I began my personal blogging journey in 2015 during my last year of medical school. What started off as an interest in affordable fashion transitioned into a lifestyle blog as my own life and style evolved over the years. When I started working on Neutral Simplicité, I knew I wanted to share my life passions and some of the inspirational people that have impacted me personally and professionally through their own journeys. I feel honored that my first interview is with my best friend, Ashley. She is a physician, mother, blogger and strong advocate within the Black community. She has been in my inner circle for many years and is the very best friend, confidant, colleague and support system I could ever ask for. She has inspired me to be the best version of myself over the years and I wanted to share some of her story and journey.
TS: How did we meet and what is one thing you think people would be surprised to know about me?
AM: Toral and I met in 2015 when we started our residency together as interns in Detroit. It’s safe to say our first time meeting with each other was a little awkward as we both just sat quietly and didn’t say much (lol). But we quickly bonded over the love for Kate Spade and became instant best friends! I think people would be surprised to know how loving and caring Toral is as a friend. Once you are in her inner circle, she is literally the best girlfriend you could ask for and will always make sure you know that. Our friendship may not be since childhood, but since we met, it has seemed like a lifetime. Not only do we laugh and have fun ALL the time, we help each other through hard times. After residency in 2018, I moved to Texas and there still has yet to be a day where we don’t talk in some way. She is more like my sister friend.
TS: What made you decide to go into medicine and when did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
AM: I cannot remember a time where medicine was not in the back of my mind. My love for medicine stemmed from childhood. I was that child who wanted to be a doctor for Halloween! I will say I solidified my decision to enter into medicine upon the departure of my grandmother. She was always a big part of my life so when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2002, it was heart wrenching. My grandmother only believed in going to the doctor/hospital for the births of her five children. By the time we went to the oncologist, the cancer was everywhere and I can remember the doctor giving her only a couple months to live. She lived for another 8 months after her diagnosis and fought hard. I went into a dark space for awhile after her passing, but all I could think about was how could this have been prevented? How could I help families not endure the pain of losing a loved one? My decision to become a doctor at that point became my goal in life.
TS: What made you decide to start blogging and how do you balance being a doctor, mother and blogger in the community?
AM: So blogging came into the picture after the birth of my son and my move back home to Texas. I decided to take maternity leave before starting my job and I just started spending so much time with my son and teaching him daily. Blogging has been beneficial in providing opportunities for myself and my family as well as helping other moms. Being a working mom has its challenges, but what I learned during my (long) maternity leave was that “working” is subjective. Whether you are working inside the home or outside the home, work is work. I actually work harder as a stay-at-home mom than I ever do as physician. I also learned that it is okay to make mistakes as women in general. Society puts so much pressure on women and we should just learn to uplift each other and realize that we are amazing creatures. Being a mom is the hardest but most rewarding job I’ve ever had, but I am also starting to remember to take care of me.
TS: What are some ways you have been coping with the stress of COVID-19?
AM: During these hard times, I have learned the importance of self-care by getting back to things I enjoy doing. I find working out consistently and taking “mommy time” helps a ton. I also enjoy my bookclub meetings as it gives me something to look forward to.
TS: What are some of your favorite local Black businesses to support in Houston?
AM: I love love love supporting all Black businesses, especially local ones! Here’s a list of my current favorites:
Love love LOVE this post!!! You are the absolute best girlfriend and even better physician/blogger! What a true inspiration you are and thank you for allowing me to share my platform 🙂
The details mentioned within the report are a few of the very best readily available. Dasie Roddie Elliot
I appreciate you sharing this blog. Really thank you! Cool. Hallie Amerigo Aiello