Ashlan Glazier-Anderson at the Fremont Street Experience

Meet AshbeanPDX Marketing Founder and CEO Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

By Debbie Hall
Photography courtesy of Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

AshbeanPDX Marketing, a woman- and BIPOC-owned business, works with small businesses, nonprofits, consultants and other mission-driven organizations to provide strategic, results-oriented marketing that supports sustainable growth. The company uses its proprietary S.C.A.L.E. Framework to deliver comprehensive marketing services, including branding, web development, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, content creation, advertising and ongoing marketing support.

Chic Compass recently spoke with Ashlan Glazier-Anderson about her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind AshbeanPDX Marketing and the marketing strategies that help mission-driven organizations grow.

Chic Compass: What inspired you to start your own business?

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: I launched AshbeanPDX Marketing in January 2021 after realizing people were repeatedly seeking marketing expertise I already possessed. What started with helping an artist sell paintings through Instagram became a full-time business in just 15 months. Entrepreneurship wasn't my original plan, but it became the natural evolution of my career and passion for helping others.

Chic Compass: What does the name "Ashbean" mean, and is there a story behind the brand?

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: Ashbean was a nickname I received in college, and AshbeanPDX became my online handle, with PDX representing Portland, Oregon, where I lived for 27 years. Before launching my business, I purchased ashbeanpdx.com for a professional email address and website while job searching. When I started my company, the name already felt like home.

Chic Compass: What are some of the most common marketing mistakes you see businesses make, and how can they avoid them?

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: The biggest marketing mistakes I see are skipping strategy, trying to reach everyone, chasing trends and failing to measure results. Effective marketing starts with a clear audience, strong foundations, consistent execution and defined goals. Marketing should create clarity, not chaos, and sustainable growth comes from focus, not constant activity.

Chic Compass: Can you share a success story or client transformation that particularly stands out?

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: One client transformation that stands out involved a nonprofit struggling to communicate its impact. By refining its messaging, improving its digital presence and implementing sustainable marketing systems, we increased visibility and engagement. More importantly, the organization's leadership gained confidence and clarity, proving that effective marketing is as much about strategy and storytelling as it is about tactics.

Chic Compass: What is your personal background?

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: Born on Oahu and raised in Oregon, I discovered marketing through a high school class that sparked my fascination with business and consumer behavior. Armed with degrees from Portland State University and the University of Oregon, along with nearly two decades of agency, corporate, nonprofit and entrepreneurial experience, I've built a career helping organizations grow strategically.

Chic Compass: What experiences influenced you on your career path?

 Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: A defining moment in my life came in 2016 when I lost my younger sister to suicide. That experience reshaped my priorities and deepened my sense of purpose. It motivated me to pursue graduate school, deepen my community involvement and seek more meaningful work. Through leadership roles with Betties360 and the American Marketing Association, I found mentors and opportunities that reinforced resilience and the importance of community support.

Chic Compass: What will be your legacy?

Ashlan Glazier-Anderson: The legacy I hope to leave is one of service, education and community. Through my work at AshbeanPDX and initiatives like the "Take the Leap" podcast, I aim to foster trust and inspire others by sharing knowledge, amplifying entrepreneurial stories and creating opportunities for community growth. Success isn't just about what we build, but also about how many people we help along the way.

For more information on AshbeanPDX Marketing, visit ashbeanpdx.com.