We recently had the chance to connect with Ashley D. Reece, M.A.Ed and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day I center myself with prayer and daily devotion. You should download the Bible app if you haven’t, the apps daily devotion, with your own prayer added is amazing! After that, I exercise, & do my daily morning routine. Breakfast comes next and around this time, my focus shifts to my daughters waking them, having morning prayer with them, making sure they’re well groomed, making sure backpacks and water bottles are ready. Once they’re set, I give myself about ten minutes to scan for any urgent messages related to business or the day’s schedule. Once my two are off to school I’m ready to get my day fully started.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ashley Reece, and I’m the founder of Blessed Community Youth Services LLC, a ministry-based program connected to Blessed Community Baptist Church in Detroit and from the heart of Angela’s Angels Educational Center. Im a proud mom of two daughters, I live each day for them! I grew up watching my mother build and run her childcare center, and that example, along with my own experience as a formal elementary school teacher, inspired me to continue the work of creating spaces where children can learn, grow, and feel supported.
What makes our program unique is that we go beyond traditional tutoring. We blend academics with hands-on activities, creative exploration, and even entrepreneurship opportunities, so children are building not only their reading and math skills but also their confidence and independence. As a mom myself, I understand how important it is to provide kids with a strong foundation, and that’s what drives me every day. Right now, we’re expanding our sensory hub, strengthening our youth programs, and preparing for our children’s business expo where kids will proudly showcase their own ventures. For me, this isn’t just work it’s carrying forward a family legacy while creating new opportunities for the next generation.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was simply who God created me to be a child full of love, imagination, and a natural gift for nurturing others. I believe God placed a calling on my life early on to work with children and to use my talents to uplift and guide them. Over time, the world tried to place labels and expectations on me, but my faith has always brought me back to my true identity in Christ. I can truly say no matter what’s thrown at me, I’m never defeated. Today, I walk in that purpose by continuing the legacy my mother began, creating spaces where children can learn, grow, and know they are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I never gave up. Even in seasons when life felt overwhelming, when doors closed, or when it seemed easier to quit, I held on to my faith and kept moving forward. I remembered that God’s timing is perfect and His plan is greater than my own. Instead of giving up, I used those challenges as fuel to keep building for my children, my community, and the vision He placed in my heart. Looking back, those moments remind me that perseverance, guided by faith, always leads to growth.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that childcare, tutoring, and youth programs are just “babysitting” or “keeping kids busy.” In reality, what we do shapes the foundation of a child’s future. Early learning, nurturing, and mentorship are powerful, and they have lifelong impact. Another lie is that learning has to look one way, or that kids from certain backgrounds can’t achieve as much. I’ve seen the opposite when children are given love, structure, and opportunity, they rise higher than anyone expected. I believe every child has God-given potential, and my work is about breaking those lies and replacing them with truth, possibility, and purpose.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most peace when I’m in prayer and quiet time with God, because that’s when I can release my worries and let Him guide me. I also feel a deep sense of peace when I see children learning, laughing, and thriving in the spaces I’ve created knowing I’m walking in the purpose He gave me. For me, peace isn’t about everything being perfect, it’s about trusting that God is in control and I’m exactly where He wants me to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleydreece.wordpress.com
- Instagram: addiandallimommy1
Image Credits
First picture Ashley D. Reece, Owner & founder
Second picture Ashley D, Reece, displaying one of the sensory boards in her educational sensory hub for children.
Third picture Ashley D. Reece and daughters Addie & Alli.
