Wing Woman of the Week with Ashlee Steinhauer

This week, we get real and raw with Ashlee Steinhauer, founder of local jam company, Worthy. In our interview, Ashlee shares how her purpose found her, her experience with addictions recovery, and how she is passionate about changing the rhetoric behind addictions and reducing the stigma. She is also very open about one of her biggest challenges when she hires a new employee. I loved how open and vulnerable she was during this interview, and I know that you're going to fall in love with this week's #wingwoman! Continue reading to find out more!

1. What makes you happy?

Dogs, sunshine, my kids, my husband, walks, connection to my community (these are in no particular order!)

2. What advice would you give your younger self?

Stop looking outwardly for validation.  You can only find that from within!

3. If you could magically solve one problem in the world, what would that be?

I would make sure that all children in every corner in the world are fed, safe and loved.

4. How did you find your purpose?

My purpose found me!  I always loved cooking, and while I was a personal chef, I was offered a jam contract for two restaurants in Calgary.  The very same week that I started cooking jam for the restaurants, I entered into addictions recovery. With some work and reflection and a couple solid years in recovery, Worthy was born!  Through Worthy, I aim to reduce stigma and speak publicly about addictions - that’s my purpose.

5. What is your biggest pain point in building relationships?

I'm not great at training employees. When I work with new employees, I tend to assume that they possess all the production and product knowledge needed to produce jam, which is a totally unfair and untrue assumption. I often find myself simply setting them loose in the production facility without giving proper instruction. This pain point comes from a deep trust and surrender in others abilities, but it can set those I work with up for failure. This is the number one pain point I am working on in my work relationships - for obvious reasons!!

6. What have you learned from past friendships that didn't work out?

Friendships that don’t work out is the universe's way of protecting me from someone/something that isn’t good for/doesn’t serve me.

7. Who are your SHEroes (AKA female heroes)?

SIA, my baba, Julie Van Rosendaal, Taryn Strong, and Dawn Nickel

8. What podcasts/books are you listening/reading right now?

I love Podcasts!  Currently listening to Seek Purpose, Where Shall We Begin, Front Burner, CollisionsYYC, This American Life, She Recovers, and HeavyWeight

9. Where can we find you?

Right now you can find me at home :) On the internet, you can find me at www.enjoyworthy.com and on Instagram at @enjoyworthy