We were lucky to catch up with Ashlee Wright recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashlee, thanks for joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
This is a loaded question but one I feel is important to answer. Integrity and consistency are the name of the game. When I first started my business I had no idea what I was getting myself into. You tend to expect quick results and get frustrated when you’re not where you think you ‘should’ be. Now that I’m further into it and I’ve learned from other business owners and mentors – the word consistency comes up again and again. My favorite entrepreneur, Marie Forleo, says that success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, but what you do consistently. I also think you have to decide what your version of consistency looks like and what’s realistic for you. I definitely have burnt myself out more than once so my definition of consistency keeps changing and evolving. I also think the right mindset and how you view yourself is so important. Being kind to yourself and having patience is key, but not always easy!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I have always loved cooking since I was a little kiddo. When I was in high school, I really thought that I wanted to go to culinary school, I had a dream of being the next Emeril Lagasse. But, there was a little voice inside me that was telling me to go in a different direction. I decided to go to community college and nutrition started to become an interest of mine. One night, I had a dream that I went to tour Penn State and learn about their nutrition program. The next morning I got up and looked up the program and had a huge AHA moment, no joke.
I went on to receive my degree in nutrition from Penn State and completed my Masters in Dietetics Administration from Utah State University. I am coming up on my 12th year as a dietitian and I know that I am where I’m meant to be. I have been doing one on one nutrition counseling for years. The best part of the job has always been the relationships that I form with my clients, I value each and every one of them, and playing a part in changing their lives is beyond rewarding.
In the Fall of 2021, I went back to my 9-5 after having my second baby and I felt this urge that there was something else I should be doing. I had always thought of starting my own nutrition business but wasn’t sure where to start. I just so happened to be contacted by someone who helps dietitians start their own virtual nutrition coaching business. It was meant to be. Since that time, I have grown Why Eat Wise, a virtual nutrition coaching business. I help busy, on-the-go women say goodbye to diets so they never have to restrict themselves or fall victim to the scale again. I am on a mission to help my clients learn to eat for the rest of their lives, clear up any misinformation they have been infiltrated over the years, and develop a healthy, positive relationship with food.
I offer one on one services and am in the process of developing a course and group coaching program that I am so excited about. I have come such a long way in the past year and half as a business owner, it has been the biggest personal development journey of my life and I know that I am a better person for it.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to learn that it was OK to ask for help. I’ve always been an independent, make my own way kind of person (which is a blessing and a curse at times). I would be in the kitchen holding my baby girl and trying to make a bottle and answer an email at the same time and my husband would have to remind me – um, Ash it’s ok to ask for help you know! I constantly have to remind myself to ask for help.
I tried to start my business with minimal help and soon learned that learning from others who came before me was the best thing I could do. Having mentors and people in your corner who get it is so important. It’s been a learning process that I know will be lifelong.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being my authentic self. I found myself at times falling into the trap of trying to sound like someone else. You just know when something doesn’t feel like you and that’s ok. Move on and figure out what does. I actually love doing live video no social media because that’s where I can show my personality and humor and really connect with my audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whyeatwise.com/
- Instagram: @whyeatwise
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleewright511
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleewrightrd/