@ashmore is the mother of many things. Three puppies, an all women's motorcycle event @babesrideout and her newest venture @sierrastakeout which is a camping/riding gathering that she started with her husband. Her warm caring and nurturing attitude radiates and instantly made me feel at peace. Feeling ultra happy to have made contact with this epic inspiring earthling.
You co-founded babes ride out. Could you tell me a bit about that? It was an accident. After we opened up the experience to all ladies in 2013, it snowballed so quickly that we just held on for dear life for that first year trying to figure out how to grow this event the right way. We werenโt event producers, we had no magical skills, but we were and still are very much invested in giving ladies a weekend to ride motorcycles and meet each while growing the 2 wheel community as a whole. Our event is meant to serve as a connector that gets more ladies out camping, attending more events, and becoming better riders.
What are a few of the jobs you had before working at Stance and creating babes ride out? I was raised to believe there is no shame in hard work and starting from the bottom is a blessing. I remembered being made fun of for where I worked all the time but I wasnโt going to quit or give in. I was a waitress at Olive Garden during the day and server at beach bar called Harpoon Harrys at night. After I got my degree, I worked as a secretary & front desk clerk, was a customer service representative for a sunglass company which meant I mailed out tiny screws all day and had people yelling at me from 9-5 because they sat on their sunglasses. I also folded tee shirts for hours at a time, cleaned toilets, mopped floors, I can go on.
What is one talent or strength of yours, which has been critical to your success? #1 Iโve always had the mindset that nothing is impossible with a little bit of imagination and hard work. Every road block has a detour, every problem has a solution. There is a way, you just have to be creative enough to find it and start working towards it. #2 Iโve learned it's okay to say โnoโ.
You and your husband put together your first event, the Sierra Stake Out. Could you tell me about it? We just finished up our first Sierra Stake Out which is a motorcycle campout that is similar to BRO in the fact that it is a true riding event but for everyone. SSO is in northern Californiaโs gold country about 70 miles east of Sacramento and backs up to where the Donner Party met their fate. The riding is mind-blowing and the rivers, lakes, waterfalls, mountain passes are incredible. I love producing motorcycle events and nothing makes me happier than seeing people come together, laugh, ride motorcycles, and walk away with experiences that will last them a lifetime.
What has been your best investment? My marriage. We invest a lot of time in each other and itโs been incredible to see what weโve accomplished together through believing in one another and supporting each otherโs dreams. Mike has always been the type that motivates people without even trying. I admire him, respect him, and heโs helped me focus on what I was put on this earth to do. Heโs been my greatest gift from the universe.
What are the most important lessons you have learned so far, in your career or life journey? Dwelling on mistakes is the biggest waste of your energy. Acknowledge the mistake and understand it so you donโt make it again, but do not let it throw you off your path.
Have empathy for others
Listen. Always listen.
Make time for yourself.
Describe empowered... Being confident in who you are, what you are working towards, and in each decision you make to get there. To truly believe you are 100% in charge of your destiny allows your mind to be free from any doubt you may have in yourself.