Meet Ashlee Pulliam | Co-Owner of Kratos Fitness & Performance Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlee Pulliam and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
We all strive to leave a mark, a testament to our existence. This yearning for legacy can take many forms: building a successful business, raising kind and compassionate children, or simply making a positive difference in the lives of those around us. But what happens when the very foundation of that legacy – our mental well-being – crumbles beneath us?

For many, myself included, the path to a lasting impact is paved with struggle. For years, I presented a facade of effortless ease. But beneath the surface, a silent war raged within me. Mental health issues, a demon many choose to keep hidden, became my unwelcome companion. In 2015, this darkness reached a suffocating peak, leading me to the unthinkable – attempting to ending my own story.

It’s in these lowest moments that we discover our truest potential for greatness. Reaching out for help, for that glimmer of hope in the abyss, became my turning point. It was a choice, a fight against the deafening whispers of despair. In that fight, I became my own biggest advocate, the author of a new chapter in my life.

Emerging from the darkness wasn’t a linear path. There were setbacks, days where the weight of the world threatened to pull me under. But with each sunrise, a choice was made – to choose light over darkness, to rewrite the narrative. This journey wasn’t just about self-preservation; it was about the potential impact I could have on others.

Sharing my story, my struggles, and my triumphs became a way to connect with those battling their own silent wars. It became a beacon of light, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In their vulnerability, I saw my own reflection, a reminder that we are not alone.

Legacy, I now understand, isn’t about grand achievements or worldly possessions. It’s about the ripples we create, the courage to spark hope in the hearts of others. It’s about the battles we fight, not just for ourselves, but for those who may be teetering on the edge. It’s about showing the world that even from the deepest darkness, the most brilliant light can emerge.

So, if you are reading this and find yourself drowning in the shadows, know this: you are not alone. There is strength within you, a wellspring of hope waiting to be tapped. Reach out, share your story, and fight for your light. In doing so, you may just illuminate the path for someone else, and that, my friend, is a legacy worth leaving.

What should our readers know about your business?
Starting Kratos Fitness & Performance Group during a pandemic was a leap of faith bordering on insanity. Without the safety net of loans or an established clientele, doubt gnawed at us. But there was a quiet confidence, a belief that we were on the right path. And when the road got rocky, when the path seemed to disappear altogether, it felt like an unseen hand was guiding us. Maybe it was luck, maybe it was something more, but every obstacle we surmounted, every new member who walked through our doors, felt like a divine affirmation.

We built Kratos on a foundation of grit and a whole lot of faith, and with each passing day, our belief is only strengthened. To begin simply as an outdoor bootcamp and morph into 3,000 square foot location is mind blowing.

Kratos Fitness & Performance Group isn’t just a gym, it’s a family. Here, we ditch the anonymity of big-box chains and embrace a warm, “Cheers”-like atmosphere. We know your name, your goals, and maybe even your favorite pre-workout drink. Our focus extends beyond physical fitness; we genuinely care about your mental well-being too. Whether you’re crushing a new personal record or battling a tough day, you’ll find a supportive community and the encouragement you need to thrive – mind, body, and spirit.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie so we would definitely hit up La Dolce Vite and the Sugar Factory. We would also swing by the Godfrey Hotel because they always have something going on. Last but now least we would go check out Eastern Market.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Clarence Gleton, my partner, is more than just a business associate; he’s a beacon in my life. During my darkest struggles with mental health, his unwavering support and encouragement became the guiding light that led me back from the brink. Clarence didn’t just believe in our venture; he believed in me.

Together, we’re now on a mission to do the same for others. We share our stories, both the scars and the triumphs, to show there is hope, and that compassion thrives in the world. This shared journey isn’t just about building a successful business; it’s about leaving a legacy of hope and reminding others they’re not alone.

Website: kratosfpg.fit

Instagram: Kratos_Fit _Boss

Image Credits
Dele Nguyen