Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hurst.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Over ten years ago, while a student and athlete in college. I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, which totally turned my world upside down. It made everything harder. Running, working, socializing, studying, traveling. Everything changed very quickly for me. The hardest part for my was not having the support I needed. I lost friends in the process who didn’t understand and I spent a lot of time grieving the life I was slowly losing. I didn’t have a solid treatment team at first. Despite what I was learning as a Nutrition student, I was told Nutrition didn’t matter or help with IBD at diagnosis. So I spent several years searching to create a solid treatment team for myself to help me feel secure in my journey.
Getting diagnosed with IBD is a lot like the grief of losing those we love only it’s losing the life and sometimes people we once had. But the journey and internal transformation has made my life so much richer. It’s given me a depth of empathy and understanding that only deep hard, painful times can bring. It’s given me more resilience and tolerance for the unknown- a valuable thing right now during the strange year of a pandemic. It’s also given me a strong interest in learning all the ways Nutrition can be supportive and a crucial part of every treatment plan for those with Crohn’s and Colitis.
Following my diagnosis, my interests shifted to more of an interest in medical nutrition therapy for digestive disorders. During my schooling, I began to understand how valuable nutrition interventions were for Crohn’s and Colitis but I wasn’t able to find a Dietitian that specializes in IBD. This motivated me to create the support for myself. I finished my dietitian licensing process and sought my master’s in Functional Medicine Nutrition. I ended up doing my thesis on nutrition and probiotic interventions for Crohn’s and Colitis and quickly also opened my private practice during this time. My private practice has slowly but steadily grown and evolved over the last six years. I’ve been able to help hundreds of people with digestive disorders and autoimmune diseases find the support and guidance they need during this time. Many of them have Crohn’s and Colitis. I’m so grateful now for the chance to do the work I love!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like most businesses, the first few years haven’t been easy. Somehow my business has survived through hurricane Harvey, now a pandemic and a medical challenge last year when I got a bug bite that led to an infection and me being unable to walk for two months. Thankfully, through the ups and downs, I’ve been able to have many loyal customers that have allowed me to continue the work I do that has brought so much joy to my life.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
In my private practice, I work mostly with those with severe gastrointestinal challenges. I specialize in Crohn’s and Colitis but I also see Diverticulosis, IBS, GERD, Acid reflux, SIBO and several other conditions. I am very outcome-driven, so I’ve created a six-month program designed to have a high level of support throughout. I only take on about 20 people at a time so that I can be fully present and available during their six-month program. The program includes testing, course modules, two consultations per month, secure chat throughout and meal planning support. I measure progress throughout the program using a symptom questionnaire and scoring system.
I designed this program to be the level of support that I always wished I had as an IBD patient. I feel that support and really listening to patients are the two things that are severely lacking in our current mainstream health care model. People often leave a consult with their doctor with no idea what was said and no idea what the next steps are. We often don’t even feel our concerns are listened to and don’t feel equipped with the knowledge necessary to make decisions for our health as an empowered patient. I make sure each person I work with has a clear idea of what we talked about and our agreed-upon next steps by sharing the notes I create for them each session. I also ensure they have the support they need throughout our work together through frequent check in’s beyond just sessions if needed. This allows for my patients to be more successful in their health changes.
Outside of my private practice, I also have a supplement line and a group program launching this summer for Crohn’s and Colitis. I’m most proud of the incredible value I’ve been able to provide for each person in my program and the outcomes this type of support enables. It feels wonderful to be able to help people feel more in control of their health.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m incredibly thankful for the people I’ve worked with over the years that have allowed me to keep doing the work I love! Those that I’ve worked with that have had transformation in their health have continued to support my brand and share with their loved ones which has allowed me to grow without ever spending money on marketing. I’m also very thankful also to my partner Chris who has helped me sustain the much faster growth I’ve had this last year- whether its helping me transition from office to home office during this pandemic or making meals when I’m finishing up my late night notes, I appreciate all of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: ashleyhurstrd.com
- Phone: (661) 306-7517
- Email: info@wellnessbydesignonline.com
- Instagram: @ashleyhurstrd
- Facebook: @ashleyhurstrd
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
