Ashley Strebing is a true survivor. She has overcome health conditions, to depressingly low self esteem, to breaking free from a domestically abusive relationship and now once again defying all odds, has started her own business as a health and fitness coach. Read our interview with the lovely Ashley below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I have suffered from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) since the age of 14 and have dealt with the ups and downs of my weight as an effect. I am also a domestic violence survivor who had low self esteem and was struggling to find myself after years of abuse and being put down for my looks. This combined with a spinal fusion surgery as a result of a car accident at age 20 I never thought I would ever be able to get a handle on my weight but was tired of feeling worn out all the time, clothes not fitting, unable to keep up with my daughter and overall depressed that I looked and felt the way that I did. I had tried just about every diet there was but would eventually fall off the wagon! Then I found something that got me results and I could do physical workouts that I was afraid of, boosted my energy levels, wasn’t a “diet” and still let me have real food and tons of it without having to count calories or restrict myself! This was something I wanted to share with others as I’ve been where they are and decided it was time for me to jump in with both feet and go all in!
Tell us about your business.
I’m a health and fitness coach running my own business, making my own hours, and working around MY schedule! When I was told that this could happen and I could not only get paid to work out, but help others along the way it was a no brainer for me! Best part is ANYONE can do this and you don’t have to go to a gym, or feel like its so complicated because I’m right there with you every step of the way! We have home workouts that I discuss with people, which is the most beneficial in order to get desired results and it comes with: clean eating meal plans, the tools you need to make your meals, and a shake a day that is unlike any other. Most places tell you to skip meals, drink a shake and so on… NOT ours…. Beachbody’s shake is 100% all natural, fills in the gaps that we all don’t fulfill in a day and it tastes good! It’s like eating 7 super salads in a glass that can taste like just about whatever you want it to! My favorite is to mix it up and have a jamocha shake to start my day!
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
There is always a monthly special on a challenge pack (the meal containers, workout, food guide, and a 30 day supply of shake!) Just message me for the monthly specials!
Where is your business based?
My business is set up in Indiana, however with it all being done online I can be reached anytime and can help anyone in the US or Canada.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
It was as simple as making the commitment to becoming a better me, doing some training online to explain it all and actually laid it all out there on what to do and how to get results with proven steps to simply repeat!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Simply talking to people and being a product of the product. I’ve talked with women who have been exactly where I’ve been either with PCOS, thinking they have physical restrictions and it’s the end all, to the single mom trying to figure out what to do now, or the survivor that got away and is looking to rebuild themselves. I have a page on Facebook that I post to daily to reach out, I have challenge groups for support and motivation once settled on a program, I am in those support groups simply talking to people about their situation and problems and struggles!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge was getting started and past the “what will people think of me”! Afraid of the judgement of “oh she’s just following another fad” or “so what, who cares what she’s doing”. I was scared to step out of my comfort zone and put my story out there. Currently I’m working on expanding my team and sharing these amazing opportunities with others who are looking for an at-home business to either get extra income, single moms, stay at home moms, survivors looking to build themselves up and help others along the way plus many more! Finding people who are ready to put their health first is a HUGE challenge because I can’t do it for you!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I’m working on building my market and reaching out to new people everyday. I’ve been running challenge groups that gives support, accountability, and motivation for people who want to make it their business. Some just want to get the discount which is fine because that’s an option too if someone isn’t wanting to build their own business.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I always refer back to my “why” which is my daughter, my goals of wanting to be healthy for her and teach her how important it is to take care of yourself. I want to be financially stable with zero debt on my 5 year plan. I want to never feel the way I did before and know that I’ve been through worse and can make it through anything – but it all has to start with me. There isn’t anyone else out there that can make the changes to get results but me. I sometimes have to look at pictures of then and now, or motivational pictures I’ve made with quotes to remind myself to push harder because I’m worth it and my daughter is worth it too. My daughter is my true motivation for all that I do.
How did you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I’m real! I’m me! I do not pretend to be something that I am not! I’m a mom who loves to snack, eat junk food, have wine, a messy house with 2 dogs! I share that. I don’t hide it nor do I act like working out and doing all of this is just an overnight thing and I love to do it every single day! I share the struggles of my past and present but remind all that we are all human and we have to give ourselves some slack and some days it just doesn’t get done!
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Never give up! That once today is over put all the worries and struggles behind and face forward to what’s coming!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Personal development is key! It isn’t just stepping out and all of a sudden its all going to be handed to you. It’s work. Hard work… that will pay off if you stay on it even when you don’t want to. I do personal development every single day while commuting to work and home. It has made a huge difference not only in business but my day job, my friendships and personal relationships with a partner! It is the key to success I think. After all, my favorite saying from Just Like You Fitness is “always a work in progress.”
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
I use audible every single day! I can open my phone play my book while I drive and soak in the knowledge to apply! Not having time is merely an excuse!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @Just_Like_you_fitness
Facebook www.facebook.com/ashley.strebing
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/fitnessjustlikeyou
Website www.beachbodycoach.com/maciesmom1985
Hashtags #Justlikeyoufitness
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“You Are A Badass” By Jen Sincero.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Expanding my team and others that are looking to get into health and fitness and don’t know where to begin.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
Continue pushing play everyday and posting on my Facebook feeds to reach out to as many people as possible and hopefully touch lives of others and inspire them to take the leap!