We recently connected with Ashley Baylor and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

Excellent question. Thank you for asking. There was a major defining moment in my career: one I did not expect nor anticipate. Even though I have been a massage therapist for 9 years, my true passion has always been physical therapy. I began my pursuit to become a physical therapist back in high school, but I faced some road blocks along the way. I was repeatedly rejected from physical therapy programs, I went back to school multiple times, did observation hours, you name it. After awhile, I began questioning God about whether or not I should even continue chasing this dream. After years of getting nowhere (at least that is what I thought) I decided to quit. I have never quit anything in my life, but in 2019, I was ready to walk away for good. The defining moment that changed my trajectory was my dad’s cancer diagnosis. In February 2019, my dad was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. I was in school working on my second bachelor’s degree (Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy). Can you say SHATTERED? My entire world fell a part and all I could think was, “how can I use what I’ve learned to help him?”. I immediately began doing research on physical therapy and how it could potentially help my dad. By the summer, I devised a plan and told my mom that I was done pursuing physical therapy (I know, oxymoron) and well, that conversation did not go well. She was livid. I’ll never forget her words, “God designed you for this. He gifted you to heal.” To wrap this story up and skip a few details, I prayed and asked God to give me a reason to keep going. The fall semester rolled around, I was sitting in class and I whispered the same prayer. He answered me! My professor mentioned cancer rehab and the LORD answered. He told me that was what He wanted me to do. I cried like a baby. For years I felt lost and frustrated. I finally understood His purpose for me. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey ever sense.

Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a native of Los Angeles, CA and I’m 33 years old. I have been a certified massage therapist for 9 years but my true passion is physical therapy (PT) specializing in oncology and geriatric care. My dad’s cancer diagnosis restored and redirected my passion for PT and inspired me to get involved with pancreatic cancer research. My dad, Dr. Johnny V. Baylor, passed away April 5, 2020 after becoming terminal and I could not sit back. I reached out to a dear and close friend of mine who introduced me to the Lustgarten Foundation based in upstate New York. In December 2020, I began creating, planning, and hosting fundraisers to donate to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research. I created an Instagram page and Facebook group with the hashtag BaylorStrong which sometimes includes a purple heart. This year, I felt led by God to begin the process of turning my advocacy into a business and He gave me the name The Baylor Strong Project (this is still being built out and I’m excited for this new chapter). I decided to continue pursuing physical therapy and I will be applying again next summer to doctor of physical therapy programs. The mission of The Baylor Strong Project is to educate, equip, and encourage our community. As a result of working for a physical therapy company called Rooted Rehabilitation, I have developed a passion for geriatric care and look to serve both populations. Communities of color are largely impacted by a variety of disparities and it is my vision through The Baylor Strong Project to provide knowledge, tools, resources, mentorship, ahd hope. I believe in interdisciplinary and holistic healthcare. I partner with experts in various health fields, I attend seminars, workshops, and conferences to ensure that I am staying abreast of what’s new in the field. I also believe that we are truly better together. My philosophy is that you are only as great as your village of support and that is what I desire to offer.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had two lessons to unlearn: (1) perfectionism and (2) people pleasing. I have spent my whole life sacrificing myself and showing up for others. I come from a family of givers. Me and my sisters were raised to be servant-leaders. The problem I faced was what my mom calls the “messiah complex”. I felt it was my duty to advocate, save, and serve to my detriment. This attitude and behavior left me drained and empty. About 5 years ago, I had my first anxiety attack. The following year, my anxiety resulted in a series of panic attacks and that was a major wake up call. I realized that I was living for everyone else and the only person we’re required to live for is Christ Jesus. I had to learn to say “no”; not only to others but myself as well. You have to take care of you first if you are going to impact and transform the lives of others. You have to be willing to stand your ground even when others do not understand the vision. I have experienced more freedom and capacity to remain disciplined because I learned that it is okay to fail and it is okay not the be everyone’s hero.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Networking is the most successful skill to soar in my field and any industry for that matter. We were not created to pursue big dreams alone. You have to discern who should be on the journey with you. God has strategically ordered my steps and has put me in places with people I never thought I would meet. I have come across more opportunities and opened doors simply by relationships and partnerships at various events in my field. A millionaire business coach and physical therapist by the name of Greg Todd, talks about leverage and partnership being the keys to business. I have embodied that and my mentors from PrePT Grind have completely reshaped my understanding of service, business, and money. All this happened as a result of meeting people. If anyone would like to know more about my networking experiences, I am happy to share beyond this platform.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebaylorstrongproject
• Facebook: https://www.facbook.com/soar.baylorstrong
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleybaylor

Image Credits
Udo Asomugha Keith St. Cyr