We were lucky to catch up with Ashley Baylor recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
The greatest risk I’ve taken was investing in me. I know that sounds crazy. 2023 was the year I did everything that scared me. I created a writing journal for black men, I networked with career professionals in my dream field (physical therapy), and I started my own business. I never thought I would become a business owner, but God’s plan is always greater than your wildest imagination. Desperation drove me to take the risks aforementioned. I was frustrated with complacency and hungry for change. The tipping point was a financial famine. I spent the majority of the year preparing for the new PTCAS application cycle (PTCAS is a portal to submit applications to doctor of physical therapy programs). My funds ran low and I could not afford to apply nor could I afford to pay for the classes and GRE examination. I was broken and devasted. I had never felt so low. I was tired of living just to get by. So, I prayed and during a conference in Florida, I felt led by God to take a leap to join Cash In Class University. It’s an online business program owned and led by physical therapists. They provide the road map for establishing a business in order to impact our community and pay our way through graduate school. What began as financial motivation, quickly shifted to the pursuit of my childhood dream; freedom. I always dreamed of a career that honored the kingdom of God and allowed me flexibility with time. This path has set me on the trajectory of a dream come true.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am Ashley Baylor and I am a Los Angeles native. I am a pre-physical therapy studnet with aspirations to specialize in oncology. I currently contract with a physical therapy company called Rooted Rehabilitation as health and strength training instructor. In honor of my dad, Dr. Johnny V. Baylor, I began fundraising to support pancreatic cancer reseacrh. It is the hope of our community to see the development of early detection measures and preventive treatment to increase patient survival rates. Last year, I established The Baylor Strong Project LLC to assist families and their loved ones diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The Baylor Strong Project LLC is a community that desires to provide strength, encouragement, and hope to alleviate the pain caused by a pancreatic cancer diagnose. It is our mission to offer resources that ease uncertainty, lowers anxiety, and decreases fear. We, The Baylor Strong Project, want every family and loved one to know that a diagnosis is not the end of their story.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely. It would be remiss of me to not begin with the Bible. I am learning many principles about money and leadership from scripture. I also love “How Successful People Think,” by John C. Maxwell as well as his book titled, “The Darkside of Leadership.” I listen to the Daily Mindset Podcast exclusive to the Cash In Class business group. I love the podcast because we have the opportunity to write our reflections after listening to each episode. Lastly, one of my mentors introduced me to Myron Goden’s youtube channel. He’s a phenomenal business coach who challenges your perspective. All of these sources have expanded my philosophy and understanding of business, money, and leadership.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
I would choose my profession over and over again. I chose to pursue healthcare at a very early age. I have always been fascinated with human anatomy and physiology. My mom’s life changing physical therapy sessions, inspired me to look into PT and the rest is history. Physical therapy not only restores function to the body, but returns patients to the activities they love. Persons diagnosed with cancer need these services and I am delighted to serve them in this capacity one day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thebaylorstrongproject?igsh+NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg
- Other: www.thebaylorstrongblog.com