Healthy Snacks: Meet Zash

Ashley -

Zash Snacks’ founder and CEO, Ashley Whitman, has a passion for health and wellness stemming from years of being bullied in school for being overweight. This difficult upbringing, compounded by transferring to over a dozen schools, made it hard for her to make new friends. In her late teens, a tragic event occurred when she was rear-ended by a drunk driver, which aggravated her scoliosis and resulted in chronic back pain. Although surgery was suggested, Ashley was hesitant, having witnessed her mother endure three failed back surgeries that led to an opiate addiction and ultimately a fatal overdose. She also faced the loss of her father to a drug overdose a couple of years ago. While living with her grandmother on a farm, Ashley discovered her love for cooking and baking healthy meals. Her grandmother, who has since passed, remains her greatest inspiration in the kitchen. Despite all the obstacles she faced, Ashley chose a different path, graduating with high honors and becoming certified in health and nutrition. This journey led to a commitment to daily exercise, healthy eating, and clean living, ultimately inspiring her to create innovative snacks that are not only delectable but also incredibly healthy! At 28, Ashley's life transformed when she met Zach, who shared her passion for health and wellness and creative eating. Motivated by their shared vision, they embarked on the adventure of building Zash Snacks together.

Zach -

I’ll never forget the moments that fueled my desire for change. It all started on a bus ride home from school with my younger brother. Upon getting off the bus, the neighborhood bully targeted my brother, initiating a fight that neither of us wanted. I remember the helplessness I felt as we walked away from that confrontation, silently vowing that we would never again be humiliated by bullies or our own limitations. This experience ignited a fire within me, leading to years of disciplined workouts—100 pushups and 100 sit-ups nightly. I often get asked how I stay motivated, and I explain that I channel my dissatisfaction with myself into positive action. My advice? Get a little angry about what you don’t like about yourself or your past and use that energy to transform your body, career, or relationships. It’s crucial not to let anything take away your personal power.

Growing up, my dad struggled with alcohol, not due to the quantity, but because of how it altered his personality. He was a wonderful man who never learned to express his stress and insecurities. I promised myself I would find a healthier way to cope with life's challenges and would never rely on substances to numb my feelings. I choose to express my love for those around me every day and to live with passion for my relationships.

So how does this all relate to Zash and where I am now?

It’s a perfect culmination of each lesson I’ve learned and fought for along the way.

1. Healthy eating and feeling strong are intertwined; what you consume daily impacts your well-being. I vividly remember deciding to transform my diet while competing in a CrossFit tournament. Despite my skills, insecurities about my appearance held me back. This taught me that without self-love, achieving physical strength and agility means little. Now, at 45 years old with 11% body fat, I proudly embrace my healthy choices and enjoy looking in the mirror.

2. Running a business like Zash Snacks demands strength, self-confidence, and passion. Starting this venture with Ashley was not easy; it challenged my insecurities and the desire for control. Yet, I realized that fulfilling our mission requires us to dig deep and give our all. Our innovative snacks are designed to nourish you and promote healthy eating, allowing people to enjoy the gift of food while making it work for them.

3. Collaborating with Ashley, my best friend and partner, is a true blessing. My past experiences taught me the importance of a relationship without barriers. Zash Snacks is a reflection of the passion we inspire in one another. I share this not to boast but to affirm that our company is genuine, fueled by our shared commitment to help others find their passion, peace, and perfect balance in life.