Interview With Ashlie Lyn Boteler

Spicy Hot Cajun - June 2009







Interviewed by Tammy Renee'
Photos by:J. Holmes Photography


WP: Ashlie Lyn is a Personal Trainer and Model residing in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is an honor to have you with us today. Could you tell our readers alittle about yourself?

AB: Thank you, Tammy. My name is Ashlie Lyn Boteler. I’m a spicy little 26 year old from St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. St. Bernard is located southeast New Orleans, Louisiana. And, yes, Katrina pretty much wiped that area out but, it’s coming back.

I graduated with my BA in Health & Kinesiology from the University of Texas in Tyler, TX in May 2006. I am interested in everything pertaining to health, wellness, and fitness. I’ve pretty much been a health junkie for as long as I can remember, but I have a sweet tooth you would not believe! Shhh. Also, I enjoy promotional modeling, when time permits.

WP: Spicy, huh? Ha-ha! That is too cute! How long have you been in the fitness industry?

AB: I’ve worked in health clubs since August 2003. My first job in a gym was working as a student worker on campus at UT Tyler. I worked as a building manager there until graduation. Also, in 2005, I did marketing for World Gym working with a company called Fitness Technologies.

After graduation and a much unexpected move back to Louisiana, French Rivera Fitness & Spa had mercy on this post-graduate and offered me a job as a “fitness counselor.” Pretty much, I was hired to do cold calls to sell memberships. It was not my cup of tea.

Anyhow, I took a break from athletic clubs and started working in the medical field for a primary care physician. I did not stray too far from health relations. I've been working for Dr. Michael Howard for the past 2.5 years.

Currently, I am also employed by LifeStart Wellness Network at Lakeway Athletic Club;lifestart.net as a Personal Trainer. And it is so far, so good.

WP: You have been in the industry for a while! I will have to check that website out. What made you decide to get into the fitness industry?

AB: My interest in fitness started around the age of 15. My dad enrolled my brother’s and myself in a family membership at a local gym. Starting college, I used the Recreation Centers as a way to unwind and to socialize with friends, and I became fanatical with all things fitness. It continued on from there. I’m a social butterfly, and the fitness industry allows me to meet new people, while also staying healthy and fit.

WP: I wished more parents would do this for their children. Parents just don't understand the need of being a role model to their children and what impact it could have on their lives. Just because your Father did this, look at you now! Being a Personal Trainer, you must be certified. What is your educational background? What are your certifications?

AB: I have my BA in Health and Kinesiology from UT Tyler. I am also completing my NASM certification to personal train. I do in-house training with LifeStart Wellness Network at Lakeway Athletic Club in Metairie, Louisiana.

WP: Wow! You're not only pretty but, you're smart! What helps you get up each morning?

AB: My daughter is my alarm clock. She’s up before I am. I am also a caffeine addict. Yes, I admit it. P.s. Monster Lo-Carb is my favorite!

WP: What motivates you?

AB: Honestly, I am a very spiritual person. I know that everyday God has a set purpose for my life. I pray to him every morning to put people in my path for me to meet and to reveal to me what his purpose is for that day. And, my motivation comes by awaiting his answer and seeing all the blessings he provides while also serving others. And, that’s truth right there, buddy.

WP: You're so right! God is good! By the pictures that our Photographer, J. Holmes Photography submitted, you must be a model.

AB: Sure am! I’ve always been quite the camera hog. (Giggles). I’ve been modeling for 3 ½ years now. It’s one of my favorite hobbies. Plus, I meet some really awesome people while in the mix.

WP: I've never heard the phrase, "Camera hog"! That is too precious! Who have you worked with?

AB: I began my modeling working with MMA companies. I’m a huge MMA fan. I started with ring-girling for a local MMA company, back in 2006, in New Orleans. I did modeling for Hit Em Up fightwear, Universal Fighting Network, and Knoxx Gear. I was also in the April 2007 issue of TapOut Magazine.

I am also a part of the Cajun Spice Bikini Team and the Southern Jewels, which are local promotional modeling groups.

I am Miss Mambo Mundo, January 2009.

Also, I am so very proud to be a part of Models4Christ, a Christian Modeling Ministry founded by Cantria Williams out of Los Angelas, CA.

WP: Who doesn't love MMA? You have made a name for yourself in this industry. Those are some great accomplishments! What are your goals?

AB: To be honest, modeling is a great hobby. It is always a plus to get paid gigs, but my main goals are to prosper in personal training and helping others meet their goals.

WP: How does your training differ when you are modeling and when you are not?

AB: I am definitely stricter with my diet when I have shoots come up. I try to silence my ever taunting sweet tooth from distracting me from my goals. Ha-ha. I eat every three hours and make sure I’m consuming high protein and the right amount of carbs.

WP: That dang sweet tooth! They will drive a person crazy! What future projects do you have planned?

AB: My future hopes and plans are to travel. I love to travel, and it would be awesome to get some modeling gigs that would fund the trip.

WP: When it comes to fitness, what are your stengths and weaknesses?

AB: I am a very committed person when it comes to meeting a fitness challenge or goal. I’m very open-minded to trying to new workout routines and taking advice. I also am realistic when it comes to the time and commitment it takes meet a goal, I do not get discouraged easily. My main concern is to be a good example for others who are struggling to stay motivated.

