Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashalah Wright
Hi Ashalah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From humble beginnings to becoming an accomplished student leader and entrepreneur, Ashalah Wright’s journey exemplifies determination, innovation, and service.
Growing up, Ashalah always had a passion for creating solutions to everyday challenges, a drive that led her to establish her own business, “Cook Me Up A Notch,” at a young age. The venture was more than just a bakery—it became a platform for young children, offering books, subscription services, and classes aimed at fostering creativity and learning. Over six years, Ashalah’s leadership enabled her team to produce innovative products and manage large-scale operations, including an impressive overnight production of 150 baked goods.
Her entrepreneurial spirit didn’t go unnoticed. Ashalah earned accolades like the Steve Harvey Disney Dreamer Award and the Truth Playmakers Award for Business and Entrepreneurship, solidifying her reputation as a top youth entrepreneur from 2016 to 2018.
Pursuing higher education at Hampton University, Ashalah majors in Business Economics while continuing to hone her leadership and academic excellence. Through the Toyota Leadership Program, she gained insights into artificial intelligence in business, earning a prestigious scholarship. Her engagement with government relations as an intern further showcased her adaptability, research skills, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Her accomplishments extend to mentoring others, such as her work with Break Into Business, where she trained young entrepreneurs in market research, marketing, and customer service. As a Goldman Sachs HBCU Market Madness Scholar, Ashalah continues to make waves in the business world while remaining grounded in her mission to grow both personally and professionally.
Today, Ashalah Wright is not just an aspiring project developer but a beacon of inspiration for young entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with vision and perseverance, the possibilities are endless.
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?
For Ashalah Wright, the journey to success has been anything but smooth. Transitioning away from her home in Georgia to pursue her education in Virginia at Hampton University brought its own set of challenges. Facing the reality of being far from her support system, she grappled with financial limitations due to initial transcript errors, the emotional toll of personal and professional burnout, and the difficulty of finding a new “village” of support.
The loss of her grandmother coupled with mental health challenges compounded these struggles as she navigated health issues soon causing temporary academic hardships. Despite these obstacles, Ashalah refused to let adversity define her story. Instead, she embraced the opportunity to grow as an individual, using her learned abilities to be resourceful, while finding her purpose during her time at Hampton University.
Through resilience and self-discovery, she has begun to align her goals with her passions. Her experiences have solidified her determination to elevate her entrepreneurial venture, “Cook Me Up A Notch,” while broadening her impact through community serving now as one of Hampton’s Bigs, a mentorship program pairing upperclass students with freshman to support them during their early stages of college life.
Ashalah is not just surviving the challenges of life—she’s thriving. By using the lessons she’s learned along the way, she is building a future that reflects her creativity, tenacity, and dedication to making a difference. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success is often born from struggle, and purpose is discovered in perseverance.
As you know, we’re big fans of Cook Me Up A Notch: Cookies, Cakes, & Other Culinary Creations. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Cook Me Up A Notch began as a passion project for a 12-year-old Ashalah Wright, but over the years, it has grown into a dynamic brand that embodies creativity, community, and innovation. Known initially for its delectable cookies, cakes, and one-time bakery items, the business has always been about more than just sweets. It is a reflection of Ashalah’s love for baking, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to fostering learning and creativity.
What sets Cook Me Up A Notch apart is its unique approach to merging culinary artistry with educational and community-driven initiatives. Ashalah has created innovative products aimed at inspiring young minds, including books, subscription services, and classes that introduce elements of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into the culinary world. This integration of education and baking has made the brand stand out as both a culinary and educational powerhouse.
Now, at the age of 21, Ashalah is entering a new chapter for her business. With nearly a decade of experience under her belt, she is rebranding Cook Me Up A Notch to evolve alongside her rediscovered passions for S.T.E.A.M., project management, and real estate investment. This rebranding will expand the brand’s focus beyond baked goods to include workshops, community initiatives, and creative collaborations that align with her vision of inspiring others while diversifying her offerings.
One of the brand’s proudest achievements is its ability to inspire and connect with the community. Whether through creating freshly baked goods that bring people together or developing resources that empower young learners, Cook Me Up A Notch has always been a platform for innovation and positive impact.
Ashalah wants readers to know that her brand is not just about delicious treats—it’s about celebrating creativity, fostering growth, and building a legacy. Through her rebranding efforts, she aims to create a business that integrates her love for baking with her newfound interests in project management and real estate. She envisions Cook Me Up A Notch as a brand that reflects who she is today: a resilient, innovative leader committed to creating meaningful experiences and opportunities for others.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Ashalah is teachable and eager to continue learning. As a Business major at Hampton University, she is actively seeking internship opportunities that will support her interest in project management on a large scale. Her goal is to gain hands-on experience in managing complex projects and developing skills that will further elevate her brand and her career aspirations.
As Cook Me Up A Notch evolves, Ashalah is excited to continue offering high-quality products and services while exploring new ways to make a difference in the culinary and business worlds. Stay tuned for what’s next because this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter!
What are your plans for the future?
Graduating early with just two semesters remaining before she earns her undergraduate degree in Business Economics from Hampton University, Ashalah Wright is poised to embark on the next exciting chapter of her journey. Her future plans reflect her ambition, creativity, and determination to make a meaningful impact across multiple industries.
One of Ashalah’s primary goals is to rebrand and expand her business, Cook Me Up A Notch, to align with her evolving interests and passions. She envisions transforming the brand into a multifaceted platform that blends her love for baking and S.T.E.A.M. education with her newfound enthusiasm for project management and real estate investment. This includes introducing workshops, community programs, and innovative collaborations that elevate the brand’s offerings while fostering creativity and empowerment within the community.
In addition to growing her business, Ashalah is eager to gain professional experience that will enhance her skill set and prepare her for leadership roles on a larger scale. She is actively seeking internship opportunities in project management and business operations, where she can apply her knowledge while learning from industry leaders. These experiences will help her build the foundation needed to execute large-scale projects and develop strategies that create lasting impact.
Ashalah is also exploring real estate investment as part of her long-term goals. She aims to combine her entrepreneurial mindset with her interest in resturanteering and/or property development, creating opportunities that contribute to community growth and sustainability.
As she looks ahead, Ashalah is excited about the possibilities that lie before her. She’s determined to leverage her education, experiences, and entrepreneurial spirit to leave a legacy of creativity, innovation, and service. Big changes are on the horizon, and Ashalah is ready to embrace them with resilience, vision, and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cookmeupanotch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookmeupanotch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cookmeupanotch
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amichellewright/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cookmeupanotch
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cookmeupanotch
