We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Cavalier. Check out our conversation below.
Ashley, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, just doing more things on my own and putting the phone down more. Trying new hobbies and experiences has been really good for me. It’s helped me learn a lot about myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ashley, an author and someone living with a rare disease. My book Doctor, Do You Know shares parts of that journey in a way kids can connect with. It’s about empathy, curiosity, and embracing what makes us unique. Unlike a lot of authors, I haven’t always been a writer. I actually never enjoyed putting pencil to paper. But somehow, writing became freeing. It gave childhood Ashley a voice she didn’t have before.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that beauty was linear and that you had to look or be a certain way to be accepted. I thought I had to shrink myself to fit into a box. Now I know beauty isn’t about fitting in, it’s about embracing every part of who you are.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss not overthinking and just living in the moment without worrying about what’s next. The innocence of not having to manage or anticipate what came next. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve had to learn how to find that peace again.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’ve always been into reality TV, especially dating shows like Love is Blind or Married at First Sight. I love the idea of people building real connections and putting physical attraction aside. I’ve often wondered what it would be like to see someone like me on the screen. That kind of representation is rare. After publishing Doctor, Do You Know, I realized I could explore this idea in a different way: by talking to people who live with disabilities and sharing their dating experiences in a book. There are so many misconceptions and unspoken truths about dating in the disabled community, and I’m committed to telling those stories, even though I know it will take a lot of time and work.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What false labels are you still carrying?
I sometimes feel the pressure to write more books in a certain way, or to be the same type of author everyone expects. And it’s false because I don’t have to be one-dimensional.I can create my own story while exploring and growing on my own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://a.co/d/gm5XxU0
- Instagram: doyouknow_ashley
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