Our Founding Story
Our Founder, Ashley Wiles
“Our mental health is AS important as our physical health and we need to take care of it and check in regularly.”
Biography
Founder and Head Coach of Sole Girls, Speaker, Life Coach, 3x Iron(wo)man, Ironman 70.3 World Championship competitor and Mental Health Advocate.
Ashley is a Life Coach, Business Growth Consultant, and soon to be Therapist with a strong interest in Sport Psychology.
Growing up in a family of runners, Ashley started running at 5 years old, and as an adult runs, competes and speaks around the world. After seeing Amanda Todd’s video in 2012, she created Sole Girls to help girls build community with positive mental health tools.
Ashley was named top 10 young entrepreneurs to watch in Vancouver by the Globe and Mail, and top 5 motivators in Canada by Impact Magazine; and the 2016 Most Inspiring Coach in North America by Brooks Running. Ashley has spoken At TedxKidsBC, Rogers Arena, SheTalks as well as schools in Canada and abroad. She travels to teach workshops for adults and girls, hold leadership summits and empower others. Sole Girls was named top 5 small business in BC with a Community Impact by Small Business BC, and licenses sole girls curriculum globally. She travels to tach workshops for adults and girls, hold leadership summits and empower others.
“The past decade I’ve spent many hours building community and working directly with girls and training leaders. My biggest goal is to ’create a safe space for connection, and teach mental health tools to build connection, resilience and self love. I know first hand the value of finding a community. I remember a time as a teen when I didn’t think adults understood me and I questioned my life and my worth. I feel very fortunate that I love to move my body, because when I’m active, even back then, it was as it everything realigned. I feel free. I don’t run away from my problems so much as run straight into what I need. Running brings me back to the basics, to understand myself, and be allowed to be myself.”
“Girls who have tools to be resilient, healthy, and happy are able to take on challenges and build stronger communities.”
Why Running
At Sole Girls, running isn’t about “being a runner”, it’s about connection, community and being active. Movement of our bodies is something that is good for our mental and physical health. It improves cognitive flexibility and creativity in ages 6 to 12. The movement of running builds endurance, boosts attention span and sharpens concentration. It is the simplest, cheapest sport that anyone can do. You can run with anyone, anywhere. Running creates community and an environment where connection is possible without barriers. Overall, running is an incredible source of self-fulfillment, it’s a frustration destroyer, and a positive energy releaser.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
Sole Girls creates experiences that keep girls and their supporters moving forward with tools to live thoughtfully, mindfully and full of confidence.
Vision
Every girl around the world is thriving! She feels safe, has support and is living a healthy, active and empowered life.
Find a Sole Girls Program
Find your Happy Pace and release your Inner Awesome at Sole Girls!
