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Ashley Nicole

@kaizen_ashley

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Designing a life of freedom, flexibility & fulfillment, the Kaizen way
@blackexcellencetravelteam @workoptionalparents

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Soooo I did a thing! I started a podcast! (and I shared a MAJOR life update in the trailer 👀)

This has been a goal of mine for a while, and I just haven’t had the time and energy to execute in the way I would’ve liked to. Some of you may remember how Carl and I attempted to start a podcast together back in March, but life happened and we never made it past the trailer episode 😩😂 It was so hard to coordinate time together to record an episode due to our full-time jobs and our very active toddler!

Well, I pushed past my fears and decided to stop hiding behind the fact that I wasn’t the “talker” in our family to step into something that was placed on my heart a while ago to do. I did this all by myself and even if no one listens, I’m proud of myself for taking the first step!

In this podcast, I share my journey of discovering what options I have to transition from my unfulfilling 9-5, while raising 2 boys with my husband (baby #2 on the way), making sure all the bills get paid, saving for retirement, and still living my best life! My mission is to empower other 9-5 working professionals (and parents) to create a life of freedom, flexibility and fulfillment, through career breaks and transitions, lifestyle design and financial independence - the Kaizen way.

If you’re interested in hearing more about this topic (as well as my MAJOR life announcement 🎉) click the link in my bio to listen to the trailer episode!

The first FULL episode will launch first thing on Monday morning on all podcast streaming platforms! I’m gonna make it past the trailer this time 😂

Also, S/O to @verniquemay for capturing this TIMELESS photo of me back in 2018. I haven’t taken a better picture since! 😂

📸: @brandvphotographie

#thekaizenlifestyle #thekaizenlifestylepodcast by @kaizen_ashley

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3 years ago

Happy 5th birthday to our first born, Carl Anthony!! #5 #TreDay #Oct4th by @kaizen_ashley

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5 days ago

Happy 2nd birthday to our second born, Cameron Edward!

Life has been full of excitement since you’ve joined our family. You’re so full of energy and personality, with such a sweet and loving spirit. You know exactly what you want and have no issues communicating that. You keep us on our toes at all times, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We love you so much, Cam Cam!! by @kaizen_ashley

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9 months ago

Happy 4th Birthday, Tre!! 💛

Tre’s golden birthday was as special as he is! He turned 4 on October 4th, and we spent the weekend celebrating four years of pure joy, belly laughs, and the sweetest little boy who made us parents. You light up every room you walk into, Tre — with your funny, energetic, creative, and big-hearted personality. You keep us laughing, building, and dreaming bigger every day. We love you!! 🤎✨ by @kaizen_ashley

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a year ago

I remember the first day I met my husband. He hopped in the back seat of my car after we left a bar with friends and we rode to IHOP singing Spaceship Coupe word for word at the top of our lungs. It’s crazy how a quick car ride turned into forever.

Yesterday, April 25th, we celebrated 5 years of marriage. I’m so grateful chose Carl to be my life partner. We’ve already accomplished so much together in these last 5 years: 2 babies, a business, world travels and so many memories!!

Every year, we make it a point to take a vacation for our anniversary to ensure we take time away from everyday life to celebrate us. This year we spent 5 days in Italy (Florence and Rome) and we both agreed it was the best vacation we’ve ever taken together.

I cant wait to keep making memories with you, Carl Merritt. I love you! 🤎

Happy Anniversary to us! 🥂 by @kaizen_ashley

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a year ago

VERY, VERY LATE POST!! Tre turned 3 a whole 6 months ago and I forgot to make a birthday post, so in honor of his half birthday today (and in an effort to release myself from the mom guilt - even though he’s clearly not on social media 😩😂) I’m sharing a little #BlackBoyJoy on your timeline today 🤎 I can’t believe how much he’s grown in just the last 6 months! #TreDay #HalfBirthday by @kaizen_ashley

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2 years ago

Happy 1st Birthday, Cam Cam!!

On Saturday, January 25th, our second born, Cameron Edward, turned ONE! We celebrated his 1st birthday, as well as our first year as parents of two children, and Tre’s first year as a big brother! We’re so grateful for all the family and friends who traveled near and far to join us in the celebration! Cam Cam had a TIME! #WildONE

(Not sure what happened to the audio on the last video but Tre was signing Happy birthday to Cam lol) by @kaizen_ashley

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2 years ago

One of the greatest men to walk this Earth transitioned on Friday.

My grandfather, my D-Daddy.

He lived a LONG, FULL life and left a legacy that impacted every single person he interacted with.

He worked hard, took care of his family, and served God, his church and his community. He was a leader, a role model, and so much more to so many people — and to me he was marriage and early retirement goals!

His presence will be greatly missed, but I’m grateful for all the memories, lessons, and wisdom he left me with.

Please keep my family in your prayers as we navigate this immeasurable loss. by @kaizen_ashley

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2 years ago

Happy birthday to my husband, baby daddy and best friend!! I love doing life with you! I’m so proud to be your wife and be a witness to all that God has called you to do. #36 #Obedience by @kaizen_ashley

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2 years ago

Happy Mother’s Day! by @kaizen_ashley

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2 years ago

Today we celebrate 4 years of marriage! 🤎

Every year, we make it a point to take a vacation to celebrate our anniversary. This year was no different, except we brought a little extra baggage with us 😩😂 There were several times we considered not taking the trip because of all it would require to travel internationally with a toddler and a newborn but we just kept reminding ourselves that life doesn’t have to stop because you choose to have children. I’m back outside all 2024 even if I gotta bring my kids with me.

Shout out to my amazing husband and this dream life we’ve created together. I’m thanking God every second of every single day for creating the perfect partner for me to walk in obedience with to live out His purpose for our lives.

I’m also thankful for children who adapt well to this travel lifestyle we’ve created. Cam is 3 months today and already has his first passport stamp! (We got his passport when he was 6 weeks old). Tre has been to 3 countries and has taken so many flights that we stopped counting.

God is good. Life is amazing. I am so grateful!

(Also, we definitely didn’t plan to match today. We’re just so basic that we wear the same basic clothes on the same day 😩😂) taken in Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana by @kaizen_ashley

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2 years ago

Cameron Edward Merritt 💙🤎 My SONshine ☀️ by @kaizen_ashley

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3 years ago