Ashley Blair
Ashley Blair wears many hats – mother, entrepreneur, chef, musician, and advocate. As a native Tennessean, Ashley has spent most of her life in Memphis. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville. Early in her undergraduate career, Ashley discovered her passion for scientific research. She went on to earn her Masters in Biological Sciences at TSU. Her focus on the positive health outcomes associated with nutrition culminated in a thesis on how lycopene from tomatoes inhibits cancer cell growth. (Paper title: The Anti-Carcinogenic Effect of Solanum Lycopersicum on Various Cancer Cell Lines)
After graduation, Ashley continued to contribute meaningfully to the research community as a research assistant in various labs. Today, she applies the knowledge from her academic career to her daily life: “I use everything that I have learned in my everyday life resulting in my children and I being a plant-based family. Health is the ultimate goal.”” Armed with her scientific background, Ashley founded Blessed by Nature Plant Based Cuisine, a plant-based meal prep and catering service. She constantly experiments with new recipes to benefit her customers. “I just want our temples to be as healthy as possible,” she says.
Although Ashley’s accolades and achievements are lofty, she is most proud of her two children, Jayleigh and Jayce. Jayleigh, now five-years-old, runs the household with her bright personality and energetic nature. Ashley shares that “Jayleigh’s friendly nature allows her to make friends regardless of age” Ashley’s two-year-old son, Jayce, has made remarkable progress since his premature birth at 28 weeks and his 77-day stay in the NICU. During that time, Ashley conducted her research studies in the same hospital’s lab to support her family while staying close to her baby boy. Jayce beat all odds and now keeps up with his older sister. He is reserved but fierce, just like his mom.
In 2024, Ashley participated in a research opportunity with the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) that explored the barriers to the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program. Returning to Tennessee after a temporary stay out-of-state, Ashley struggled to reconnect to WIC benefits. She had no idea how to transfer her benefits or if her family was still eligible. TJC quickly noticed that Ashley’s child/or 2-year old was eligible for WIC but were not enrolled. TJC clarified her eligibility and referred her to the program, ultimately helping Ashley reconnect to WIC benefits.
Ashley describes her children as the “loves of her life.” Reflecting on motherhood, she says, “you are the observer, and then you usher them, based on what you see, in the right direction.” Despite her impressive education and career, life as a single mother on one salary is challenging. Ashley shares that “it is a huge misconception to think, ‘oh you’re educated, you should be able to take care of yourself’. It’s a lot to juggle as a single person.” Participating in the nutrition safety net programs helps Ashley make sure her family has access to the food they need.
When asked why it is important to fight for the food needs of all Tennesseans, Ashley says, “we are a country of many resources, and food should just be at the top of the list.” Having personally experienced the benefits of nutrition programs, Ashley passionately supports access to food for families across the state. “Many people aren’t aware that there is a cast number of individuals on these programs who are educated ranging from GEDs to high-ranking secondary degrees. They tend to group us all into one category, not realizing that there are many diverse levels of educational background.”
In January 2025, a national anti-hunger organization reached out to TJC, seeking someone to share their experience with WIC on a national platform. TJC recommended Ashley, knowing she would be a powerful advocate for WIC. Invited to Washington, D.C., Ashley spoke in front of more than 1,000 people, including legislators, advocates, and the public. She initially found the experience daunting, and she laughs as she recalls, “I was freaking out.” In an administration pushing to cut safety net programs, Ashley’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of strengthening initiatives like WIC. “I know it’s cliché, but no child should go hungry. There’s no reason for a child to go without a meal.” Despite what Ashley describes as her shy demeanor, she stands firm in advocating for what’s right, even when facing powerful decision-makers.
Whether flying to D.C. to champion fully funding the WIC program or testing recipes to nourish her community, Ashley takes it all in stride. Ashley smiles and says, “I never thought I would do anything like this… but God said, I need you on this assignment.” Ashley is a changemaker, and we are grateful for her fierce advocacy for the betterment of her family and the WIC program in Tennessee. We are proud to honor Ashley Blair as our 2025 Mother of the Year.
Photo by Cindy McMillion
