Motivational Mom of the Month - Ashley Fleckenstein

Megan Ford

Who scored big on their kid's Halloween candy haul? Reese's anyone!?

Halloween is over, November is here and the fall weather has been just as perfect as our moms! Like this month's Motivational Mom of the Month, Ashley! Please join us in getting to know her a bit more!

How did you find FIT4MOM Richmond and how long have you been a part of our village?

I found Fit4Mom through two close mom friends that convinced me to join. We’ve been involved since the winter of 2022.

What do you love most about being part of this community?

Aside from how friendly and welcoming everyone is, I love how easy it is to talk mom to mom about the ups and downs of motherhood without judgement. There’s a true sense of camaraderie.

Who are you a mom to?

I’m Mom to my sweet and wild 19 month old, Aiden and currently 18 weeks preggo with our baby girl. We’ll welcome her late March.

What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

This is a tough one - But it’s kinda like being a kid again, you can be silly all over again and watch them actively experience life for the first time. The awe in their eyes when they see a puppy or eat pizza for the very first time. It’s so cool to witness! Oh! And watching them become their own little person like their quirks, their genuine laugh, and mannerisms - I just love it!

What two items would you take with you if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island where all your food and water needs were taken care of?

Ooooffff! Books and chapstick or a buddy!? Maybe my husband! Ha

If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past?

Definitely the past! I miss the old carefree, childless days from time to time. I’d go out, stay out all night dancing and then SLEEP IN ALL DAY LONG and eat all the snacks without sharing.

How do you practice self-care?

Definitely prioritizing SLEEP, working out, setting boundaries and saying no without guilt to social obligations.

Where did you grow up and how did you end up in Richmond?

I grew up in small town (Nelson county) in the blue ridge mountains just outside of Cville. Moved to RVA in 2007 to attend VCU.

How did becoming a mother change you?

Becoming a mom has made me feel more self assured and okay with being vulnerable and childlike. It has truly humbled me, grounded me (not always), and made me slow down and appreciate the small moments. It truly feels like I found myself in this journey.

What is the last great book or television series you've read/watched?

I’m a sucker for all things true crime! I’m currently reading Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent series. 10/10! Love trashy tv that you can just zone out to; unapologetically a big big Bravo fan!

How did you meet your partner?

Rob and I met at a show at the National in 2012. I made the first move and blah blah and here we are!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A vet, gardner, and a mom

If you could choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what song would you choose and why?

Dreams by Fleetwood Mac - duh, makes you just want to dance and bop around!

If your five-year-old self suddenly found themselves inhabiting your current body, what would they do first?

I’d eat all the things, dress up in something wild, and maybe poke/stars my pregnant belly.

Ashley, I love your answer to how you practice self-care - I think we should all prioritize sleep, setting boundaries and saying no! I also think traveling back in time to when there were no responsibilities sounds SO good!

Thank you for being a member of Our Village! We can't wait to welcome the next member next year, too!

- megan