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

Hi Ashley, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing that I have done as a parent is encouraged and allowed myself to grow with the flow. Choosing to be and consistently become the type of parent that I truly desire to be is a active and living process. For me, growing with the flow, means that I a choose in each present moment, circumstance, and/or experience to see my child and myself as human. We are each learning to navigate life from our individual seats. This is no easy feat, it is a feat none the less.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Melanin & Mindfulness, llc is a minority owned and operated private therapeutic mental health care practice based in middle Tn. I am most proud of and excited about the unique approach to mental health care that Me & Mi offers to underserved communities and individuals. Mindful attention is place on each individual’s therapeutic needs and desires with curiosity and sincere interest in an effort to create a meaningful and collaborative relationship. Emphasis are placed on building authentic rapport and relationship as these have also been key components of how I’ve built, sustained, and continue to grow my practice. It was not easy to do and is not easy to date, my focal objective of progressive practice is how I have and continue to move through challenges and complexities that accompany this journey.

I have learned many lessons along the way, one of the most significant is to make space for all of my feelings. Although there may be discomfort present within some of the emotional experience, there are a host of other nouns present as well. I find opportunities to connect with empathy, self compassion, inspiration, and wisdom to name only a few. I want the world to know that literally love the work that I choose to do, it is one of the most complex and rewarding relationships that I am privileged to have. This relationship keeps me sharp and present with unconditional love for self and others. I am my brand.

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.
Sunday – brunch at Sinema followed by a late afternoon trip to the vineyard for wine tasting and live music.

Monday – breakfast & tea at Thistle Farms, with candle and goods shopping in the TF store. Followed by walking and people watching. in Centennial Park.

Tuesday – “taco Tuesday”, home cooked tacos with friends. Food, fun, laughter, and connection are the objectives : )

Wednesday – lunch at Restoration Hardware and then head over to the movie theater with contraband snacks in tow. Mid week afternoon movies are one of my favorite little things to do.

Thursday – Tea at Grahams in East Nash and lunch at the Southern V followed by 5th and Broad exploration and shopping.

Friday – “Frist Friday”, a visit to the beautiful museum and then a stop by Turnip Truck natural food market for lunch. Dinner and dancing in the Gulch.

Saturday – Shelby Park for morning restorative yoga flow and a chillaxing picnic in my favorite spot overlooking the river. Home cooked dinner with friends and late night music and drinks at Ph.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this shout to Danyel’Marie, the most special person in my life and my first true love.

Website: meandmiwellness.com

Instagram: @meandmi_wellness

Linkedin: Ashley Shelley

Facebook: Mindful Ashley

Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/me-mi-meditation-vol-1-single/1694654573

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