How old are your kids and how long have you lived in the Westport area? I have 2 sons. Carter is 10 and Theo is 7. I have lived in the area for almost 15 years.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? I opened up my business – J Ashley Fitness – after I was separated and needed to make money while taking care of my young children at home. To be an entrepreneur, you have to be able to take risks. I went from only knowing comfort in 2021 and feeling safe opening a gym in my garage. In 2022, my garage gym started to bring a little too much traffic to my small cul-de-sac home, which led me to need to find a space elsewhere. Although this made me nervous, I started to realize if I didn’t take the leap of faith to move, I wouldn’t grow. Then in 2025, 2.5 years later, that small gym wasn’t working for my landlord and quite honestly myself anymore. I took a deep breath, as well as a few pushes from family and friends, to triple the size of what I was comfortable with and open what we now call home! I now have a team of 4 other trainers, multiple employees and 100s of clients who walk through my doors daily. I am living out a dream getting to help women feel stronger every day. The risk was worth it!
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? Just binged and loved, “All Her Fault.” (even though I definitely cried HARD in the first few scenes.)
What is your favorite podcast? ‘MindPump’ because I am always looking to learn more about fitness. If I want a good laugh or gossip podcast, ‘The Toast.’
What is one food you could not live without? Mexican. All day.
What is one product you could not live without? My Ninja smoothie maker.
What is your greatest fear? I can’t climb a tree.
What is your greatest indulgence? Sweets every day. I am a dessert every day mom!
Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to surf. Just wish I didn’t have a fear of sharks!
If you did not live where you do, where would you like to live? California!
What is your favorite hobby? Beach with my family, and running
What is your go-to karaoke song? You couldn’t pay me!
What is your greatest extravagance? My car. I am definitely a car person, and love getting a car I love!
When and where were you happiest? When my kids were born. I never knew I could love two humans so much.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I was a part of a church choir when I was young and we were invited by the Pope to sing in Rome at St. Peters Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. (I don’t have a good voice!)
If you weren’t doing what you are today, what might your career path might have been? Event Planner. I was in the corporate planning world for a couple years before having kids. Unfortunately, the travel and schedule didn’t match what I wanted to give as a mom!
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Popcorn
Cook or order in? Order In
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Be embarrassed or be afraid? Be Afraid
Camping or glamping? Glamping
Broadway Show or TV show? TV show
TikTok or Insta? Insta
Text or call? Text
Sneakers or dress shoes? Sneakers
Sauna? Or cold plunge? Sauna
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Comedy or Drama? Comedy
To learn more, or check out a J Ashley Class, visit her site here. You can thank us later!