

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Schroeder.
Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
For more than half my life, I’ve struggled with skin issues and poor mental health. I’ve spent a lot of time seeking remedies for these, and I’ve noticed that both are commonly treated quickly to remove the immediate problem, but both are often symptoms of some deeper issues. And often, the “quick” treatments can have a more damaging effect and cause more problems. I believe it’s important to know what we put into our bodies, both physically and mentally, as the quality of what we take in is often what we get out of ourselves. In my experience, men have paid less attention to this, especially regarding their mental health. And for some reason, we struggle to talk about it. I became a barber to work with my hands in a creative trade and dive deeper into the world of men’s products and self-confidence, but I was also attracted to the traditional barbershop experience. It seems to be one of the last remaining places where, if only for a few minutes, the thick wall that men hide behind seems to come down just a bit, and hopefully, they leave feeling a bit of weight off their shoulders (and a bit less hair off their head). Bloodfellows Apothecary was created to provide clean, natural products for daily use, but the focus is men’s mental health.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
I don’t always have a clear vision of where I’m trying to go. I rarely do. I know that I don’t just want to have another product line. Mental illness hits everyone who deals with it differently. I think that’s why it feels so lonely. I truly want the message to shine through, connect with people, and help them feel a little less alone. My mental health challenges me every day and tells me I have no right to offer support to anyone. It’s an incredibly lonely road, but if I can walk alongside someone on that road, then I need to keep pushing forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m the owner of Bloodfellows Apothecary and a master barber by trade. I believe in providing the absolute highest quality in everything I do.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I believe the men’s health industry is in a good place for growth. There’s more work to be done and many more walls that need to come down. Still, especially regarding mental health, conversations are starting to happen, and people are becoming more thoughtful and aware of these health issues, both physically and mentally, and how they can affect them.
Contact Info:
- Website: bloodfellows.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodfellows/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067193272228
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGHtL9ltupEA_2WOuzcRFtg