Meet Ashley Alphonse | Director of Operations (Healthcare Staffing)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Alphonse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own healthcare staffing business came from a very personal place—as a Black woman and a licensed surgical tech, I saw firsthand how much talent exists in our field and how limited access can be when you’re not part of the “right” networks. My original goal was to secure direct contracts and gain access to staffing MSPs so I could place myself and grow organically. What I quickly learned, though, was how difficult it is to break into those spaces. The barriers weren’t about competence or experience—they were about gatekeeping, relationships, and systems that weren’t built with people like me in mind. Getting a seat at the table took far more effort than it should have, and opportunities were often delayed or denied without clear reasons.

That challenge ultimately reshaped my vision in the best way. Instead of fighting uphill solely for myself, I realized I could create something bigger by focusing on job placement for allied health and nursing professionals who were facing the same obstacles. By building a staffing business centered on advocacy, access, and opportunity, I was able to open doors for others while still building a sustainable, impactful company. I genuinely love what I do now—connecting clinicians to meaningful work, helping them navigate systems that once felt closed off, and watching them thrive. I have no regrets about making the switch. What started as frustration turned into purpose, and that purpose is what continues to drive my business forward.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I knew the frustrations clinicians face, the lack of transparency in staffing, and how often talent is overlooked. That perspective is what sets Inara Services Staffing apart. We are clinician-centered, relationship-driven, and rooted in advocacy. We don’t just fill positions—we place people with purpose.

What I’m most proud of is how we’ve grown through strategic partnerships and credibility. Partnering with major agencies like ShiftMed, Dedicated Nurses, and Aya Healthcare allowed Inara Services Staffing to expand opportunities for our clinicians while building trust and visibility in a competitive industry. Those partnerships didn’t come easily—they were earned through persistence, professionalism, and consistently showing up ready to work. Every “No” became motivation, not a stopping point.

Getting to where I am today was anything but easy. There were late nights and early mornings, juggling business development while still working travel assignments, and countless hours spent connecting with other travelers who understood the grind. I leaned heavily into outreach—on social media, recruitment platforms, and through word-of-mouth—because I knew visibility mattered. I put myself out there, told my story, and built community one conversation at a time. That grassroots approach is still a cornerstone of how Inara Services Staffing operates.

The challenges taught me invaluable lessons: don’t take rejection personally, stay consistent even when progress feels slow, and never underestimate the power of relationships. I learned that success in staffing isn’t just about contracts—it’s about trust, follow-through, and showing clinicians that you truly have their best interests at heart.

What I want the world to know about Inara Services Staffing is that we are proof that persistence works. We are a Black woman–owned healthcare staffing agency built on grit, integrity, and service. My story is one of betting on myself, adapting when the path changed, and creating access where it didn’t exist before. This brand represents possibility—for clinicians, for entrepreneurs, and for anyone who refuses to let closed doors define their future.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 – Miami Welcome & Iconic Dinner
We’d start in Miami, easing into the trip with a walk through Wynwood to check out the street art and creative energy. Maybe grab coffee and people-watch before heading back to freshen up. That night would be a must: dinner at Barton G. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. Over-the-top presentations, great cocktails, and a fun, upscale vibe that immediately lets you know you’re somewhere special.

Day 2 – Miami Beach & Nightlife
A beach day in South Beach would be non-negotiable—sun, water, and just enough relaxation. Lunch would be somewhere casual with ocean views, followed by a little shopping along Lincoln Road. That evening, we’d explore Miami’s nightlife—whether that’s a rooftop lounge, live DJ set, or a chic cocktail bar in Brickell.

Day 3 – West Palm Beach Art & Culture
We’d head north to West Palm Beach for a more refined, artsy day. The highlight would be a new exhibit at the Norton Museum of Art—it’s the perfect mix of contemporary, classical, and thought-provoking work. Afterward, we’d stroll around downtown, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy the quieter but still vibrant energy of the area.

Day 4 – Morikami Magic in Boca Raton
This would be our reset day. A full afternoon at the Morikami Japanese Gardens in Boca Raton—walking the gardens, taking photos, and just being present. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and such a contrast to the fast pace of South Florida. We’d follow it up with dinner at Cut 432 in Delray Beach, something cozy and relaxed.

Day 5 – Fort Lauderdale Fun & the Arts
We’d spend the day in Fort Lauderdale, starting with Las Olas Boulevard—shopping, cafés, and waterfront views. In the evening, we’d get dressed up for a stage performance at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Whether it’s a Broadway show, concert, or ballet, it’s one of the best cultural experiences in the region.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. My biggest shoutout goes to my mentor, Kimberly Burns of Aligned Government Services Staffing in Orlando, Florida. She is a Registered Nurse, a retired Naval Officer, and a fellow agency owner—and truly one of the most influential people in my journey as a business owner.

In my very first year of business, Kimberly took me under her wing at a time when guidance like that can make or break you. She didn’t just offer encouragement; she provided real tools for success in this industry. With over twenty years of staffing experience, she generously shared the ins and outs of recruitment and placement, helping me understand not just how the business works, but how to do it the right way. From compliance to strategy, from relationships to resilience, she poured knowledge into me that would have otherwise taken years to learn on my own.

As a Black woman-owned agency, having a mentor who genuinely wanted to see me win—and who understood both the clinical and business sides of staffing—meant everything. Kimberly’s leadership, discipline, and willingness to give back shaped the foundation of my company. My growth is part of her legacy, and she deserves immense credit and recognition in my story.

Website: https://www.inaraservicesstaffing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaraservicesstaffing/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-alphonse-b14707275/