Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley LaDan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been extremely into self-work. But beyond self-work, I’ve always really been into love. I spent my 20s in and out of relationships and doing healing work that occurred as a result of those choices and even ones made when I was by myself. I think honestly a great deal of my love life before now has been a story of redemption really, as well as resilience. I think it wasn’t until I was in my 30s where this would lead me to doing the type of self-intimacy and self-love work that would really heal the parts of me that settled. The parts of me that I did not honor became really important to me on my own self-love and exploration journey. Right before my 36th birthday, I made choice to begin a collection and body of work that was my own homage to self-devotion. I began writing prompts, meditations, prose, poetry as a road map for others to connect more deeply to themselves and thus birthed an interactive book titled Angaza: The Return to Self.
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?
I think once I decided I wanted to create this body of work, the road was as easy as self-publishing could be, lol. Self-publishing isn’t the easiest thing but I think it was more difficult to guide the way as someone who understands that mental, emotional, and spiritual self-work is never-ending and it became really important for me to establish trust without being present with those who chose my book. I think that was just really important to me. Maybe not a challenge but something really important to get right.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a writer, CTAA Certified Meditation Practitioner/teacher. I specialize in heart-centered connection, emotional intimacy, and expansive communication. I hold a degree in communication studies as well as extensive training in relational and behavioral studies.
I am known for hosting special events in the Atlanta area that involve social interaction that brings about profound change or connects others in a meaningful way. I’ve chaired several social change boards, assisted in copy and media writing for local nonprofits and for having heavy involvement in business resource groups related to women’s rights and development, workplace diversity and inclusion as well as supporting those with disabilities. I’m known in my community as a resource for emotional and spiritual development and servant leadership.
I am most proud of how my endless pursuit of crazy compassion manifests in even the most simplest way. I’m proud of big leadership but I’m proud of Angaza. I’m proud of fearlessly trying to make a difference, big or small.
Radical empathy is what sets me apart from others. I know a lot of driven people, brilliant creatives, and I know so many genuine people. I would say I’m truly heart-led and this is my own superpower. If I’m honest, I think what makes me different is that being heart-led has always allowed me to see the beauty in everything. To let my life and the way I live it actually be the art.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was quiet and observant. I had a deep voice which stood out on such a small girl. I knew things without being told is what both my mom and grandmother would recount. I think the first thing I wanted to be was an astronaut because I loved the stars and outer space. I started writing poetry in crayons on the back of notebooks very early. I was always an advocate. Even in little ways. I insisted on telling strangers “bless you” when they would sneeze, lol. Standing up to bullies in high school.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashleyladan.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/ladannn_
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/youknwthevibez
