Inspiring Wellness and Community – Ashton August’s Journey
From Mindset to Philanthropy, Exploring the Journey of a Wellness and Advocate
Ashton August is a visionary leader whose inspiring work in wellness and community empowerment positively impacts lives globally.
An Interview on Reader’s House magazine features Ashton August, the dynamic Founder and Content Director of YouAligned.com and YA Classes. Ashton is an entrepreneur dedicated to inspiring, empowering, educating, and fostering community through her work as a motivational speaker, author, distinguished yoga instructor, and business owner.
Ashton’s journey began shortly after receiving her MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing and becoming an English professor. Simultaneously, she started teaching yoga and sought to blend her passion for writing with her love of yoga. This led to the creation of YouAligned (formerly YogiApproved) in 2015, a digital wellness magazine offering thousands of free articles on topics ranging from yoga to nutrition. The platform has since become a top global resource, reaching over a million readers annually. Additionally, YA Classes, their 5-star yoga and fitness membership app, has been instrumental in spreading wellness worldwide.
Her book, A Year of Self-Motivation for Women, stems from personal experiences of striving for approval and eventually discovering the importance of self-acceptance and positive self-talk. Ashton emphasizes that a healthy mindset and empowering self-talk are vital for a fulfilling life. She particularly aims to support women in overcoming societal expectations that can erode self-worth.
As a motivational speaker, Ashton frequently discusses mindset and wellness. She believes that mindset, shaped by self-talk, influences every aspect of life, while wellness, encompassing physical health, work-life balance, and mental well-being, is crucial for success. Ashton highlights that ultimate productivity is achieved through consistent self-care and balance rather than relentless work.
Balancing her multiple roles, Ashton has developed several strategies to maintain focus and productivity. Her morning routine includes hydration, meditation, and setting intentions. She takes 1-2 days off weekly, exercises daily, and commits to self-care activities such as reading and spending time outdoors. She also prioritizes her most significant tasks first and dedicates four hours to deep, focused work instead of multitasking.
Altruism is a core principle for Ashton. YA Classes plants a food-producing tree for farming communities in West Africa for every class a member completes. This initiative has resulted in the planting of over 312,000 trees, significantly benefiting the planet and the communities involved.
Living a van-life with her husband and rescue dogs has also profoundly influenced Ashton’s work and personal growth. The travel lifestyle has taught her flexibility, patience, and the ability to adapt, while also enhancing her writing and entrepreneurial skills. The experiences on the road have provided inspiration and a deeper connection to her creative process.
Ashton August’s dedication to wellness and community, combined with her innovative approach to integrating altruism into her business model, continues to inspire and impact countless individuals globally. Her story, as featured in Reader’s House magazine, is a testament to the power of combining passion with purpose.
