Ashlee Cooper is the Owner of Droneversity. Taking aviation to new heights. Read her story as this month’s #BlackBusinessMonth Feature!
What inspired you to start your business?
I was taking pictures of a balloon sculpture at an event when someone suggested that I needed a drone to capture it better. That suggestion led me to discover an online class offered by Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC), which prepared me to pass the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Part 107 Exam. After earning my certification to fly small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, commercially, I realized I wanted to share my knowledge and the opportunities in this industry with others. That's how Droneversity was born. We offer online and in-person classes designed to prepare students, ages 16 and up, to pass the FAA Part 107 exam. Drone services in various sectors, including agriculture (crop and livestock monitoring), clean energy (monitoring solar and wind farms), and eco-friendly entertainment (drone light shows).
Have you faced any challenges as a Black business owner? If so, how have you overcome them?
My challenges are similar to those faced by most small business owners, such as securing capital, staffing, and managing time effectively. Additionally, the drone industry is predominantly white and male, so I've occasionally faced skepticism about my skills and presence due to my gender and race.
Can you share a success story or memorable moment related to your business?
Traveling to Texas with an employee for solar farm inspection training was quite an experience. Not only was my teammate Black, but so was our instructor. We were a novelty in an ultra-rural area, yet we were warmly welcomed and even directed to a local restaurant where we could eat. Although a windstorm grounded our drones and delayed the job, we were still able to capture the footage needed to meet our customer's requirements.
A few interesting facts about me are:
We have developed a Part 107 curriculum that uses “lay language” to make it accessible to everyone.
We introduced drone soccer to students in Delaware.
Over 1,000 adults and children have been exposed to the wonder and potential of drones through our programs. Many have taken the FAA TRUST Test and received certification to fly as recreational pilots.
What advice do you have for aspiring Black entrepreneurs?
Seek out experts in various fields who can assist you, whether through government entities like the Small Business Administration or personal connections. Always accept help when it comes to accounting, writing/proofreading, and human resources.
Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about your business?
We have an online Part 107 class coming up from September 9th to 13th, held nightly from 7:00 to 9:30 PM. Future aviators can find more details at www.droneversity.org.
Please feel free to provide additional anecdotes about your journey, life, or experiences as a business owner.
During a photo shoot with some women in my family, including my daughter, the photographer told her she was pretty and might grow up to be a model. Her response? “A model? I’ll be a drone pilot!” (smile) There’s nothing wrong with being a model, but representation in all fields matters. What is seen can be believed and achieved. She also inspired the children’s book, Drones, Drones, Everywhere!, which I co-authored.