Ashley Blain is the CEO and Founder of the self-care-wellness brand ZenLuxCo. ZenLuxCo is a New York-based brand that promotes the message “Self-care Isn’t Selfish”, and sells a variety of personal care products and beauty products. Through the sales of her business, Ashley has also managed to help young women and girls who are less fortunate, to live out their full potential. Along with running her company, she also does content creation, blogs, and runs an IG TV Series called “Wellness Check-In & Self care Talk” through her brand.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised by my mom and dad as an only child. My parents always instilled education in me, so going the traditional 9–5 office job route was expected. I did the corporate life for a few years after graduating college, but found myself never truly happy with it, despite getting and working my dream job in my field for a while. Once both my parents retired, my dad started a lucrative security business and this was one of the big factors that propelled me to go on my own entrepreneurial pursuit and start my own business that I’ve always longed to do. Important values they always instilled in me growing up, are whatever you do, follow through and give it your all. Having a great support system in whatever you do is vital as an entrepreneur.

What inspired you to start your business?

My love and passion for wellness and self-care. The core message of my business is “Self-care Isn’t Selfish” and I strive to convey the message that it is okay to prioritize yourself and tend to yourself. We all live busy hectic lives and my mission is to let women and girls know it is ok to put yourself first for your own wellness and mental health.  I took the leap into entrepreneurship in 2020 after being laid off due to the pandemic, and haven't looked back since. Being laid off was truly a blessing in disguise because it allowed me to dedicate 100% of my time to building my business in my passion.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

I started my business during the pandemic in 2020, which was a time where businesses were shutting down left and right, and the economy was turned upside down. There were opinions that starting a business during that particular time wouldn’t be smart because of the economic state and mass business closures. However, I still proceeded to start my business and make those initial steps such as contacting suppliers, and figuring out which domain carrier to go with.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The most effective way of raising awareness for my businesses is creating fun content while also getting the message that ‘self-care isn’t selfish’ across. On ZenLuxCo’s socials, we make fun engaging content that both fit our branding, and promotes our message of the importance of self-care. Relatable, fun, engaging content is key to making your brand stand out.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Some of my biggest challenges included receiving our first initial customers. Posting good content is only half the battle. Converting your audience into paying customers is a challenge most brands face, but when you are consistent with your content and branding, they will eventually come.

How do you stay focused?

What helps me stay focused is knowing I have a purpose with my brand. Our mission is to not strictly sell products. We also want to promote the message that it is ok to put yourself first and tend to yourself through selfcare. We have a message to promote to help the livelihood and wellness of others.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

All of ZenLuxCo’s products are affordable. From our satin pajama sets, to our selfcare kits, to our silk pillowcases. Compared to our competitors' prices with the same product, our prices are more affordable and easily accessible for the average consumer.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Connecting and collabing with influencers and content creators. Collabing with micro-influencers who have a high engagement rate and loyal following has been one of the best ways to market ZenLuxCo and its products.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

“Move in Silence Execute Relentlessly”. This resonates so much with my entrepreneurial journey because when I first started actively making moves for my business, I held back in announcing to the world what I was doing. I only initially told close friends and family that I knew had my best interest at heart and would only fill me with confidence and words of affirmation. Living in the age of social media, everyone is oversharing so much of their lives. Making silent moves not only preserves what’s for you, but it also protects yourself from outside energies and wards off those who feel entitled to your life. Protecting your peace and energy so you can solely focus on executing and growing your business is essential.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app is Canva. Canva makes it so easy to create fun, engaging and visually appealing content, but it still allows you to add your own creative touch. One of my favorite books I distinctly remember reading is ‘The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles’ by Marianne Williamson. I read this book in my sophomore year of college before I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. It in a way, helped pave the way for my life years down the line. Some of the key points of this book is: We each have the power to bring what we want into existence, and every thought we have carries an energy that is always released in some way. A favorite blog that has been such a great resource for me is BlogHer. BlogHer not only showcases amazing women but also great resources for anyone in any industry.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My favorite business tool is email marketing. Content is truly king when it comes to social media, but having a good email marketing strategy is equally as important.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My business role model is Aurora James. She is an amazing woman of many hats and has a business that provides value to society as a whole.

How do you balance work and life?

I balance work and life by making sure I get enough rest and leisure time. As an entrepreneur, your to-do list can seem never ending. It is important to know that getting enough rest is still productive. If you are burnt out and tired, you cannot function at your highest capability. Allocating time to do your tasks and work, as well as getting ample rest and leisure time is imperative.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

My favorite way to decompress is taking a bubble bath. Bubble baths are my favorite way to unwind and give myself some solitude time to reset and recharge.

What do you have planned for the next six months

What I have planned for the next six months is to release a new product for ZenLuxCo, and to have our first event where we host a spa day for underprivileged girls.

How can our readers connect with you?

To connect with me online:

ZenLuxCo on Instagram www.instagram.com.zenluxco

Our website www.zenluxco.com

My personal Instagram www.instagram.com/heyyashleyyb

My LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-blain-12805a10a/