Résumé

Resume Overview

With a solid foundation in Public Relations, my career has been shaped by a dedication to strategic communication and impactful storytelling. From managing media relations and executing digital campaigns to navigating crises and building brand reputations, I bring a versatile skill set that adapts to diverse industry needs.

In my resume, you’ll find a detailed look at my professional journey, including key roles, accomplishments, and the core competencies that drive my success. Each experience has honed my ability to deliver measurable results and foster meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

Explore my resume below to learn more about my qualifications and the contributions I’ve made across various projects and campaigns.

Ashley D. Carestia

Atlanta, GA 30305
404-803-1771
ashley.carestia@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/ashley-carestia

Work Experience

Founder/CEO
Bark Fifth Avenue, Atlanta, GA
June, 2013 – Present

Directly responsible for overseeing all facets of marketing communications, branding, public relations, advertising, SEO, purchasing, and event planning, ensuring cohesive strategy execution across multiple channels to drive brand growth and market visibility
Led and managed all aspects of business operations, including strategic planning, marketing, sales, and financial management, ensuring seamless execution and driving overall business growth
Analyzed social media engagement metrics and traffic monthly to measure the effectiveness of strategy and ROI, making necessary adjustments to meet changing audience preferences
Successfully expanded business from an online marketplace to a brick-and-mortar location within 12 months, driving increased customer engagement and diversified revenue streams through strategic growth initiatives
Introduced and expanded new products from international markets
Conceived innovative sales strategy that increased annual sales revenue by more than half through social media platforms
Successfully transitioned from a retail B2C model to a wholesale B2B platform in response to market shifts following the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating agility in adapting business strategy to evolving consumer and industry demands
Identify customer needs and solve for gaps with creative outreach and strategy

Contributing Management Writer
PetAge Magazine, New York, NY
January, 2018 – December, 2024

Provide expert commentary on how to properly navigate the exciting sector of the Pet Industry
Create strong relationships with retailers and today's demanding consumers
Assist retailers and hotels in store design and merchandising
Improved client relationship by clear communications to third-party media firms
Increased goal-objective success by 20% by planning, managing, and analyzing industry data

Founder, CEO
Ashley Daniele Consulting and Public Relations, Atlanta, GA
January, 2017 – February, 2024

Held sole responsibility for marketing communications, branding, public relations, advertising, SEO, purchasing agent, and event planning
Developed strategies designed to empower small businesses
Collaborated and coordinated with multiple teams and partners to plan and execute events
Able to quickly pivot strategies as the industry moves to a privacy-first mindset and first-party data ad strategies, as well as when audience shift preferred platform
Participated in client projects and being responsible of their outcomes
Prepared decks and other communications materials
Consulted clients around key strategies and long-term Marketing and PR efforts 
Write, develop and manage approvals for news releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and related media materials
Digital Marketing & Social Media Management
Managed client interaction and management across accounts, serving as the day-to-day client contact on certain accounts and projects.
Developed strategies for email, SMS, social media and web content
Resolved issues for unique on-ground problems/situations
Influenced decision-making for client-facing projects 
Campaigns of note:
- Increased Clinic Traffic within three months of the campaign, client inquiries increased by 30%, and the clinic saw a 25% increase in new patient appointments, with many clients citing the clinic’s social media presence or media coverage as their source of discovery. Through strategic PR efforts, Happy Tails Holistic Veterinary Care successfully differentiated itself in a competitive market, built credibility in the field of holistic pet care, and established a loyal client base.
- Established a PR campaign that successfully elevated a luxury pet brand from a relatively unknown brand to a top leader in the luxury pet product industry. By utilizing strategic media relations, influencer partnerships, and high-profile events, we increased the brand's social media following by 250%, with engagement rates rising by 35% successfully positioning the brand as a premium choice for pet owners who want to indulge their pets with the very best.

Education

BS in Political Science with concentration in Legal Studies
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
May, 2013

Consistent Dean’s list
Business Manager of University Newspaper
Treasurer of the Political Science Club

Awards and Certifications

Certification of Appreciation , Atlanta Public Schools – 2017
Certification of Founding Membership, Women’s Chamber of Commerce – 2017
Small Business of the Year Award, Atlanta Women’s Chamber of Commerce - 2016
Women of Influence Award, Pet Age - 2018
Certification of Completion, Public Relations Masterclass - 2024

Professional Affiliations and Achievements

References

Available upon request.