We recently connected with Ashley Hardy and have shared our conversation 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 One in the Room
I knew I was different early on. I was that little girl who couldn’t sit still when life called — outgoing, eager, always ready to learn something new. By the age of eight, I was already helping raise my siblings. By thirteen, I was babysitting other people’s children. Responsibility wasn’t just given to me; I claimed it. Even then, I had this deep desire to be independent, to do things for myself, to be more — even when I didn’t yet know what “more” looked like.
As I got older, that independence carried me places. But when I moved out of state, everything I thought I had built — my reputation, my work ethic, my knowledge — was suddenly questioned. I was underestimated, unseen, and undervalued. The recognition didn’t come, the support wasn’t there, and I was surrounded by people who didn’t believe in me.
At first, it broke me down. I doubted myself, I questioned if I belonged in those rooms where no one looked like me or moved like me. But eventually, I reached a point where I told myself, “You’ve got to snap out of it.” If no one was going to validate me, I had to validate myself. That became my fire. My mindset shifted from self-doubt to “Don’t believe me? Then watch me.”
That’s when self-development became my lifeline. I poured myself into growth — mentally, physically, and spiritually. I studied nutrition, learned how to properly rest, and mastered the art of self-discipline. I trained harder, not just for my body, but for my mind. I worked through financial struggles, personal setbacks, and emotional battles by focusing on becoming a better version of myself every single day.
Then one day, someone asked me a question that changed everything: “When are you going to stop?”
And I remember thinking — stop for what? That simple question flipped a switch. It reminded me that what I was doing wasn’t just about proving people wrong; it was about becoming the woman I was always meant to be. It was about turning pain into purpose.
From that moment on, I went full throttle. More classes. More programs. More challenges. More growth. I built not only my strength but my influence — and realized that the power of being “different” is what connects me to others who are still trying to find their own.
Today, the qualities that were forged in that fire — self-belief, grit, discipline, courage, and persistence — define everything I do. They show up in my coaching, in my brand, and in how I move through the world. I use my platform to create sacred spaces for women — places where we can connect, heal, grow, and push each other toward our highest selves.
Because being the only one in the room taught me that you don’t have to fit in to make an impact. You just have to be brave enough to show up as you — unapologetically, authentically, and limitlessly.
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?
am the founder of a holistic fitness and empowerment brand focused on helping women embrace their full potential — mind, body, and soul. My approach combines strength training, functional fitness, mindset coaching, and community building, creating spaces where women feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
What’s most exciting about what I do is seeing transformation beyond just physical results. It’s watching women step into their power, gain confidence, and learn that their limits are often self-imposed. My work is about more than workouts; it’s about building resilience, fostering self-belief, and cultivating a supportive community — a space where women can connect, uplift each other, and challenge themselves safely while learning how to live limitlessly.
Through my programs, events, and online challenges, I aim to make wellness accessible, fun, and sustainable. Currently, I’m expanding my offerings to include immersive group experiences, specialized strength and mindset workshops, and virtual programs that allow women everywhere to engage, grow, and transform.
At its core, my brand stands for empowerment, authenticity, and unapologetic growth — encouraging women to be the best version of themselves while creating positive, lasting change in their lives.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three Most Impactful Qualities in My Journey
1. Self-Belief – From a young age, I realized that no one else was going to validate my efforts, and I had to trust my own vision and abilities. Early challenges, from being underestimated to facing financial and professional hurdles, taught me that believing in yourself is the foundation for growth.
Advice: Start by setting small, consistent goals that challenge you. Celebrate each victory, no matter how minor it seems — this builds confidence over time. Learn to rely on your own validation first; recognition from others comes later.
2. Discipline & Grit – My journey required relentless commitment. I had to show up even when motivation was low or when no one else was watching. Discipline turned effort into results, and grit allowed me to persevere through setbacks and self-doubt.
Advice: Establish routines that support your growth — in fitness, education, or professional work. Treat discipline like a muscle: strengthen it gradually by doing what’s hard even when it’s uncomfortable.
3. Courage & Persistence – Taking risks, stepping into rooms where I was the only one who looked like me or felt like me, and pursuing goals that seemed daunting demanded courage. Persistence allowed me to keep moving forward, even when progress was slow or unseen.
Advice: Don’t be afraid to be different. Your unique perspective is your superpower. Seek out challenges that push your limits and use setbacks as opportunities to refine your approach. Keep showing up, because progress compounds over time.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Biggest Area of Growth in the Past 12 Months
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to lead from alignment instead of exhaustion. I used to feel like I had to do everything — train harder, work longer, pour endlessly into others — even when my own cup was empty. But the last 12 months have been about balance, boundaries, and building sustainability in my purpose.
I learned that true leadership isn’t about being everywhere or doing everything. It’s about creating systems, setting priorities, and giving myself permission to rest and refocus. That shift allowed me to elevate not only my brand but also my impact on the women I coach.
I also grew in embracing collaboration and delegation. I stopped seeing asking for help as a weakness and started viewing it as a way to expand my reach and give others a chance to shine. This change has allowed me to build a stronger community around my mission — one centered on empowerment, self-love, and transformation inside and out.
Now, my approach is grounded in grace, not grind. I still push myself, but I do it with purpose, alignment, and intention — and that has made all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.motivatedfitchick.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivation_ismotive
