We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashleigh Valero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashleigh below.
Hi Ashleigh, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
First off, my name is Ashleigh Valero. I am a mom of a toddler and an infant, a wife, a full-time employee at a community college, a part-time professor, a free-lance career coach, the CEO of my own company that is just about to launch, I’m a friend, a family member, and so much more. While I could share some fun information (I may be biased on the “fun” part), for each of the questions in the “Panel Discussion” question, the most compelling and presently relevant is this one, “Where do you get your resilience from?”
The short answer… I don’t have a choice.
I have been fed the idea of “the American Dream,” and though the reality of the current economy, housing market, and political and social climates are (shall I say) dreary. I still want the house with the white picket fence, a dog, and most importantly time spent with my family to enjoy our home.
As a child, when I pictured my life, I pictured this dream. I did not picture what type of career I wanted. I pictured quality time.
Fast forward to reality in America and the laundry list of roles I play and the many jobs I possess. Many people think I’m nuts, or extraordinary, or I have too much on my plate, or… fill in the blank. I do all of these things working my ass off, because I know that for now, it’s only temporary and that working hard now will bring me to the life I want to live.
In 2021, I sold my home, moved my family from Florida to California to a demotion and a pay cut. All this to be closer to extended family and also to live in the only place I felt like I thrived. Though this was a huge risk, it has been the best decision yet. And this very road trip inspired the flagship product for the business I have started.
You see, I had my dream job. I have done everything I told myself I would do…go to school, become a counselor, get married, buy a house, and start a family. But what happens when you achieved everything you wanted? You find a new dream, find new challenges, take a risk, and have an adventure.
So here I am in the midst of this adventure. I discovered a pain point, traveling across the country with a one-and-a-half-year-old. Discovered that there was no viable solution so convinced my husband to start a business so together we can solve this problem.
On July 1, 2021, three days after moving back to California, we started learning how to start a physical products business and thus was the inception of our company Baby Yoyito. The products we plan on launching are to make time with your family easy and convenient. We are developing products that will allow you to spend more quality time with your family.
We are still in product development with our “game-changing” product. Meeting safety standards and compliance for children’s products is absolutely important to us. But, we will launch our first product “The Day Trip” diaper bag later this fall.
So going back to the initial question, “Where do you get your resilience from?” I got it from my family. I have to provide for them. I want to afford them the house with a dog and the white picket fence. But most importantly, I want to offer them quality time together. This is the premise of our company. Our slogan is that At Baby Yoyito, we make family time easier. So, for my family and others’ families, I don’t have a choice. I am resilient for my family, and I am resilient for others’ families.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Baby Yoyito is a brand dedicated to making family time easier. As a busy mom and wife, I know the challenges of juggling multiple roles while cherishing quality moments with your loved ones. At Baby Yoyito, our commitment lies in providing practical solutions for modern families on the go. We’re currently developing a game-changing product that will address a major problem many parents face – the lack of accessible changing facilities, especially for dads, in public spaces. Our portable changing station is designed to outlast the diaper phase, ensuring it grows with the family.
We’re tired of seeing baby products that have a short lifespan. That’s why our focus is on creating products that last, allowing families to spend more quality time together. Our first product, “The Day Trip” diaper bag, was born out of personal experiences and a desire to solve the pain points of family travel. With functionality and style in mind, this diaper bag offers ample storage, smart organization, and thoughtful features for parents and children alike.
More than just a company, we’re a family-driven community. Our journey started with a road trip that ignited our passion for creating products that bring joy and convenience to family adventures. Our slogan, “At Baby Yoyito, we make family time easier,” reflects our commitment to making cherished moments stress-free and memorable.
Safety is our priority, and we work diligently to meet and exceed compliance standards for children’s products. Rest assured, you can trust our brand to cater to a family’s needs.
“The Day Trip” diaper bag will be available later this fall, and we can’t wait to elevate your parenting experience and accompany you on countless adventures.
As we continue to grow, our lineup of products will be designed with the same love and dedication that have become our signature. From innovative travel gear to changing diaper essentials, we’re committed to enhancing family life with our thoughtful solutions.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The entrepreneur’s journey is not for the faint of heart; it requires grit and unwavering perseverance. Without a strong sense of self-efficacy, maintaining that level of tenacity can be challenging. This concept reminds me of Victor Frankl’s profound book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” which deeply resonates with me and influences the advice I give.
As an educator, career coach, and now an entrepreneur, I often share one crucial piece of guidance with my students and clients – to seek their purpose and understand their driving forces. I provide them with the necessary tools to embark on this introspective journey because I know that doing the internal work and having a strong sense of self are prerequisites before taking on the challenges that lie ahead. Entrepreneurship can be tough and relentless, and without self-efficacy, it becomes nearly impossible to rise after each setback.
Drawing from my experience and background in counseling, I have found that creating a company and persisting in the entrepreneur’s journey have been much more manageable for me. It has instilled in me an unshakable belief in myself, making the idea of being knocked down or giving up entirely non-existent.
In the face of obstacles and uncertainty, I stand firm, rooted in the conviction that my purpose guides me, and my sense of self drives me forward. Armed with resilience and an unyielding determination, I navigate the entrepreneurial world, embracing every challenge as an opportunity for growth.
With a strong sense of self-efficacy, I’m prepared to face the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, knowing that even when the journey gets tough, I have the inner strength to persist and succeed.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
When it comes to books that have profoundly shaped my development personally and as an entrepreneur, I can’t simply choose one; I must select three, each contributing its own valuable nuggets of wisdom. 1. Victor Frankl’s “Man Search for Meaning.” This book taught me that the angst I feel can be turned into positive energy, and that discomfort is just a temporary state that will lead us to something of value to share with others.
2. Simon Sinek’s “Finding Your Why.” It was while reading this book when I had my first major epiphany and lead me to discover my personal purpose. My purpose (or “why” statement) is, “I will help others believe in themselves so they can achieve what they didn’t believe they were capable of.”
3. Ryan Moran’s “12 Months to 1 Million.” This book gave me the framework in how I can start a successful business.
While numerous other books have impacted me significantly, these three hold a special place in my heart as the most influential.
Contact Info:
- Website: babyyoyito.com
- Instagram: @babyyoyito
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleighvalero/
Image Credits
Valeria Haro Photography, Visalia, CA. Instagram: @vharophotography
