When considering the traits that make a person popular in today’s world, “conservative political stance” is generally not on that list. In fact, it’s rather more likely to be on the Unpopular Traits list. And yet, in some sort of see-saw effect, the market for conservative thinking seems to have grown. Naturally, this is where Amala Ekpunobi comes in.
The supply/demand market for conservative thinkers is niche, but it is even more so for young conservatives. A podcaster and influencer for conservative thought, Amala isn’t the only one of her kind, but she is one of few. Now 23, Amala came from an activist, leftist background, but changed trajectory when she discovered a new way of thinking. Now, she’s passionate about showing people why she believes what she does, and the harm that is being done to our country by such a radical agenda. She built a platform on social media by sharing her thoughts and ideas, and even joined PragerU as a talk show host in 2021 (she has since moved on).
This proves that regardless of the ideas in popular culture, there will always be a demand for alternate ideas in media, and that thinking for yourself and talking about issues can go further than family arguments at the Thanksgiving dining table. And it’s not just a demand, it’s a need. Thinking for oneself is one of the most important skills somebody can have, and speaking boldly against harmful ideas needed and valued, no matter how unpopular people tell you it is.
The Sweetest Devotion: Ashley Hetherington’s Journey as a Christ-Centered Influencer
Struggling to find her footing on a path through a season of worldly pressures and broken relationships, Ashley Hetherington was a young woman on the hunt for meaning and purpose, an unconscious search for her Lord burning from a heart of confusion riddled with footholds. But now, standing on the other side of this mountain of turmoil, is an emboldened 24-year-old woman of God whose radiant passion for Christ shines through her efforts as an influencer, author, and content creator. This renewed relationship with God that grew from one of the darkest periods of Ashley’s life has lit in her a fervor for helping other young women come to terms with fighting their own battles, especially concerning faith.
Hetherington has achieved this through business initiatives that, initially, took a leap of faith to pursue wholeheartedly; graduating from Miami University with a degree in interactive media studies and journalism and thus armed to aid in the growth of other companies, she never thought her own writing and social media presence would grow into anything more than a hobby and college pastime. But keeping God central to the trajectory of her life and career has led to a fruition of and full-time devotion to this mission through many outlets.
Ashley’s simple aim has been to encourage her fellow sisters in Christ, citing Proverbs 16:24: “Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” She orchestrates a variety of media to reach her followers, including several bestselling books and eBooks, an online blog called “The Honey Scoop”, social media channel (accessible through Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook), a podcast, and a free email subscription for weekly devotionals called “The Hive.” Additionally, Hetherington has a premium Bible study deemed “The Tree”, which includes a daily Bible reading plan, weekly devotional video, monthly group calls with women from across the globe, and access to recommended worship playlists, podcasts, and book recommendations. Ashley’s content, especially “The Tree”, reaches thousands of women from all over every year, uniting them under the purpose of growing into stronger, faith-filled daughters of Christ.
Notably, amidst this success, Hetherington always offers this glory back to Christ. She stated in an interview with Peer Magazine, “I’ll never forget that in one of the lessons [at Miami University], we were taught we are in the business of effort and God is in the business of result so it’s on us to put in the effort. To put in the work, to do the time, to be consistent, to innovate, to network, to show up every day, but God is in the business of results.” In Zero to One, Peter Theil remarks on “the guiding concepts of business”, among these principles being that “it is better to risk boldness than triviality (p. 20).” Ashley Hetherington is living a life and guiding a mission that testifies to the truth in this notion—whatever the internal struggles and external obstacles someone faces, a heart and business built on the Rock will flourish in His perfect timing for the glory of His kingdom.