Meet Well+Good’s Next Big Thing: Ashley Guarrasi

The Journey to Self-Discovery

Ashley Guarrasi is on a mission to spread more light. Once a high-powered finance executive working long hours in New York City, Ashley struggled with anxiety, self-doubt, and finding meaning. At 32, she left her lucrative career to embark on a journey of self-discovery. This led Ashley to become a licensed therapist, mindfulness teacher, and now the founder of Be Well With Ashley, where she helps others create more inner peace and self-love.

Early Signs of Struggle

Even from a young age, Ashley felt a lot of pressure to achieve and perform. As the child of immigrants, she worked hard to attain outward markers of success like good grades, leadership positions, and eventually a well-paying job at a hedge fund.

But while she seemed to “have it all” on paper, Ashley struggled internally. “I had this deep-seated belief that I wasn’t good enough,” she shares. “I always felt like I had to do more.”

Leaving Wall Street Behind

The turning point came on Ashley’s 30th birthday. As she looked around the expensive restaurant celebration organized by co-workers, Ashley realized she felt empty inside. “I thought, ‘there has to be more to life than this,’” Ashley recalls.

Soon after, Ashley took a leap of faith and a risk that few would have the courage to take. She walked away from her lucrative career and lavish lifestyle to embark on a search for greater meaning and purpose.

Finding Her Calling

After exploring many paths, Ashley found her calling as a therapist and mindfulness teacher. “For the first time, my outer life matched my inner truth,” Ashley shares. “I was no longer just helping rich people get richer – I was making a real difference.”

By sharing tools like meditation, breathwork, and journaling from her own journey, Ashley helps others heal past hurts, overcome limiting beliefs, and step into their own power.

Empowering a New Generation

Now through her online platform Be Well With Ashley, Ashley is taking her message of self-love and acceptance to an even wider audience.

Whether leading meditations, sharing journal prompts, or speaking vulnerably on topics like body image and burnout, Ashley meets people where they are with compassion. “My wish is to empower a new generation to write their own rules,” Ashley says.

Continuing the Journey Within

While Ashley has created an outwardly successful business, she strives to always come back to inner work. “The real work is continuous,” Ashley shares. “I’m still learning to quiet my inner critic, set boundaries, and receive support.”

By embracing her own path of growth, Ashley encourages others on their self-discovery journeys. “When we nurture our inner light, we can’t help but make the world brighter.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Ashley’s career before becoming a therapist?

Ashley worked as a finance executive at a hedge fund in New York City.

Why did Ashley leave her lucrative career?

On her 30th birthday, Ashley realized that despite her outward success, she felt unfulfilled and empty inside. She left to search for more meaning and purpose.

How did Ashley find her calling?

After exploring many paths, Ashley found her passion as a licensed therapist and mindfulness teacher helping others heal and transform.

What does Ashley aim to do through her platform?

Ashley aims to empower a new generation to step into their own power, write their own rules, and spread more inner peace through self-love and compassion.