Meet Ashley Durden | Teen and Parent, Mindfulness and Transformation Mentor

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

Hi Ashley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
To be honest I never think I’m taking a risk in the moment I make a decision. In the moment I guess my thought process is more so “What are the endliess possibilities if I can reach this goal, do this event, gain this client, speak at this event?” My brain automatically goes to the “cup half full” thought. Just about every step along the way to reach my life, family, and business goals have happened because I have said yes to risks. I guess I never truly feel that I’m risking anything because I’m betting on me and I’ve always come through-rain or shine, some how I find a way to make things happen.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I think MY favorite thing about my business is how fun it is for me to include a new innovative way to help teens and parents grow and connect with themselves and each other. I just released the first ever interactive mentorship session for teens. They can access it 24/7 on any device, its teen-centered and they control how the session goes. The fun part is it’s me and I’m still pouring my passion into my sessions with teens (and hopefully soon parents as well), it’s just not live.
I have been able to create an interactive mentoring session where the teens can select options as the session runs that allows them to control what we talk about for each themed session. It has activities we do together, and tips/tools I share along the way that they can use the moment they log off and step back into the real world. The best part is in one session teens have 7+ (plus) different outcomes depending on what journey they choose during their interactive session.
I mean in todays world of being busy, maybe the teen doesn’t have transportation to drive somewhere to get mentorship, perhaps they have tons of after school activities, etc. They can simply login and have a mentoring session that supports them in the privacy of their home while dinners being made, or the car ride to visit family for the Christmas break, or perhaps while waiting for band practice, and so on. That’s part of what’s sets my mentoring service apart from all other mentorship programs. The flexibility, fun, innovation and client-centered mental support sessions.
It took a lot of research and time to get to this space because I did NOT consider myself a tech person. Could you imagine if I had allowed that to hold me back? I had to learn to stop telling myself who I felt I wasn’t and what I couldn’t do. I had to change my own mental narrative. It was one of my biggest moments of practicing what I “preach” and move into a growth mindset with some hype affirmations on the side to help to me keep going even when I unsure of how to create this innovative teen and parent mentor program. I am so glad I did step outside of my comfort zone because now I’m able to serve a larger community.
I create my sessions not just because I’m passionate about it but because the very same tools and tips around self-confidence, self awareness, healing, communication, etc I use in my own life. Doing that has helped me live a healthier more happier life and that’s what I want for others..

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?
I am an art and foodie girl so our day will be filled with it. I would first go to Rosalind Coffee in Garland to have some coffee and their avocado toast. Next we would go to Clover and Jade in Deep Ellum to get a cute new plant baby at their plant bar. For lunch we would go to Snooze in the gayborhood because top notch service and we have to get their “Abri-ca-lav-are” mimosa. Once lunch is over we are heading to Kunafeh House in Dallas to try our first Kunafeh that we’ve heard so much about. In the evening we’re going to go to Sweet Tooth Hotel, Rainbow Vomit or Meow Wolf for some interactive art museum time. Pick one they are all great. Then to finish the day we are going to go do karaoke and dinner at in Bishop Arts at Casanova. Make sure to rent a room ahead of time and order “mi goreng.” Have “Love on top” by Beyonce, “Nunca es suficiente” by Los Angeles Azules, and “You Proof” by Morgan Wallen on stand by on their updated and tech savvy karaoke system that you can access from your cell phone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am right now to a number of people who have been in my corner. My biggest cheerleader and love of my life Asher. He is constantly hyping me up and reminding me of my why if I get sidetracked or knocked down. I am blessed to be surrounded by beautiful, smart and goal driven women that I can call friends. I am also thankful for the community I’ve connected with from being on a entrepreneur show called “The Blox,” they have been amazing during and after filming. Everyone has pushed me and challenged me in some way to keep going.

Website: Www.chatswithash.co

Instagram: ___ashleynikki

Youtube: Www.YouTube.com/@Chatswithash

Other: TikTok: achiexl

Image Credits
Towa Brand