Meet Ashley Clarke | Author, Nutrition Coach & Personal Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Clarke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson that my career has taught me is that it’s never too late to start something new, and that even though starting over may feel like it’ll put me behind, the time is going to pass anyway. Would I rather spend it working my way closer to something that I’m passionate about, or continue doing the same things that aren’t getting me to where I want to be?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I fall into a few different lanes in my career currently. I am a career Finance Professional, Certified Personal Trainer, Camp Gladiator Franchise Owner, Nutrition Coach, and now most recently, a published children’s book Author. I am most excited about this most recent achievement, as I have always been passionate about helping children see the benefits of exercise and nutrition at an early age. Now, with my book, I’m able to impact lives all over the world and bring joy to black and brown faces, seeing kids that look like them and are enjoying the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. It makes my heart smile so much seeing all of the kids that have been able to read my book so far. Also now being a Franchise Owner with Camp Gladiator, I have the opportunity to train and impact lives not only in Atlanta but all over the world, as I offer virtual training in addition to outdoor. This has been a challenging journey so far, in working to grow my business while also employed full-time, but it’s so rewarding to me. I’m learning to lean on others and not feel like I always have to do the work on my own, knowing that there are people on my team that can help in the areas that may not be my strengths. I want everyone reading this to know that no matter where you started in your career, which for me has been Finance & Accounting, if you truly have a passion for something else, go for it! There’s someone out there who needs what you have to offer and it would be selfish to keep it to yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ah, so much to experience! A week may not be enough, but here’s what I’d plan for: We have to hit up Cinnaholic and split a cinnamon roll, Slim & Husky’s for the best pizza in town, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours for soul food and great vibes, and Cafe Intermezzo for the best vegan cake I’ve ever had, Sivas and Cru Lounge are my spots for the best drinks in town. And we can’t forget brunch, Another Broken Egg, Rock Steady, Atlanta Breakfast Club, and The Real Milk & Honey will all be in the lineup for brunch throughout the week. For a truly unique experience, we’ll have to check out the Rooftop at Ponce, Trap Museum, and rent bikes to take on a few of the trails like Silver Comet, the Beltline, and Proctor Creek. And of course, she’ll already know I’m taking her along for a workout with Camp Gladiator. On the last day we’ll venture to Kennesaw Mountain for a hike.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a major shoutout to my friend, Brandon Hall, who gave me the push that I needed to get started on my children’s book, and also shoutout to my phenomenal publisher, Audrey Hinds, who took that idea and made magic with it, helping me reach Amazon Bestseller in just a few short hours of my launch.

Website: yourhealthmattersllc.com

Instagram: @clarkeayye

Linkedin: Ashley Clarke

Facebook: @AuthorAshleyClarke and @AshleyClarke

Image Credits
Headshots by Ronnie B. Photography