It’s here.

Although I’ve been building an evolving business for four years, and have had a blog for almost six (!), this is, without a doubt, the best it’s ever been. I finally feel like the aesthetic and overall essence of my brand finally fits who I am.

For the past couple years, I’ve felt that much more opportunity existed outside my current business as a private chef, cooking class instructor, and speaker. I still love doing those things and I adore all my clients; I feel endlessly grateful to have them. But I felt there was so much more I wanted and needed to talk about and teach to others. I felt like I was going to burst with this unused information. But it stayed inside. Stuck. Festering. With nowhere to go, what happens to these ideas? If creativity is left unused or ignored, it pushes back negatively because it’s not being expressed.

That’s what happened to me. I ended up feeling sad for a while, because I had no idea what to do with this extra stuff that’s been swirling around my head for years. At the time, I had no idea what was happening or why I felt this way. I opened up about it on social media and on my blog, but that’s the reason why my posting was SO inconsistent the past couple years. Because I had no idea what I was doing or what I wanted to say or the direction I wanted to go in.

My relationship with food & exercise reflected this uncertainty and confusion. I found myself reverting back to old ways two years ago, and that’s how I really knew something was up. Our relationship with food never lies. I couldn’t believe I was in that place again, but I know that everything happens to prepare or teach us. I needed to re-learn everything I know so I could have it fresh, now. To teach you.

I thought my website just needed fixing, but when I inquired to a web-designer friend of mine, she said I needed an entire brand overhaul and strategic design.

I was so fortunate to have found Kelsey Cronkhite from Pinegate Road, a branding and design studio. I literally did a 19-page brain-dump on everything I wanted to do and incorporate into my business. Kelsey took those pieces and organized them beautifully. Together, we came up with this new brand and website. I couldn’t be happier or prouder. Kelsey was so integral to helping me do this, and the best at what she does because she puts her whole heart into it. She understood and nailed every single aspect of my brand. I’m leaving this experience with not only an awesome brand package, but a lifelong friend.

I have huuuuuuge visions for this business. I’ve always known deep in my heart that I’d do something on my own to help people (despite how hard it’s been – solopreneurship is NO JOKE!). I know the more I interact with my community, I see that people aren’t only interested in food, but how to cook. How to get healthy meals on the table. How to make a sustainable change. How to heal their relationship with food. Actually liking what you eat. Gee, what a concept!

My goal is to help everyone on this earth find a way of eating that can work for them long term I can say that I have spent YEARS trying out different ways of eating and I’m finally in a place where I feel comfortable in my body and LOVE my food choices. I have no food noise anymore. I don’t feel called to eat things that don’t work for me. I no longer use food to manage my emotions. This is a huge step for me, and I know so many people go through this in silence, so we’ll be tackling all of this.

My brand’s mission statement

“Using whole foods to change your whole life: well-being for women who are searching for a new approach, beyond the diets.

I believe each of us has the power to live abundant lives we love. Thoughtfully considering the foods we put into our bodies is the key to getting there. Using our relationship with food as a gauge to how we are feeling emotionally, I create resources for women who are fed up and know there is a better way to live. With millions of women struggling with their body image, their self-worth, their weight, and wishing they could live happier more fulfilling lives, I provide a supportive community that encompass food, cooking, spirituality, nutrition, as well as your mind, to give you a way to finding complete well-being. You’re not alone — and I know where you are because I’ve been there, too. Here, I authentically share my journey to well-being, and provide resources that can help you get to your personal place of well-being as well — no matter where you are on your journey. I believe that food is a gateway to vibrancy that trickles over into every other area of life — lets start your new beginning.”

I haven’t even told my entire story on this blog, but I know I will be doing so SOON. Sharing bits and pieces of my story through writing has been very therapeutic for me.

I hope you stay tuned and are as excited as me about this new transition! I know longtime readers & followers have been asking me to expand on these topics for a while now. Thank you for being my constant source of inspiration.

I also need to give a special thank you to my parents, sister, and Derek for their endless support over the past six months (and always), to my friends for their feedback, especially my best friend Michelle who blew me away with the branded photography she created for this site.

Here’s a list of what you can expect around here and how you can get involved!

Quiz:

Take the FREE quiz to check in on your relationship with food! It’s the first thing you’ll see when you come here.

Newsletter:

Sign up for my weekly newsletter to stay updated on my current offerings, essays about the topics concerning my brand, musings about life, and things I’m reading and/or obsessed with. This is the best way to keep in touch. I’m going to be sending a newsletter out to my subscribers every Thursday.

Services:

Check out the services tab to see all my new offerings!

Heart Food Community:

Join my private Facebook group! This will be a loving community in which people can ask questions and begin conversations for support relating to self-care, food, nutrition, emotional eating, body image, and healing. I will be moderating and chiming in often. Be sure to join because the conversations will be the opposite of small talk. You can sign up on the homepage and on the footer of the site.

Blog:

I’ll be posting THREE blog posts a week! One of them will always be a recipe. The others will cover a variety of topics relating to one of my pillars.

The Grizzly Kitchen Meal Plan Membership:

You didn’t think I’d get rid of The Grizzly Kitchen completely, did you?

I know people have trouble planning what they’re going to eat for dinner, especially if they’re trying to transition to a healthier lifestyle. After almost five (!) years of cooking professionally, I feel like I learned a thing or two about how to prepare delicious meals, FAST.

The catch is, it can only happen with careful organization and planning. I’m offering a monthly subscription service where you’ll receive weekly PDF’s outlining what to cook that week (lots of variety!) and how to prepare it ALL easily, in less than three hours a week! Sign up through the “membership” tab on the site to learn more. The first plan will be sent out February 17, 2017 and every Friday thereafter.

YouTube:

I’ll also be doing a WEEKLY YouTube video! It’ll either be a cooking or nutrition/emotional eating video. Be sure to subscribe!

Facebook Live:

I will be starting my WEEKLY Facebook Live on my Ashley Pardo Facebook Page (not my personal Facebook account) in the next couple weeks! It’ll be every Tuesday afternoon at 2PM EST.

Social Media

If you want to follow along further, links to my Pinterest, Twitter, & Instagram are on the header of the site!

Courses

Coming soon!

E-books

Coming soon!