Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Nicole.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the Founder, Master Trainer, and Health Coach at RA Warrior Fitness where the mission is to empower women living with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions to improve their quality of life through faith, food, and fitness while eliminating negative self-talk and strenuous exercise. I’ve lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 18 years and I’ve turned my pain into purpose by helping other women, like me, to make “rheum to rise” above their chronic conditions.
I launched my business at the start of the global pandemic in March 2020. More than 60 warriors joined my first online program which brought a sense of excitement and something to look forward to during the challenging times of being on lockdown. Since then, my program has evolved into an extended coaching program that focuses on mindset shifts, exercising the spiritual muscle (faith), the importance of drinking water and eating anti-inflammatory nutrition (food), intentional exercise for fitness level and daily steps (fitness), getting adequate rest and making time for self-care. Since its inception, RA Warrior Fitness has touched the lives of over 200 warriors through various programs and countless others via social media.
I’m most proud of the fact that I have the opportunity and platform to educate, empower and inspire women living with chronic conditions to become the best version of themselves. When I was going through my toughest times with RA, there was no one (that looked like me) on social media to be inspired by. There was not much positivity about how to thrive and rise above RA. I’m blessed that God chose me to be a positive voice and a walking testimony of what living with RA looks like.
I competed in my first bodybuilding competition this year and won first place and my pro card with the Global Bodybuilding Organization at The Diva Houston. I also placed 3rd in my pro debut at The Diva Atlanta. Warriors can do hard things!!!
I have RA, but RA does not have me. I want all RA Warriors to know and believe this to be true. That’s why I do what I do.
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?
Being an entrepreneur has its phases of ups and downs. The road has not been easy; however, it has been worth it.
When God gave me the vision to start RA Warrior Fitness, I was still working full-time with a local nonprofit that I loved. When the pandemic hit, I had the extra time to work on my business and launch it successfully. Shortly after lockdown, my full-time job made some major changes across the country and 40% of the employees ultimately lost their jobs. I was in that number. Not only did I lose my full-time income, but also my health benefits which were crucial to my overall health and well-being. I had to quickly pivot and embrace the opportunity that God had given me of full-time entrepreneurship. Never had I imagined being an entrepreneur at all!!! But God had a plan and it all worked out for the good. He also provided resources for me to get my medications free of charge for a period of time.
I’m still learning very valuable lessons as an entrepreneur, but I’m thankful for those lessons and the people God has sent my way to help navigate. I’ve been blessed to work with wonderful business coaches and a network of other like-minded entrepreneurs.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The mission of RA Warrior Fitness is to empower women living with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions to improve their quality of life through faith, food, and fitness while eliminating negative self-talk and strenuous exercise.
I work with autoimmune women to shift their mindset and beliefs about themselves when it comes to managing their chronic condition. I coach on the importance of anti-inflammatory nutrition and how to fight the disease with food. I teach live virtual fitness classes for all fitness levels and create workouts suitable for the joints that promote mobility and flexibility. We also look at “unhealthy expenses” to identify what other factors could be contributing to the flareups of their conditions.
My business is unique because I am a coach living with chronic conditions such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and lupus; therefore, I can relate to my clients in a way that other coaches can’t. I’ve lived with RA for 18+ years and had many transformations from which I’ve learned so much to pass along to my clients.
I’m proud of RA Warrior Fitness and how it’s evolved to truly help autoimmune women of all ages to make “rheum to rise” above everything that has held them back from becoming the best version of themselves.
What makes you happy?
I find so much joy and gratitude when my clients are successful. I know what it feels like when someone puts limitations on me because of my chronic conditions. I’m so happy when I see my clients overcome obstacles and beat the odds simply because they chose to step out on faith and believe in themselves. I lead by example, and I love when we all win and rise together!
Contact Info:
- Website: rawarriorfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashnic_rawarriorfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawarriorfitness/
Image Credits
Willie and Kim Photography
Nikki Smith Photography
EyeDareU Photography
