About Ashanti's World —

What is your current profession?

I am currently the West Coast Studio Manager at the Tracy Anderson Method.

"To me, courage is the beautiful and vulnerable surrendering to the present moment that propels you through life's challenges."

Where did you grow up? What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

I grew up in Memphis Tennessee.

My favorite childhood memory, in hindsight, was when my grandma would force me to deliver her excess harvest to our neighbors. At the time it was so embarrassing, but carrying around trash bags of onions and collard greens definitely minimized my young sense of ego.

 

What does Courage mean to you?

To me, courage is the beautiful and vulnerable surrendering to the present moment that propels you through life's challenges.

 

What is one of the biggest challenges you face and what gives you the courage to face that challenge?

One of the biggest challenges I face is learning to disconnect from the negative story in my head. I find courage in trusting that I can re-parent myself and develop a different story at any moment.

 

Tell us something you believe in:

I believe that you can start your day over at any moment; even at 11pm you can always start again.

 

Any fun "behind the scenes" of your life you can share with us?

HA. My boyfriend and I read Shakespeare plays aloud together. We just finished Macbeth.

 

"I believe that you can start your day over at any moment; even at 11pm you can always start again."

Words to live by:

One of my favorite Maya Angelou quotes is, "Don't pick them up. Don't lay them down". I take it to mean that if you look for external validation, your sense of self will always be at the mercy of other people, good or bad. If you accept someone's complement then you also have to accept their reproach. You can't let someone else's words affect you, or your work, in either direction.

Ashanti’s Take on Beauty —

"My favorite family heirloom is a pair of electric blue gloves given to me by my grandmother."

What’s your point of view on beauty today?

My point of view on beauty is that beauty is an inside job.

 

What makes a woman beautiful?

I find that when I feel grounded and secure in myself I feel the most beautiful.

 

What inspires your style?

My style is inspired by strong, creative and confident women - I always appreciate the choices that support and elevate their sense of self.

 

What are your everyday jewels?

My everyday jewels - besides my 14k sweat - are my 14k roman necklace with emeralds and lots of delicate gold earrings to show off my nine ear piercings.

 

What's your favorite family heirloom?

My favorite family heirloom is a pair of electric blue gloves given to me by my grandmother.

 

What is your daily uniform?

My daily uniform entails high waisted Levis, a white tee and No.6 clogs.

 

Favorite TN piece?

The one I own --the Roman Courage necklace with emeralds.

 

What’s next for Ashanti in 2019 and what should we look out for?!

In 2019, be on the lookout for an Ashanti TED talk; it's in the works.

 

A fun question we ask all of our “Women of Courage,” If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be with and what would you eat?

If I could have dinner with anyone, I would have a grass-fed burger with Nelson Mandela, and my good friend, sweet potato fries.