Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Kohl.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story begins on November 8th, 1985 when I arrived into this world as Ashley Ann Sattler. I was born to dance; it was in my blood. I grew up dancing. I loved being on stage. I loved expressing myself through movement. I loved learning new dance steps and routines. I loved the culture that my dance studio created. I loved to dance.
I competed, assisted, traveled, taught and went on to attend Pioneer Valley Performing Arts High School. I lived in Brooklyn for 2 years, studied dance at Broadway Dance Center.
I moved back to Western Mass because I missed friendly faces, air that didn’t smell stank and stale and a community that felt like home. I taught dance full time for my Mom, who owned her own dance studio, as an instructor 14 hours a week. I worked as a dance instructor since I was 14 years old, so I knew what it was like to work in a dance studio environment. I got married in 2010, bought a house and had two children. Summer and Brody, my sweethearts who fill me with so much love and pride!
I went on to a career in television – hosting and producing a live, lifestyle television show on NBC Affiliate WWLP 22NEWS in Western Massachusetts. This opportunity was a blessing; mixing my love of performance, people and community.
In 2012, my life slowly started to fall apart. I was in a marriage corrupted by alcoholism. What started as the life I had always dreamed of turned into a nightmare. After years of trying to help my spouse, trying to fight for my marriage and our family, I realized I had to get out. I had to make sure that my children were in a healthy environment and be in control of my future; to live a happy life. I was shattered, broken and unhappy. We were in a deep hole financially as a result of the addiction. We almost lost our home, were behind on all of our bills and were slowly sinking further. I knew I had to change my life; get a divorce and change my career. I wanted to find myself again and live out my purpose.
After 6 years in TV, I decided to go back to my passion, purpose and love – DANCE. I’ll never forget the moment I realized I had to live my purpose; when I did a story on a dance class for students of all abilities. I was so moved, I got in my car and cried.
In April 2016, I applied for a $20,000 business loan and despite my terrible financial state, miraculously, got approved.
In September 2016, I filed for divorce. In April 2017, it was finalized. In one year, I turned my life around, paid off a $20,000 loan, donated $5,000 to charity, got myself back on track financially and am saving for my future. Most importantly, I’m happy and I am living my dream. Now, June 2018, I have tripled my business income, founded my own non-profit “One Ohana” to bring dance to people of all ages and abilities in our community, have donated $15,000 to charity and am on a mission to change the world with a message of love, hope and inclusion.
I don’t want to just teach dance – I want to instill strong values in my students: kindness, compassion, support, empathy, goodwill, teamwork, trust, & love. I want everyone to feel as though they are part of the family, because each of us have our own gifts to share with the world! Our goal is not only to educate and train dedicated, disciplined dancers, but to raise good humans with love and compassion for all.
Ohana School of Performing Arts is a family that shares a passion for creativity, self-expression, love, and performance! Each and every human being deserves the chance to experience dance and performance. Ohana offers life-enriching, all-inclusive classes to inspire children and adults to express themselves through movement, dream big, and change the world!
I want to inspire others’ to be fueled by their passion and to believe that their gifts can have a positive impact on others. I want to help others live a life built on acceptance, love and kindness. I want to prove that no matter how broken you are, there is hope for a future filled with blue skies and sunshine. I own my story, I’m proud of who I am and I am eager to wake up each morning, motivated by the difference I have the power to make.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It certainly has not been smooth! I was a “starving artist” in NYC for 2 years, working hard to pursue a career in dance. I dropped out of college with absolutely no idea of what I wanted to do or who I wanted to become. I suffered postpartum depression; feeling hopeless and defeated everyday.
I was in a toxic, verbally abusive marriage. My husband was an alcoholic. We had two children under 18 months old. I was on live TV everyday, faking a smile. I felt worthless and depressed. After many stints at rehab, 2 restraining orders and many tears, I decided to file for divorce.
I was in severe debt. My credit score was the lowest it could possibly be. Despite the struggles, I have come out stronger on the other side!
Ohana School of Performing Arts – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Ohana School of Performing Arts is known for being a place where difference is celebrated, diversity and acceptance are strong, love is real and kindness is contagious. We are a place that preaches “good vibes only”. We offer life-enriching dance classes for students of all ages and abilities. We work with adults and children with developmental and physical disabilities, senior citizens, young children, and people from all backgrounds. Our mission is to spread peace and positivity through performance. Our hope is to watch dancers find the joy that dance brings to their lives!
‘One Ohana’ is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation that has a mission is to spread love, joy & good vibes through the magic of dance, movement & performance, regardless of age, ability or socio-economic status. Each and every human being deserves to experience the joy of movement and performance.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is about feeling fulfilled, positively impacting others’ lives, spreading joy. I believe in the ripple effect. Every kind thing we do, every small gesture of love – it creates a ripple that will continue to change the world. Success is finding your purpose here on this earth, and living it fully. Never doubting your ability to shake the world.
Contact Info:
- Address: 470 Newton Street
South Hadley, MA 01075 - Website: www.ohanaperformingarts.com
- Phone: 413-539-9996
- Email: ashley@ohanaperformingarts.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhanaPerformingArts/
Image Credit:
Valley Photography
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