1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility. Did you know that your overall health can have a significant impact on your fertility?
Meet Ashley Florestal, founder of Fertilitae, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a focus on women’s health and fertility. Ashley has a clinical practice where she helps patients who want to prepare for pregnancy, are struggling to conceive and preparing to invest in IVF. Ashley helps her patients get into their best health prior to conception ensure the best outcomes. Ashley also created the Fertilitae app to help increase access to fertility wellness and help more people.
About Fertilitae: Fertilitae helps you reach optimal prepregnancy health by providing tools and education through the Fertilitae app. Our mission is to give everyone the tools for the best possible reproductive outcomes.
What was your thought process behind starting Fertilitae?
As a practitioner with a clinical focus in fertility wellness, I help individuals and couples that are struggling to conceive. The current prevalence of infertility is at an all time high of 15% worldwide. This steady increase in infertility, together with the large knowledge gaps in fertility wellness, led to the birth of Fertilitae.
Fertility support by a medical professional is only warranted after a diagnosis of infertility has been made, which is defined as an inability to coneveie after 1 year (or more) of unprotected sex. After the diagnosis, people are directed to consult with a fertility clinic, often having long waitlists, and taking several months before any medical interventions. Time is especially precious in fertility health and there is so much that can be done during this “waiting time” to optimize fertility and increase chances of conception.
Women are born with a fixed number of oocytes (or eggs). As we age, both quantity and quality of eggs decreases, and while we cannot change the amount of eggs, we can optimize the quality of eggs – something that I think is very important while women are waiting to see a fertility doctor, or in between fertility treatments.
The impact of nutrition and lifestyle interventions (together with other modalities of functional medicine) can have profound effects on fertility health, improving chances of a successful pregnancy or IVF cycle.
This is what I do with my patients on a daily basis, and is also something I am so passionate about. I wanted to bring this service to more people so I created Fertilitae – an app that allows me to minimize the gaps in care and bring fertility wellness and education from my office, to the comfort of your own home, and at an affordable price.
How can women be more open about their fertility?
Fertility can be a sensitive subject but I think we have come a long way with spreading awareness about infertility. It (delete it)
Fertility is a sensitive subject for many, especially for those that have been struggling to conceive, or for those that have miscarried, and everyone else in between. I think there is a lot more awareness of infertility, and the subject of fertility health is much less taboo nowadays. Sharing your journey with others that have similar experiences, and talking about fertility challenges can be extremely therapeutic. There are many online support groups that connect women from all over the world to discuss shared experiences, and offer each other support, and a listening ear.
I think women should be the ones to decide when to share their pregnancy news – and this is a discussion I have with many of my incredible patients. Society tells couples that they are supposed to wait 3 months before sharing their pregnancy news with others. This often leads to women feeling isolated, anxious and unsupported in their fertility journey. I think sharing our fertility experiences (both good and bad) is key to healing from our past and moving forward.
Should women look into their fertility in their early ages before they even think of conceiving? How can they do this?
It is my role to provide my patients with the knowledge, and empower them to take responsibility for their own health. I think it is important for all women to have knowledge of their menstrual cycle, as it is a pillar of overall health and wellness. In depth fertility testing and assessment can be a source of stress for many – however tracking your cycle is a great place to start. Women can obtain so much information on overall health and hormonal health from cycle tracking – and it’s easy!
Pre-pregnancy health status can impact chances of conceiving, pregnancy, and the health of your baby after they’re born. It is important to get into your best health prior to pregnancy – ideally beginning 9-12 months prior to conception.
I highly recommend seeking support from a functional medicine doctor, of whom will perform a thorough assessment, and identify and treat the underlying cause of imbalance or dysfunction. The Fertilitae app is a great place to start as well – upon completion of the fertility assessment, you will receive a very thorough wellness plan that covers all domains from supplements to nutrition to physical activity, and more.
What has been some of your greatest stories involving you as a fertility wellness practitioner ?
I have had the pleasure of working with so many incredible individuals in my clinical practice, and have so many great stories. However, my greatest stories involve the cases in which women were told they are unable to conceive. A little bit of investigative work to identify the root cause can go a very long way, especially in this field of work. I feel so grateful to have a job that is so fulfilling, and allows me to form such deep and strong connections with my patients. The ability to be a part of their fertility journey is the cherry on top.
Do you have any tips for fertility?
- Track your cycle. This allows you to truly understand your body, symptoms and be in-tune with yourself.
- Be proactive about your fertility health. Menstrual irregularities should be dealt with as soon as symptoms arise. Preconception care should begin one year before conception – this would include supplementation with a prenatal, optimizing nutrition, exercise, and avoiding environmental toxins.
- Set yourself up for success. For those planning to conceive later on, testing hormones and egg reserve provides more insight and options for the future.
What are the common myths people have about fertility?
- “Pregnancy can occur at any time throughout your cycle”. A woman is only fertile for 12-14 hours, and there are only 6 days of her cycle in which pregnancy can occur.
- “Infertility is mostly a female issue”. At this time, ⅓ of infertility cases are caused by female-factor infertility, ⅓ are caused by male factor infertility, and the remaining third are due to idiopathic causes.
- “The menstrual period is the main event of the cycle”. Ovulation is the main event – it is ovulation that is required for conception, dictates the start of the next menstrual period, and is responsible for the production of progesterone.
Can we really help our fertility or is it something naturally. Meaning you either are fertile or you’re not or as much.
There are several ways one can improve fertility, using a natural and holistic approach. Dietary and lifestyle factors play a major role in fertility health, and are also domains that individuals have control over. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are also many aspects of the fertility journey that are out of our control.
What are you most proud of as an entrepreneur?
I am most proud of the progress I’ve made with Fertilitae. It started off as a fertility wellness course. That didn’t feel big enough for me, so I decided to take a leap of faith, turn it into an app and pitch to investors. This journey has been a rollercoaster – full of ups and downs, many losses and rejections, but also many wins and celebrations. I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Some days are hard, and I question myself and this journey. I think it’s important to have a strong “reason” – because it’s what gets me through those hard days.
How do you balance work life?
This is a work in progress for me. I strongly believe a good work-life balance is a key component of a successful company. At this moment, I am in charge of every department, and I need to put in the extra work – that means working weekends and evenings, temporarily. I prioritize sleep, exercise and nutrition – these factors are non-negotiable and provide me with the energy I need to show up everyday, at my best.
Do you believe in destiny or do you think you can control your fate?
I believe in a little bit of both. I believe the universe will guide you to the right path when you put the right energy out there. When you have the right mindset, I think the universe will continue to present opportunities. However, I think it is up to the individual to take charge of the opportunities that arise. A mentor of mine once told me that if you leave everything up to others (the universe), you are not carving your own path. This entrepreneurial journey has taught me so many lessons – but one that I will hold on to forever is that although you can’t control everything, you definitely have the means to carve your own path, and fate.
Find more about Fertilae on:
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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