In a world often dominated by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding true fulfillment and peace can seem like a distant goal. Yet, there are those among us who forge paths that blend passion with purpose, turning personal challenges into powerful catalysts for change. Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of a remarkable entrepreneur who has transformed her life through resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her inner voice.
Meet Zen Ase via this unfiltered interview and watch her short video introduction below:
Q: Tell us about your background. How you were raised and how you ended up in your current city.
A: I was born in Baton Rouge into what I call a "duty marriage." My upbringing was a tale of two cities and two generations—I spent the school year with my parents in Houston and summers with my grandparents in Baton Rouge. My father was authoritarian and raised me like a boy, while my mom was an entrepreneur. This dual influence of discipline and entrepreneurship shaped much of who I am today.
Q: Tell us about your business…
A: My business is a trifecta of merchandise, a podcast, and live events—all under the umbrella of Zennurgy. Zennurgy is an inspirational toolbox that offers resources to help people build better lives. Through motivational and practical merchandise, events, and content that speaks to the mind, body, and spirit, Zennurgy provides tools to navigate real-life challenges.
The podcast, also named Zennurgy, is based on the idea that small changes over time can lead to significant results. We all have an urge for more peace—ZEN—and fulfillment in life. The podcast features conversations and interviews with guests from diverse backgrounds, focusing on motivating, uplifting, and relatable content.
Q: What motivated you to become an entrepreneur?
A: I never saw myself as an entrepreneur, but my mom did. She pushed me toward business, enrolling me in a magnet school for business professions, though I had little interest at the time. My first step into entrepreneurship was unplanned—I was offered the chance to host a poetry show after one of my performances. I accepted, and that opened the door to my business journey.
Q: Are you a full-time entrepreneur?
A: No, I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur temporarily, such as during summers and for 8.5 months after my retirement. I’ve balanced entrepreneurship with other roles throughout my life.
Q: What jobs did you have before becoming an entrepreneur?
A: I’ve worn many hats: camp counselor, tutor, waitress, and high school teacher. Each job taught me different skills and helped me grow in various ways.
Q: What made you choose your current business?
A: I’ve been hooked on writing since I started journaling in elementary school. However, life derailed that passion. My family didn’t see writing as a “real job,” so I became a teacher and didn’t write for 17 years. After my divorce in 2014, I decided to reclaim my voice and my dreams. I started writing again, then performing, podcasting, publishing, and eventually hosting workshops. My business became a way to help others do what I did—find their voice and purpose.
Q: What has been a key ingredient for growing your business?
A: Intuition. My upbringing taught me that others’ visions for you might not align with your own happiness. When I saw that the very thing I was discouraged from pursuing—writing—was my gateway to joy, I started listening to my inner voice. That guidance has been invaluable.
Q: Can you share an important turning point in your life?
A: My divorce was one turning point, but another significant one was quarantine in 2020. My business thrived on live events, and quarantine brought those to a halt. To adapt, I brainstormed what resources I still had: my voice, soft skills, mindset, books, poetry, and my audience. I decided to launch the Zennurgy podcast to continue connecting with people. This pivot not only saved my business but also expanded my audience internationally, leading to new opportunities like books and workshops.
Q: What has been your biggest obstacle thus far?
A: Life itself. In seven years, I lost 13 loved ones, and my sons faced life-threatening situations and the consequences of poor decisions. These experiences taught me how to heal and use art to make sense of life’s chaos. I embraced the mindset of an alchemist, believing that within every challenge lies the potential for transformation. We are not defined by what happens to us but by how we respond and grow from it.
Q: Tell us about a failure that turned into a lesson…
A: Growing up, I believed divorce was a failure. I carried that belief until I realized that staying in an unhappy marriage would have been a failure to myself. Leaving allowed me to pursue my dreams fully. Since then, I’ve published multiple books, hosted over 100 shows, become the Houston organizer for 100,000 Poets for Change, released over 130 podcast episodes, and retired early from education. What some saw as failure became the catalyst for my most significant achievements.
Q: What is your biggest dream?
A: To become a New York Times best-selling author.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
A: I’m inspired by pioneers who came before me, especially those who had to forge paths in uncharted territory. Their bravery and resilience inspire me daily.
Q: In your opinion, what is key to being successful?
A: The key is defining success on your own terms. It’s easy to chase someone else’s idea of success, but real fulfillment comes from pursuing what genuinely matters to you.
Q: Words of wisdom for other Black female entrepreneurs?
A: Get Zenned! Stay Zenned! Spread Zen! Small changes lead to big results. Enhance your life, and let your impact ripple out into the world. Don’t let anyone dictate your path—trust your inner voice and let it guide you to your purpose.