We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Chatman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The start of my company was actually motivated by an unfortunate tragedy.

I lost my mom to cancer in 2010. At the time, I was 35 lbs overweight and in the worst shape of my life. My mom was my best friend and losing her made me realize that I needed to get serious about my own health goals. I started doing dance workouts for exercise, lost over 35 lbs and got in the best shape of my life. After my own weight loss transformation, I decided to create my own workouts and share my story online.

As a result:

I went from 0 to over 450,000 followers and fans across my social media platforms.
I’ve been featured in major health publications such as Women’s Health Magazine and PopSugar Fitness.
I went from $0 to running a full time business that supports 3 employees.
I’ve supported over 300 clients on their fitness journey’s since the start of the pandemic.
I’ve inspired women all over the world to fall in love with fitness and take control of their health.

My mother is definitely the biggest inspiration for what I do. My business is a tribute to her legacy and I’m so thankful I get to honor her by helping others [especially other black women] live healthy, long and happy lives.

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?

My company, Fit Body by Ashley, specializes in fun workouts and programs to help women lose weight sustainably and have more body confidence without going to the gym or giving up the foods they love.

My clients often struggle with finding a fun and effective way to lose weight, stay fit and feel confident without the monotony of traditional gym workouts. I offer an engaging alternative that keeps them motivated and excited about their fitness journey. Additionally, my programs help break generational health curses by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle that is sustainable long-term.

As of now, services include on demand programs, a monthly membership community and group coaching.

What sets me apart is the community I’ve cultivated. My “Dance Fit Chicks” are more than just members; they are a tribe that supports and uplifts each other. I prioritize creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered. Furthermore, my unique blend of rhythm-based dance and strength workouts keeps fitness fun and instead of feeling like a chore.

I am incredibly proud to have supported over 300 clients on their fitness journeys, witnessing their incredible transformations and hearing how my programs have changed their lives. Seeing my clients make themselves a priority and take control of their health is the most rewarding part of my work. I’m excited to see where my business and community grows from here!

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built the Dance Fit Chicks audience by consistently sharing fun, high-energy dance workouts that resonate with women wanting to lose weight without hitting the gym. Engaging with my community through live sessions, challenges, and authentic interactions helped create a loyal following.

My advice for beginners is to stay consistent, be authentic, and engage genuinely with your audience. Share content that reflects your passion and expertise, and don’t be afraid to show your personality!

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

To keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty, I use a multi-channel approach:

I send weekly emails with updates, tips, and motivational messages to keep clients engaged and informed.

I actively interact with clients on social media platforms, especially in private groups, to create a sense of community and belonging.

I send shout-outs for achievements that help clients feel valued and recognized.

I offer members-only content and early access to new programs to make clients feel special and loyal to the brand.

By maintaining consistent, meaningful interactions, I ensure clients feel connected and appreciated.

My community is at the core of what I do, so making sure I show and serve them well is a top priority.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitbodybyashley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitbodybyashley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FitBodyByAshley

Image Credits

Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/luzolo_cent.vingt/