyone had a joyful and very peaceful Thanksgiving! Here are some pictures from my Thanksgiving in Dallas...

I am not talking about that Election!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 02:42:00 +0000

I am so happy that Obama won the election but I have to be honest I am totally exhausted talking about it everyday!

So, I am going to take a break from talking about the political history that taking place around me to talk about something completely unrelated to anything going on or will it make a impact on our country but it is something that I am kind of proud of!

One of my many talented friends is currently writing a book on social etiquette for the professional woman.. Sounds funny but between the four of us we have come up with a list of things that people have totally forgotten since we now have the use of technology at our disposal! Below is a short list...

1. One baby shower... regardless of the number of babies!
2. If you receive a text message - don't call I am sure there is a reason why you received the text message and not a phone call.
3. Don't assume that your schedule is more important than your friends - If plans are set don't ask to change the plans to fit your schedule.
4. Don't text a conversation - Just call, if there is no answer leave a message.
5. Don't invite yourself - If you didn't get a invite.. There is a reason, don't make it uncomfortable for everyone.

Here are just a few you will have to wait for the book!! It will be in limited release here in Austin but, I will let you all know when it hits the stores... Hopefully I will get a shout out in the book... #1 was mine!!

Holidays?!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:10:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me.. knows that I think that Christmas is to die for.. love that holiday, Thanksgiving...a great reason to eat...Valentine's Day..Why was that day invented? Father's Day.. Why is that a day anyway? I tell my father that I love him everyday.. Mother's Day... Same thought.. I tell my mother that I love her everyday as well...Which leads me to Halloween... This is a crazy holiday, all of the money spent for one day which has nothing to do with anything of importance..Another reason for Target, and Wal-Mart to make yuppie parents to drop loads of cash on their three month old who won't remember the day anyway!! Enjoy and Happy Fall!!

The credit crunch hits home....

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Well I have to be honest I never thought that the credit crisis would be anything that would really affect me.. I mean I have great credit, I pay my statements on time and carry very low balances.. So, when the announcement was made that American Express and Bank of America were slashing limits for the customers who used their cards for everyday expenses I never thought that would apply to me...

Well guess what it did!! I am a small business owner and I don't want to use my cash so occasionally I use my credit so that I have cash on hand and to my disbelief Chase Bank lower my limit.. So, if anyone knows me they know that I have a low tolerance for this kind of inconveniences so, I called to get to the bottom of this and this very nice and lovely woman explained to me that not only could she not raise my limit but I was the 75th phone call she had gotten in the last two hours from a small business owner ranging from payroll needs to needing credit to get inventory for store fronts.. She stated that we were all in the same position great credit but out of luck because the government thinks that it is a better idea to fuel the big businesses that got us into the mess opposed to assisting the million of small business owners who are currently fulling the economy and who will continue to fuel the economy long after this mess is over.

The only thing that I have to say to the government is this... Instead of giving more money to the money grubbing wall street businesses with ethical morals as prevalent as a tiny stain on your shirt we should help small businesses like me who thrive on ethics and the growth of businesses in a way that is good for everyone.

I am thankful for....

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 18:33:00 +0000

For the last two weeks it is easy to get caught up in the mess that is going on with our financial crisis and crashing economy... and as a small business owner I am feeling the pinch with the credit crisis but, yesterday I was speaking with one of my friends and she was so excited to receive her favorite magazine.. Real Simple and she mentioned a really simple idea in a world of chaos we should really take time out to and make a list of the things that we are thankful for and I want to push everyone to take a few minutes to write down what you are thankful for!!

Here is my list below:

My family
My supportive friends
My business
My friends who own businesses - they help me stay sane when times get rough
My entrepreneurial spirit
My part time job
My ability to play the violin for cash
My mentors that have helped me
My new jazz trio

Where there needs to be a clear separation of politics and business

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Sunday is pretty ritualistic for me I get up around six in the morning so I can start the day answering emails from around the globe then I finally roll out of bed an hour later to start reading through the linkedin, facebook and twitter and I can't help but to notice how people could mix such a private matter like politics and commingle that with business networking sites. I don't know about you but, as a woman the last thing I need against me is my personal political beliefs! I spent most of the morning why anyone would want to make their life more difficult as a small business owner in this unstable economy would want to upset some potential new client with rants about your personal political beliefs. A word to the wise... Keep your political thoughts to your closest allies don't mix it with your business life.. It has no place there!

I can't wait for the State Fair of Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 16:15:00 +0000

One of the greatest things about living in Texas and fall.... It is of course college football season but more importantly it is the beginning of the State Fair of Texas.. I love walking around with the cool autumn breezes and the smell of smelly fried snacks and candy apples... I love Dallas around this time and I can't wait for opening weekend... So, stay turned because pictures will be up shortly of me stuffing my face full of fair food before I leave again for Bahrain!!

Oh... by the way my foot has finally healed and the top layer of all of the dead skin is completely off and I finally have my foot back and the color finally matches the rest of my body finally!

The saga with my foot...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Maurene Hunter) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:59:00 +0000

So I am sure everyone is aware that I was bitten in Bahrain about a month ago and now my foot in finally peeling and no longer darker than the rest of my foot. I love traveling and I have learned tons from this trip... First, I no longer have health insurance in the United States of America and Second, I realized that I am allergic to just about every foreign bug on the planet... It did teach me to plan. Since I am the world's worse at planning.. I just go.. I just do... I will no longer do that!!