Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashely LeSha.
Ashely, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hey, I’m A.LeSha!
I’m the creator and designer of “The Mocha Body Bar”.
I started this brand back in 2017, but after some life-changing milestones and having my daughter this dream of mine ended up not being a priority. Once I had my daughter, I wanted to build my confidence back up, and become the perfect role model for her. I wanted her to feel beautiful in the skin she was blessed with and what better way to do that than taking care of the whole body. Once I got to a place where I felt I could give my all, I started researching and brainstorming different ways I could help our community by bringing them safer self-care products. It’s important that we take pride in being healthy and using safer ingredients. Which is how the The Mocha Body Bar bloomed ♡.
I officially launched The Mocha Body Bar on August 24th, 2020, and it has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I tell myself often that we are just now scratching the surface to keep my mind in the state of providing nothing but the best, which is truly our #1 goal.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship isn’t a smooth road, but it can be. I like to think that if I’m learning along the way, it doesn’t matter if it is smooth or not. Every milestone that I encounter is a win for me, with this mindset it keeps me going. I remember the night before I officially launched a year ago, and I was so excited to drop my “Mocha Men Collection” (yes, we cater to our men too) and every bottle I had ordered for the beard wash was delivered incorrectly. That was my `1st entrepreneurship hurdle, and I remember getting down on myself so bad but it’s important to remember that things will happen, and we must always stay flexible enough to adjust and keep pushing. I know it’s easier said than done, but your mindset is everything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I still work a 9-5 just like everyone else. It has been harder since launching my business because now I know how it feels to work solely for myself. I tell myself every day that this 9-5 is investing into my REAL job, just to keep me going. Sometimes working a 9-5, running a business, and being a mom can be challenging but I know it will pay off!
I’m most proud of being a mother and running The Mocha Body Bar. I want her to be able to see that finding your purpose in life is possible. I want her to see me not give up, and regardless of who comes and go, WE keep going.
I’m still growing, and man has 2021 taught me ALOT! I would like to think what sets me apart from others is my ability to grow no matter the situation. On this journey of being a better person and shifting my focus to what matters to me most, you end up realizing who’s genuine and supportive and not just for their convenience and it takes a lot of growth to be able to continue to focus on the positive and optimistic outcomes. Which I’d like to think, I’ve mastered well.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I have certain people close to me that I can bounce ideas off of, but it’s important to know your tribe. When you are surrounded by people who know your grind, and they are also grinding the resources and networking is amazing and sometimes you have to switch your circle up to attract what you actually want for your life from all angles.
What has worked well for me, would be staying true to myself. Pouring into myself, showing up for myself, giving myself grace, putting myself 1st, and most importantly resting when needed. When we are going about our day-to-day lives, running a business, being a parent, taking care of someone or something we forget how important it is to make sure we are okay. In my close family of friends, we talk often of how important it is to pour into yourself because that’s the only way you can give your all to whatever your passion is. You can’t expect to show up. and produce all this content, and products if you aren’t resting and making to-do list for the day and giving yourself space and grace to get it done. People come and go, things fall apart, you can’t worry about things not in your control, but the one thing you can do is put yourself first.
Contact Info:
- Email: themochabodybar@gmail.com
- Website: https://themochabodybar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themochabody.bar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themochabodybar/
Image Credits
The Mocha Body Bar
