Meet Ashley Greene

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Greene. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashley, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only person in the room who looks like me has been both challenging and empowering. Early in my career, I often felt the weight of being the only Black woman, and sometimes the only person of color in each space. It took the encouragement from my colleagues, and a lot of time spent on self-development to find my voice and to trust that my perspective was valuable. As I grew, I realized that my opinions weren’t just different, they were essential. The experiences I bring to the table allow me to see opportunities and potential pitfalls others may miss.

Over time, I’ve been fortunate to work in spaces where my voice was not only heard but welcomed. This has allowed me to influence decisions in ways that may not have been possible without my perspective. I’ve had the opportunity to reshape marketing campaigns, drive inclusivity in photoshoots, and rethink business development strategies to ensure they speak to a wider audience. This role of challenging the status quo to create something authentic and inclusive is incredibly rewarding, and it’s what drives me to keep showing up, even when I’m the only one in the room. My unique perspective has enacted meaningful change, and when I think back on my time in certain environments, the times I spoke up are the times that stand out the most.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As the Founder and CEO of Bare Bodhi, my work centers around redefining beauty as a holistic experience that honors both inner and outer wellness. Growing up in a salon with my mother, a talented hairdresser and owner or Salon Spritz in West Covina, CA, I developed an early passion for beauty. My journey has had its challenges—I was diagnosed with lupus while working with some of the most prominent names in the beauty industry, and this diagnosis inspired me to focus on wellness in all aspects. That’s when Bare Bodhi’s mission was born.

One of the things I’m most excited about is our patented, fingerless exfoliating bath glove. This product is close to my heart, not just because it offers an amazing, natural way to achieve soft, smooth skin, but because it brings an intimate, mindful aspect to body care. Whether after a gym session or a long day outdoors, using this glove encourages people to connect with their bodies, unclog pores, and reveal radiant skin. I believe there’s something special about using your hands to cleanse and care for your skin—it’s grounding and allows you to connect with yourself on a deeper level. As a self-proclaimed lover of long nails, the fingerless design ensure your manicure stays intact while you get a sudsy scrub.

Bare Bodhi’s philosophy is about awakening and nurturing your inner light, and we’re continually working on new products that align with this vision. As we grow, I’m committed to developing innovative solutions that not only enhance beauty but also empower and uplift. I want every individual who uses Bare Bodhi products to feel inspired to connect with their unique inner beauty and to serve their highest good. We have exciting new products and expansion plans in the works, and I look forward to sharing more of these with our community soon!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, a deep sense of purpose, and adaptability.

First, resilience has been essential, especially as someone who has faced both personal and professional challenges, including my lupus diagnosis. Challenges will come, but learning to face them head-on, remain committed to your goals, and bounce back is crucial. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say build resilience by stepping outside your comfort zone regularly. Do things alone. Learn a new language or a new sport. Take on challenges that scare you and remember that growth often happens in moments of discomfort.

Second, having a strong sense of purpose has guided me, especially in the beauty industry, which can sometimes feel targeted only on the surface level. When I shifted my focus in my own life to committing to working out regularly, grounding myself in a spiritual practice and scheduling time for self-care, it became clear that my work wasn’t just about beauty but about encouraging self-awareness and connection. To cultivate purpose, I’d recommend identifying what truly excites you or drives you to serve others. Find ways to incorporate that into your work, even if it’s in small ways at first. Regularly conversing about what makes you happy, what makes you tick, will make a huge difference over time.

Lastly, adaptability has allowed me to keep moving forward despite changing circumstances and new information. Whether it’s pivoting in response to market trends or adjusting to unexpected events, the ability to adapt and stay positive keeps you resilient and open to growth. For those just starting, stay open to learning and see every experience, especially setbacks, as a chance to adapt and evolve. Flexibility is a skill, and the more you practice it, the easier it becomes to thrive amid change.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to pause and reconnect with myself. It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of everything going on, but I’ve found that grounding myself is key to regaining clarity and focus. I’ll take a moment to step away, even if it’s just for a few minutes, and do something that recenters me—whether it’s a brief meditation, a few deep breaths, or a walk to clear my head.

Another strategy that helps is breaking things down into smaller, manageable steps. Overwhelm often comes from feeling like everything has to be done at once, so I focus on prioritizing what’s most important in that moment. By tackling one thing at a time, I’m able to build momentum and work through challenges more effectively.

My advice to others is to build a toolbox of strategies that work for you. This could include mindfulness practices, staying organized, or even just reaching out to someone you trust to talk things through. And most importantly, don’t forget to show yourself grace—it’s okay to pause and regroup. Overwhelm is a natural part of the journey, but with the right strategies, it doesn’t have to hold you back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://barebodhi.com
• Instagram: @barebodhi
• Facebook: @barebodhi