At 20, Ashley Causey left the cosmetic retail world for a job as a receptionist at State Farm Insurance – Javed Kapadia Agency. Today, she’s approaching 11 years with the company, now as office manager, and plans to open up an agency of her own.

Causey’s been a self starter most of her adult life. She bought a home at 24 just a few weeks after giving birth to her daughter and went through a series of promotions to assume the role she’s in now. Along the way, she’s won awards and been involved in a number of community organizations, including Junior Achievement of SW Florida, St. Jude’s Hospital, Florida Sheriff’s Association, Toys for Tots and Growing Associates in Naples.

“The most important lesson I have learned in my career is to always believe in yourself. If you don’t, how can you expect others to?,” Causey says.

Originally from Maryland, Causey is a single mother to her 7-year-old daughter, Aubrey. She enjoys traveling, cooking, fashion, relaxing on the beach and boating.