Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Benitez
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Becoming a mother is a profound. It is transformative and beautiful and undeniably complex.
My own transition into this new role of “mother” had an immense impact on my identity and reshaped my purpose. As I transversed the joys and challenges of motherhood, I became exceedingly aware of the severe lack of maternal healthcare and support for women postpartum. It was this realization that compelled me to leave my corporate career and become a full-time doula.
Your Devoted Doula began with a simple yet important mission: to help. Starting out as a single-person operation offering in-person postpartum doula support, my vision has since expanded. Today, Your Devoted Doula is comprised of a team of dedicated doulas offering virtual and in-person services, including postpartum and birth doula support, parenting classes, birth photography, sleep education, and doula mentorship programs. I have the honor of having two amazing women on my Long Beach hub team, Kaley Amenero and Karina Mayo Trujillo who continue to strive to provide unwavering support to the parents in our community.
To ensure we cater to all families in need, we also run the “Your Devoted Doula Elite” sector- a bespoke postpartum doula service tailored specifically for high-profile clients. Our “Elite Team” consists of highly experienced, certified doulas who offer exceptional comprehensive, discreet, and compassionate care to families throughout this special time. We currently have doulas located in key regions, including San Francisco, Napa, Santa Rosa, Carmel, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles County, and Orange County, offering expansive coverage across California.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path to where I am now has definitely had it’s ups and down. Becoming a mother and starting a new business simultaneously was an incredibly challenging experience.
Having never thought I’d be a business owner and having very little business knowledge, I truly started from the ground up. The learning curves were significant, from grasping business basics and navigating legalities to understanding how to run and scale a business effectively. Alongside the uncertainties of building a business, leaving my secure corporate job to embark on this new path also brought its share of self-doubt. Despite the hurdles and difficulties, it still feels like this is my purpose, which continues to drive me to build better support options for all parents.
As you know, we’re big fans of Your Devoted Doula. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Your Devoted Doula, we believe in the power of compassionate, non-judgmental support during the transition into parenthood. We strongly acknowledge that the journey is not just about nurturing a new life but also about the rebirth and growth of the mother herself. Our mission is to bridge the support gap for new mothers and provide comprehensive services throughout the postpartum period, empowering new and seasoned moms to care for their baby with confidence. We provide emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual guidance to families, ensuring a successful journey into parenthood. Inspired by the families we serve, we are passionate about advocating for maternal health, empowering women, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive narrative around motherhood.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and networking with other parent support professionals is, in my opinion, hands-down, one of the most beneficial things you can do when first starting out! They can significantly accelerate your business growth and help you truly understand the basics. They provide invaluable guidance, share proven strategies, and help you avoid common pitfalls as you learn how to scale and build your vision.
Personally, having a mentor and business coach has been crucial in my own journey with Your Devoted Doula. I can say with confidence that I would not be where I am now if I didn’t have someone I could go to and learn from.
Recognizing the significance of a good mentor and wanting to help others in their own journey, I have created my own mentorship “Build a 6 Figure Doula Business” which provides one-on-one coaching, comprehensive support and practical skills to help you grow a successful and sustainable business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yourdevoteddoula.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama.you.can
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/yourdevoteddoula/
