Meet Ashley McCarver | Dance Fitness Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley McCarver and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is following my heart. Understanding that everyone will not see your dreams clearly as you do, and that’s ok. But if you know in your heart that your dreams make sense to you, then all you need to do is believe. My dance fitness business, Fitness For The Culture reminds me of how true I am to myself and how I did not give up on myself.

One day in 2018 I thought of starting a dance fitness business to help support my health and fitness goals. In 2107 I went to the doctor and got some lab work done, Once the results came back, I learned that if I did not change my eating habits I would be a diabetic. This was so scary to me and I knew that I needed to make an immediate change in my lifestyle. I knew that I needed to be more physically active but the gym was so intimidating. I thought about an alternative way to work out such as dance fitness, I began to research and created a business plan. I soon received my business license and began to create dance fitness routines.

I thought I needed approval from others for my business to make sense. The people who I love most and care about did not give me the love and support I needed. What I learned was, your family and friends may not be your target audience and that does not mean they do not support you. This was a really hard concept to conceptualize. But after speaking with other friends who had businesses, this was something they also had to learn.

After following my heart and being persistent in Fitness For The Culture I have been in business for 4 years. I have received grants from the city of Seattle, I have had the opportunity to provide my dance fitness classes for youth summer day camps, and other community organizations. All of this became possible because I believe in myself. I have had moments of giving up but then I will get reminded by my community that I need

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Fitness For The Culture is my pride and joy. Each week when I come to instruct class I get so happy as people come from near and far to be a participant. What set Fitness For The Culture apart from others is that we are a sisterhood. Each week we share personal life experiences and encourage one another.

Running a business is not easy. On the days I am exhausted, have homework, need to care for my mother, or just need a break I can not quit. At times being the only instructor is tiring but, I am so grateful for my business and find the energy to give my participants what they come to class for, which is a good workout. One thing about life is that it has no regard for what you have on your plate. When challenges happen I have learned not to react first but to think and assess how this will affect me. I think about the solution and problem solving and how can I solve it without wearing myself out. When challenges arise it is important to have a support system to lean on for mental and physical support, but also find time for self-care. If your cup is empty then there is no way you can pour into others, Taking care of yourself is pivotal.

I want the world to know that Fitness For The Culture is a sisterhood that was built to help create generational wellness. Fitness For The Culture was created to help bring a healthy lifestyle to the community that will help people make the correct health decisions before they are forced from the doctor.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday we would visit the tourist attractions at Pike Place Marjet, go to the selfie museum, ride the Ferris Wheel, and have dinner at Ivars.

Tuesday we would go for a hike at Rattlesnake Ridge. Then we would head to The Rock for Pizza!

Wednesday we would get coffee from Starbucks, and go shopping at the Westfield Shopping Mall, and the other shopping stores in the Tukwila area. For dinner, we would go to Moctezuma.

Thursday we would get a mani & pedi, and have lunch at Mama Storini. Late that evening go to my dance fitness class and enjoy homemade salad and salmon.

Friday we would go to breakfast at 13 Coins, drive to North Seattle and skate the loop at Greenlake. We would head to Alki to enjoy the beach and ice cream. For lunch, we will get Philly’s. And later that night we find a nice lounge to enjoy music and good vibes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a special shoutout to people. My first shoutout goes to my best friend Arie Jackson-Wyatt. I remember expressing the idea to her first. She was so encouraging and supported me throughout every single step. My second shoutout goes to Monika Mathews. Monika is my mentor and also a successful business owner (Life Enrichment Group & QueenCare). I admire her professionalism, how she gives back to the community, and the impact she makes within the community.

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