Temple Alumna Teaches You to 'Be Well' Through Health and Fitness

Ashley Carter, CPH ’07, didn't always expect she'd become a health and fitness coach, personal trainer and owner of her own business. In fact, long ago, she didn't even enjoy the act of working out, and when first entering college, she expected to pursue a career in biology. However, as her time at Temple began and she was able to immerse herself not just into the classes but also the university community, she, like many others, was able to find her true passion — and it was something completely unexpected.

Fast forward to 2024, and Ashley now owns her own business, Think. Eat. Be Well., where her mission is simple: To help you become a healthier you. The business was something she launched initially about 10 years ago, but it was truly able to transform into a full-grown operation during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more people were at home and looking to still keep up a routine and regimen. After working in the health and fitness field for others for years, she is now able to dedicate herself full-time to her own business. She admits that while it's been an interesting journey starting from the ground up, the place where she's been able to grow to now is where she's become happiest.

The following is a Q&A with Ashley Carter. Answers have been condensed for clarity and conciseness.

Ashley at graduation in 2007.

Ashley at graduation in 2007.

Ashley with friends at graduation in 2007.

Ashley with friends at graduation in 2007.

You graduated Temple with a degree from the College of Public Health. Is this always the field you wanted to have a career in?

Actually, no! At first, I was a biology major, but I didn’t really enjoy all the math classes. After speaking with a friend, I found out about the public health realm. After learning more about it, I then knew I wanted to be in the health field.

What was the trajectory like after graduation that led you to starting your own company in 2014?

While studying to be a health coach through The Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN), I became interested in the idea of having my own business because there was a large chunk of the curriculum that was really focused on that. After I graduated from IIN, I took on a few clients here and there. But it wasn’t until 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that it really gained traction and got more clients.

Your business is titled Think. Eat. Be Well. What was the inspiration behind the name?

The name came from the idea that what you consume, mentally and physically, contributes to your wellness and well-being. If you focus on what you eat or consume, you’ll be well.

You launched Think. Eat. Be Well. and your coaching and fitness services in 2014, but didn't really make it your full-time career until during the COVID-19 pandemic. What other positions have you held since graduation in addition to running the business?

After graduation from Temple, I was a program manager and health educator at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children until 2013, and then I became a personal trainer at Svetness for a few years in Maryland. I was then a program manager at Corporate Fitness Works from 2016 to 2018, as well as a group fitness instructor at Inova Health System from 2016 to 2019. Then in D.C., I was the fitness center manager at Synergy Fitness Group for a few years until 2021, and I was also an accountability coach at Calibrate from 2021 to 2023.

For anyone who doesn’t know, what’s the overview of your company and the services you provide?

It mainly consists of a virtual membership club called The Time is NOW! Club, because the time is always now to focus on your health! The club includes fitness classes four days a week, recordings of those videos, fun events like cookalongs, workshops on relevant and engaging topics, and access to a community of like-minded and supportive women. I’m planning on launching some in-person wellness retreats as well. I also offer one-on-one healthy lifestyle coaching and personal training.

Ashley with a client as a part of her one-on-one fitness trainings.

Ashley with a client as a part of her one-on-one fitness trainings.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

Hosting fitness classes. Which is ironic, given that years ago, before I started all of this, I did not enjoy working out at all!

How can people get in touch with you and learn more about your services?

They can visit my website at ThinkEatBeWell.com, contact me at ThinkEatBeWell@gmail.com, or follow me at @Think.Eat.Be_Well on Instagram.

If you could go back and give some advice to your former Temple self, what would it be?

That’s a tough one! I'd probably tell her to make sure to always try new things and definitely to utilize your resources.

What would be your advice to current students in the public health field?

I would say to figure out what your interests are; that’s extremely important. Don’t put yourself in a box when it comes to your vision of your career. Make sure to try new things, and always ask a ton of questions.

A promotional shot for Think. Eat. Be Well.

A promotional shot for Think. Eat. Be Well.

What was your favorite spot to hang out on campus?

Definitely the SAC! (Otherwise known as the Gittis Student Center.)

What has your relationship been like with the alumni community?

I definitely want to attend more events, because the events I have attended in the Maryland area have been great! Alumni from all different generations were there and I didn’t expect that. My goal this year is to network more and connect with local resources, so attending more events will hopefully help me fulfill that.

VISIT ASHLEY'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR THINK. EAT. BE WELL.

Temple alumni bravely pursue their biggest ideas and transform them into Temple Made businesses that defy expectations and shake up the rules of the game. To learn more about Temple Made businesses or list your own business, visit the Alumni Owned Business Directory today!