Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash.
Hi Ash, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up as the oldest of ten children, I always knew I wanted to be a mother and a leader. But – I was shy, lacking the confidence and determination that a true leader and parent must possess. I graduated from high school with honors and went on to graduate from Fordham University in New York City!
For five years, I thrived in the 60-hour finance workweek culture of Manhattan, working my way up from a temp to an Operations Associate at a private equity fund on Park Avenue.
That all changed when my first daughter Eloise was born. Her conception and pregnancy were a breeze and I soon traded my corporate life for motherhood. Eventually I gave birth to six children all while building a successful remote personal assistant career for over ten years.
But, during that time, I also suffered and overcame a great tragedy. I gave birth to my second daughter, Gwyneth, on her due date, only to learn she had already passed away. She died from Prenatal Onset Group B Strep, a condition I was told couldn’t happen before birth.
Gwyneth’s tragic death forged a new purpose in me. My once meek voice became loud, questioning “How, and why?” I boldly told my story of loss to anyone who would listen. Many did not want to hear or believe it. I wanted to understand the female body, my stillbirth, and have more children. I voraciously acquired certifications in fertility awareness, restorative reproductive medicine, and perinatal grief; realizing some painful truths.
First, my own lack of knowledge about my female body might have cost my daughter her life. Secondly, no one in society teaches women the intricacies of their reproductive systems; how to truly understand our fertility to naturally conceive, prevent pregnancy, and prevent disease. I was learning this all on my own, for the first time, at almost 30 years old!
Gwyneth’s short life ignited my passion for female fertility and gave me the strength to teach, lead, and counsel. A decade later, while raising 5 children, I founded a fertility coaching and grief counseling program, and wrote my first book, to ensure other women feel empowered and in control of their female bodies.
Gone are the days when I shied away, doubtful of what good I could offer someone. Gone are the days when I believed I wasn’t deserving of motherhood or success because of my loss. The experience tore me apart, but it also allowed me to rebuild the strongest, most confident version of myself. What I want other women to know is this – “I was right where you are, and I made it to the other side, smarter and stronger. I know what it takes and I can get you there too.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been a few obstacles thus far and I’m sure there will be more along my way. My two biggest challenges are:
– finding the extra time to dedicate to fertility trainings and certifications, while also focusing on being a mom to 5 young children.
– navigating all the many steps of starting a business from initial ideas, education, websites, taxes, funding, marketing, and everything in between.
I’ve had many sleepless nights over the years, just plugging away and trying to soak up everything. I must stay as knowledgeable as possible in order to help my clients. I know first-hand that the most difficult situations in life bring us the most clarity. I strive to be an example for my kids that although it takes time and dedication, you can be a good parent and also pursue your passions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Pursuit of Fertility?
The Pursuit of Fertility aims to combine individual fertility coaching and education, along with perinatal bereavement support from someone who “gets” what you’re going through. I can help guide you whether you’re trying to conceive, trying to avoid pregnancy, or needing support during a pregnancy after loss.
I gathered all I have learned when I wrote “The Cervical Solution: Unspoken Fertility Info, Tips, & How-tos Every Woman Should Know.” My book contains everything a woman needs to naturally track her menstrual cycle – with a focus on the cervix, to achieve or prevent pregnancy naturally! My goal is to spread affordable fertility awareness education to ALL women, starting with teens. You can find it on Amazon at https://a.co/d/iuwKZX1 .
This is not simply a money-making business, it is a mission to honor my daughter Gwyneth, by using the strength she provided me with to do good. Therefore, I offer “pay what you can” and do my best to work within financial limits. I have been fortunate to witness women that I’ve counseled after loss, go on to have rainbow babies. I also help women who can’t have a biological child, go on to foster and adopt. I emphasize positivity and pivoting of goals when necessary in order to find “your” success.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk taking is scary, we all know that. And who likes to be scared? But I’ve found that taking risks truly does bring great rewards. I can say that in regards to raising children or to starting a new business. Both involve “starting at the bottom and learning as you go.” We have a culture of “get rich quick” schemes surrounding us these days, and in my experience, riches of any form, do not appear overnight. They involve time, commitment, patience, and sacrifice. I must note that taking risks is a lot easier when you have a support system. I would not be as accomplished today, without the constant guidance and childcare from my husband, Ryan. Never underestimate the power of a great partnership, whether in marriage or business!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepursuitoffertility.com
- Instagram: @hopefromash, @thepursuitoffertility
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560092616264
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashrhernandez
- Other: https://a.co/d/iuwKZX1
