I AM Unique! A Self Restoration Workshop
Ashana Bush, Founder
Address: 4440 Rt 130, Burlington, NJ 08016
Phone Number: (609) 533-5643 & (609) 526-4076
Areas you service: North and South Jersey areas
Brief summary of business: I Am Unique wants to spread their message of hope and compassion through advocacy and outreach. We are committed to improving the lives of as many women in need as they can by investing in them with their expertise and resources. We’ve been supporting the women we serve in a variety of ways and measuring their success not by monetary size, but by the effectiveness of our efforts.
How many years have you been in business? 5 years
How did you become involved in the Non-Profit Industry? I started out being a mentor for teens and that eventually turned into mentoring female adults and them coming to me for encouragement all while going through my own life circumstances dealing with abuse, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety from getting shot. I was just in a really bad place at one point in my life and I didn’t have the help I was seeking nor any tools or resources. I had my mom of course and God but I felt like I needed more. I tried booking appointments for counseling and I was told on multiple occasions that there’s a waiting list that could take up to 1 –2 years. I truly Thank God, because he gotten me through those rough days. Which Is why I am who I am today and able to help other women dealing with the same issues or similar. So, I started I Am Unique.
What motivates you? My kids, how they’re so happy that I have a business and just them knowing that they’re rooting for me is an amazing feeling. So, I have no choice but to keep going. Also, when people doubt me and my vision, hearing a no or receiving a denial letter for funding or partnership opportunities, it makes go harder because I feel like I have something to prove not to them but to my kids and to my community. I strongly believe that God has allowed me to have this vision and fulfil tit and will be successful while doing it, so all the no's will turn around into yes and approvals from the right people so I cannot give up no matter what.
What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know? That it is a Faith based Organization but not always identified as such.
When did you join the AACCNJ? March 2022
As someone doing business in New Jersey, how does the chamber help you? The chamber offers a lot of opportunities to network and provides resources, opportunities and information on a weekly basis via their weekly eblast.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your AACCNJ Membership? The ACCNJ has assisted my business in several ways thus far:
• having a one-on-one meeting to discuss my needs and how to best assist my business. Many chambers do not use their time/resources to sit down with each member one on one and great an individualized plan for their success. The AACCNJ strives for the success of all of their businesses from sole proprietorships to corporations.
• promotion of my ribbon cutting- free promotional services; sent via email & social media to encourage attendance at the event
• opportunity to appear on the radio show- a free service to members to promote their goods & services
• opportunity to be featured on aaccnj member spotlight- another opportunity to get my business in front of the AACCNJ network (and that has all just been in the first six months!)
I attended my first networking event on June 15th….4 hours of networking....It was a great opportunity to form new relationships.
What advice would you give to other AACCNJ Members? Definitely take full advantage of the connections and information that AACCNJ provides you. Stay humble in the process and always remember to believe in YOU even when people don’t believe in you or your vison or your business etc. whatever the case may be, Believe in you always!
What has I Am Unique’s biggest accomplishment been this far? Having our ribbon cutting and having opportunities to spread the word.
Do you have any other businesses outside of I Am Unique? Yes, I also have an event planning business called STYLED BY SHON LLC.
When you are not working, where do you enjoy spending your time in New Jersey? I love spending time with my husband and children at home but If I had to choose a place it would be Atlantic City, the beach or the boardwalk and Cherry Hill Mall I love shopping when I can.
Who is your favorite sports team? Dallas Cowboys of course!
