Meet Ashley Bao | Beauty Business Owner & Former Respiratory Therapist

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

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I quit working at the hospital in June 2020. This is probably the biggest risk I’ve ever taken in my life. We were in the depths of COVID 19 and healthcare workers – especially respiratory therapists were needed most during this time. I was helping intubate patients in the COVID ICU and the hospital I took a contract at was a COVID hospital. Nearly every patient there had COVID. I felt really scared of quitting because we were the only people who still had jobs. At the time 30 million people had lost their jobs and I was willingly quitting. I told myself to try really hard for 6 months, ideally one year. I knew I could work really hard in the hospital, so why couldn’t I work hard for myself?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what I want people to know is that you have worked hard in your job. If you are able to work hard at your job, you can absolutely work for yourself. People should have the ability to take time off when they want to see their family, go on a vacation and be recognized by their peers/clients. I have felt really unseen by previous employers and now that I serve my clients instead of a boss- I feel much more appreciated. I feel like I have a say in my life and not at the mercy of someone else. I also get to create art on people’s faces, connect with the community and support other small business owners in a meaningful way. I love that I am excited to go work and I feel valued and seen. This is all possible for you too.

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.
Denver is absolutely amazing! I’m originally from San Diego, CA and I now own a home in Denver. Weekend Itinerary let’s go! Friday- Barcelona Wine Bar for amazing tapas, wine + paella and then head to South Broadway Street to check out the bars! Saturday- wake up early grab coffee from Ti Cafe and head to the infamous Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy hiking or snowshoeing depending on the season! Reward yourself from the hike at Smokin’ Daves and feast on hearty BBQ for lunch. Once you get back to Denver and clean up go to Punch Bowl Social for drinks, food and games! Sunday wake up and head to Exile for a fantastic brunch and bloody mary flight! Then walk around Rino to see all of the art on the walls from local artists and take some pics for the ‘gram. Enjoy beers at Odell and finish off either Dio Mio for excellent authentic Italian dishes or Hop Alley for reinvented Chinese food with hip hop flare. Enjoy your weekend in Denver!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My boyfriend and best friend have been my biggest cheerleaders. My boyfriend showed me that it is possible to be happy at work. My best friend encouraged me to follow what my heart says. This combination of inspiration and encouragement plus my strong work ethic is a force to be reckoned with. Find your team. Find your people. Find yourself. Anything will be possible! I truly believe in telling people about your dreams, failures, goals, and difficulties. You need a community and you need someone to share your life with.

Website: www.aurabyashley.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aura.by.ashley

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aurabyashley

Image Credits
Tanja Doty