My weakness? Who me? None! Ha-ha! I’m kidding! We all have them, right? My darn sweet tooth! I can put away some food, believe me! So, sometimes all the hard work I do at the gym can all be cancelled out with a visit to my favorite bakery. I go incognito when I get my sweets.

WP: What problems have you had as far as staying motivated and disciplined to stick with your workouts?

AB: Other than the aforementioned nutritional setbacks, time can be a huge stickler to my routine. Yes, I know, I work in a gym, but that does not mean I always get to do my personal workouts. If it weren’t for my group exercise classes that I teach, I’d be in trouble!

WP: What keeps fitness interesting to you?

AB: If I say the cute workout clothes, would that be silly? Ha-ha! Ok ok, it’s not all about the clothes. I love new routines and exercises. When I learn them and get to try them out on others, I feed upon the feedback for motivation. Teaching classes helps a lot with this because it allows me to be creative with my workouts and see others get jazzed up by following my lead.

WP: Well, actually that is a pretty good reason! Or at least, in my eyes it is! Ha-ha! Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows. It’s just between us, no one else will know. Ha-ha.

AB: Growing up, I had a mad crush on Michael Jackson; to the point of tears. Ha-ha! It’s true.

WP: I'm going to act like I didn't hear what just came out of your mouth! Ha-ha. On to the next question! How have you changed over the years?

AB: There is not enough time in the day to truly answer this question. Let me tell you, God is good all of the time. He has changed my life in so many ways. I am more aware of who I am in him, knowing that all things are possible through him, for he alone is my strength. I used to live life solely for my selfish ambition and praise, only to feel empty. Now, with the Lord by my side, doors are being unlocked, strength is being found, and everyday is truly a blessing and a miracle waiting to happen.

WP: Any shout outs?

AB: Ha-ha! I always wanted to do this…ok, ok, ok!….here I go:

Yeah, I want to give a big shout of praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Big ups to my BTH crew! Also, holla - holla to my LifeStart at Lakeway staff and patrons and also Howard Medical Clinic! Also, I want to give my family a big hello; moms, dad, Bobby, Sean, Janie, the grandparents, the cousins, and also my little girl Jaylyn Loren! That was fun.

WP: You get joy out of small things in life, don't you? Ha-ha! Who had the most impact on you in your life thus far?

AB: My maw maw, Gloria, had the most impact on my life. She has the most selfless heart and definitely the favor of God upon her life. She has inspired me to be a strong, determined, and fearless woman in this crazy world. She is the most generous, strongest woman of God I know.

WP: What were you like in high school?

AB: Ha! I was a total wall-flower! I was not apart of any extracurricular activity or group. I was pretty much lived vicariously through others and spent my weekends with a pretty awesome group of friends.

WP: Please describe a typical day for you. What is your daily routine like?

AB: I get up around 6:30 am. My daughter is my alarm clock. I get her started with her day, then, I get on my way to the j-o-b. I arrive at the gym and get my day started. I work out with clients and socialize. I get my daily duties completed, teach a class, and rock out to the casa to hang out with the coolest 1 year old on the planet. (Yes, I’m convinced; my daughter is the coolest!).

WP: Awww, one year old! What are your hobbies outside of fitness?

AB: I love spending time with my little girl. She keeps my sense of humor alive. When I don’t have her, I enjoy reading. I’m currently reading Joyce Meyers, “Never Give Up.” I love her collection. I am also reading “True Identity: NIV.” I enjoy hanging out with my girls, and am also a huge UFC fanatic. Also, I admit, I'm a MySpace and Facebook junkie.

WP: What type of music do you listen to?

AB: I listen to everything. My radio is set to Life Songs 89.1 fm almost all the time. I love to dance! So, all pop/rock/techno music is not to far from the CD player or Ipod. I’ve been known to bust out some mad dance moves. Watch out!

WP: I see I need to get to New Orleans so we can go bust a move together! I love to dance. And I am so happy I didn't hear the word, "country"! Tell me about your family. Your spouse, kids, etc.

AB: My little girl, Jaylyn Loren is my world. She just made one year old on April 6th. She’s learning to say new words everyday and is keeping all of us on our toes chasing her around the house. She has been such a blessing to my life and my family. I love seeing her discover new things and watching the world thru her eyes.

WP: What supplements do you take and why?

AB: I love Lipo 6 for my workouts. It gives me energy, suppresses hunger, and does not make me jittery. If only they would give me free supplies for plugging the product.

WP: You did sound sort of like a commercial! Ha-ha! I can see you now with a bottle in your hand, smiling down at me when I visit the local GNC! What accomplishments have you achieved thus far in your life that you are proud of?

AB: My biggest accomplishment, hands down: child birth. Seriously, that’s no joke.

WP: What a great answer! It is an accomplishment! Okay, girl, the interview is winding down. I know you have a million things to be doing so, I will be letting you off the hook shortly. How would you like to improve, if any?

AB: There’s always room for improvement in all aspects of life physically, emotionally mentally, spiritually, and financially all should have a goal. Becoming more defined physically, reading more books, forming new relationships, growing closer to God, and making more money; what else could there be?

WP: Anything you would like to mention before we close that I might have forgotten?

AB: I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to complete this interview. You are awesome! Remember, God is good…all the time!

WP: It has been my pleasure! I have really enjoyed your up-beat personality. I am hoping to see you in our swim suit issue of the hard copy magazine so, keep a eye out for that!