Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Watkins.
Hi Ashley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally, it all started from developing a coconut sensitivity in 2018. I had to toss out hair products and skin products that had coconut anywhere in the ingredient list. I started with making my own hair products then, during the pandemic, I started suffering with some skincare issues as well, more than likely due to stress.
I’ve been in the healthcare profession as an Athletic Trainer for five years and the nature of the jobs results in the needs of others superseding my personal needs. That mindset isn’t just in my workspace, but in my personal life as well, being the helper and fixer that I am. As much as I appreciate and respect self-care, I never found the time to do it when working six days a week, prepping for work on the 7th day, just to do it all over again. Self-Care became even more of a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic and wanting to preserve my mental, spiritual, and physical well-being became harder to do, even though the time was there.
I founded Naturale Goddace (NG) to supplement and encourage practical self-care by being intentional about doing simple things, like putting on lotion/body butter or taking time out to run a bath. I’m a stickler for my skin and with NG, I’m able to prioritize the value of skincare as one of the most vital forms of self-care. All the products are homemade with natural ingredients specifically chosen to benefit the skins’ health.
My slogan is to Honor Thyself, which means to honor, respect, admire, & appreciate oneself. I’m here to provide a resource for the community to show self-honor and to offer products to make self-care days, everyday.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of the struggles I experienced was with building a website that was functional, easy to navigate, and spoke to my personality, with no coding experience. Another struggle that I’m still learning is how to navigate in the world of creating content that conveys my desired message consistently. Consistency is key to everything in life, and balancing the entrepreneurial world and my career is a tedious task but I love them both.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been a community college athletic trainer for four years. We’re most mistaken for personal trainers or hydration specialists but we’re healthcare professionals that evaluate a vast amount of injuries from emergent to chronic issues. We treat them, create rehabilitation programs to return an athlete or employee back to their sport/job, and communicate with many other healthcare providers, EMS, Physical Therapists, Neurologists, Doctors, Psychologists, etc. to help people return back to their daily routines.
As an athletic trainer, I’ve built some great relationships with my athletes and I don’t take that for granted. Oftentimes, in the community college setting, athletic trainers are their primary option of healthcare because many of them don’t have primary doctors. I appreciate the rapport I build because oftentimes, I’m like a therapist for them. Just like in other relationships, listening is key. More often than not, they just want someone to talk to and be heard.
In my career, I’m known for being caring and down to earth, I make sure to not bring a pedestal with my position.
I want the best for my athletes, always, so I’m most proud and appreciative when athletes that say “thank you” for helping them be/get better, whether physically, mentally, etc.
What sets me apart from others is that I try my best to understand the person, not just the injury. I’m working to help people and doing that goes beyond body, it affects the mind too. I want to connect, find common ground, understand their drive, the goal, etc. I am about holistic healing.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Just do it! No time is ever going to be perfect, there will always be something down the road that will make you want to delay. Also, you’re never failing, obstacles will come but you’re only failing if you quit.
I wish I knew just how many hats I’d have to wear in order to single-handedly run my brand!
Pricing:
- Body Butter $8-$15
- Bath Tea $10
- Body Oil $12
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.naturalegoddace.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/naturalegoddace
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/naturalegoddace
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/naturalegoddace
