Ashley is a Speech-Language Pathologist by day and the owner of Imagine Nation Play Center by night.

Name: Ashley Verser

Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee

Daytime Job: Speech Language Pathologist (Hearing Specialist)

Age: 33

Fun Fact: As a child, I started collecting pencils and pens from every state.

So tell me about your passion project and what led you to create something like this?

My passion project is Imagine Nation Playcenter. Imagine Nation Playcenter is a combination of all the things that I love and everything that I needed as a parent. Imagine Nation Playcenter is a place for children 10 and under to play. I was having a difficult time finding a clean play space, in my area, that was age-appropriate for my children who are now 4 and 2 years old. Another difficult situation that I had in my work life was with providing pediatric speech therapy in the home setting, I simply did not feel safe. So from those issues, Imagine Nation was born.

When did you know it was time to launch your project?

I knew it was time to launch Imagine Nation when the thought of it was waking me up in the middle of the night. It weighed heavily on me. I knew that this was something that I absolutely HAD to do.

What has been the most fulfilling part about the journey to creating this service?

While our services are catered to children, I enjoy helping the parents the most. Whether that means calming their fears of a speech and language concerns or making sure their child’s birthday party is stress-free or simply giving them an hour or two to enjoy some peace and quiet, that’s what I enjoy the most. So often, parents put their own needs on the backburner so I love the idea of helping parents and caregivers have some breathing room.

How has this project not only helped others but helped you in the process?

This project has helped me to have a sincere love and appreciation for complete strangers and their experiences. At Imagine Nation we often have the opportunity to hear the real-life stories of complete strangers. It is mind-blowing to realize how similar yet different we all are. What blows my mind is how God loves us all the same and knows every detail about us. So now when I encounter people I am able to remember that this is God’s child and I have to make sure that I treat and love God’s child how I would want my children loved and treated.

What has been the most challenging part about this service?

The most challenging part has been trying to balance being a wife, mother of 2, working full time and trying to run a business. It’s so hard trying to make sure that nothing is lacking especially my roles as a wife and mom. I’m grateful for my husband who will fill in the gaps in the areas that I’m lacking in regarding our children and the business.

What advice would you give other women to take on a similar project such as this?

I would advise other women to make sure that you have a strong support system. I also recommend that you prepare yourself both mentally and spiritually because it is so easy to talk yourself out of your dream when things get tough. Learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, which will help you make the right decisions. Also, check your heart to make sure your heart and motives are pure.

How do you find the time for your passion project and your 9 to 5? And please share tips on how to juggle the two.

I feel like I am still trying to figure it all out. I feel like my mind is always thinking about different things so I never feel like I get to rest. There is always something to do. Sometimes I find myself awake and working at 4 a.m. trying to make the most of the 24 hours that we have.

Do you recommend any books or resources to get started?

A website called Live Plan was very helpful for me to write my business plan. I also rely heavily on Various reading plans in the BIBLE app. Any area that I need to grow spiritually in they have a plan for it. When I am spiritually sound I feel Unstoppable!

Share tips on what keeps you going and motivated to keep this project afloat.

My husband, children, and family keep me going. When I look at my babies it motivates me to give a little bit more. My husband and family keep me encouraged and lifted up in prayer. Everything I do is for them. I am also motivated by the impact that we can make in the lives of children and families in Memphis.

Where can people go to find out more information about Imagine Nation Playcenter?

People can come see us in the Wolfchase Galleria Mall at 2760 North Germantown Parkway Memphis , TN 38133. Follow us on Instagram (@ImagineNation901 and Facebook (Imagine Nation Playcenter) and our website www.ImagineNationPlaycenter.com