We recently connected with Ashley Chickman and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
About nine years ago, I embarked on a life-changing journey by making my aliyah to Israel on a Birthright trip. The experience was nothing short of transformative. It inspired me to pull myself up by my bootstraps and live the life I was meant to. With the courage and support of amazing friends, I was able to escape an abusive relationship that I had mistakenly thought was love. My friends encouraged me to follow my dream of living in New York City, working in food television like my idols Anthony Bourdain and Alton Brown, and leading a life that inspired others to share kindness and make the world a place we all love to live in.
After a few months of staying with supportive friends, I packed everything I owned into my tiny Toyota Corolla and made the journey from Georgia to New York City, belting out Taylor Swift’s “Welcome to New York.” I found a place to stay with friends and transferred to another Panera as a manager. The first few years in New York were a whirlwind of newfound freedom and fun, characteristic of a 25-year-old discovering life on their own terms. Though there were days when I felt lost, I took another leap and became an Assistant District Manager for a small chain of restaurants, managing about 250 people. My life revolved around work, often clocking 80 hours a week between the restaurants and helping a friend open a brick-and-mortar shop.
Realizing that this was not the life I wanted for myself, I decided to try my hand at real estate, working as an agent and assistant. This transition was challenging but opened the door to an opportunity I had only dreamed of: I applied for and landed a job as a culinary assistant for a food TV show. Those three years were a dream come true, filled with highs and lows, during which I made some of my dearest friends and met one of my idols, Alton Brown.
At the end of my time in the television industry, I noticed a recurring theme throughout my life: people were consistently drawn to my energy and felt comfortable around me. Friends, bosses, family, and even strangers valued my opinion and presence. This realization led me to take my next leap into becoming a life liaison. Now, I am dedicated to helping others navigate their paths, empowered by my own experiences and the lessons I’ve learned.
I am now focused on beginning my journey as a life liaison, studying the human mind, body, and spirit to better understand what it all means. My mission is simple: to empower you to live your best life, one mindful moment at a time. I believe that true fulfillment comes from embracing the present moment, cultivating gratitude, and fostering personal growth. This new chapter is taken with the utmost gratitude for what life has to offer, and I am thrilled to be sharing this knowledge with you.
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.
As a Life Liaison, chef, and Reiki healer, I provide a comprehensive service to guide others towards living the life they are meant to lead. I assist in shifting mindsets towards gratitude, helping clients appreciate the abundance life offers. With my culinary background, I work with clients on meal planning, preparation, dinner parties, and developing mindful eating habits. As a Reiki healer and mindfulness guide, I help the mind and body heal on a profound, conscious level.
I offer an Adventure Bound Journal Workbook dedicated to navigating a mindful gratitude practice, and a selection of meaningful gifts available on my website to infuse life with positivity. My goal is to spread positivity and mindfulness through all available avenues, empowering clients to live their best lives.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been sharing my own story, unhinged and honest to a fault. I found that others deeply resonate with the background story of how I became who I am as a guide. By being open about my journey, challenges, and transformations, I demonstrate the possibilities of personal growth and mindful living. This authenticity helps potential clients see the path they can take and the support I offer in navigating their own journeys.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
As a leader, you are a guide for how work should be done, demonstrating pride in every aspect of your company’s operations. It’s essential to exhibit the effort, passion, and dedication required to fulfill any role. By understanding the job inside and out, you can relate to your team with firsthand knowledge and show them how to complete tasks with pride. Establishing respect from your team is crucial, and once achieved, focus on building their confidence and pride in their roles. Reward your team not only with monetary incentives but also with accolades and acknowledgment. Recognize their achievements, affirm they are on the right path, and express your pride in their contributions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adventureboundlifeliaison.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: @ashleychickman
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-chickman-4536992a/
Image Credits
Jackie Alteri