Okay, let’s tackle this. So Ashley has 12 years of experience in event management, which is a significant amount. However, her role is as an owner, not a traditional employee. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, event planners with similar experience can earn median salaries around $50,000 per year. Considering her location in Smyrna, Georgia, and her expertise, I'll estimate her hourly rate to be around $75, which is slightly below the national average. This rate is also lower than what I'd expect for a more experienced event planner in a larger city like Atlanta. However, as an owner, she may have more control over her business and can potentially earn more than traditional employees.