47 | Beautiful Me - Ashley Chea

After her second birth and feeling like her care provider didn't respect it, she knew she wanted to approach her third differently. She labored at home for as long as possible. When it was time for her to go to the hospital, she made it clear that she wanted space for her and her husband, Chea to labor together. He was a rock for her, understanding the ebb and flow of the process. Encouraging her when she needed it, providing comfort, and was entirely in sync with her needs. Ashley describes it as "the most beautiful experience" being supported by Chea and able to do whatever she wanted to feel comfortable.Ashley has always used her platform (www.watermeloneggrolls.com ) as a way of uplifting women, especially black women, focusing and highlighting how our everyday lives of being in our black body and experiences are something that should be celebrated. This work of celebration is also in how she raises her daughters. Ashley created the Beautiful Beautiful Me book and campaign as she noticed her eldest daughter wanted to look like her. While embracing that she also wanted her daughter to celebrate her appearance. Not finding anything that fit her needs, the book was manifested to show an array of children. Ashley is vocal in that she discusses with their children that they are multicultural. Through that highlighting the beauty of all sides of them. That even in their blackness as a reflection from their mother, their experience of being black and holding space in this world is different than hers. And as Ashley so eloquently states in this interview that teaching our children to love themselves first and fully makes it much easier for them to do the same for others. In her book, her work through Moms in Color and, most importantly, her daily life, her daughters get to see women of color working together, empowering each other, and loving each other. A true representation of our beauty and joy!Resources:Beautiful Beautiful Me Book | created to celebrate people of all colors and racesMoms in Color | a collective created for Black moms to celebrate diversity + motherhood.