'You're awesome just as you are'

Shay Ashfield, owner & fitness instructor at VIBE Fitness LLC, dreams of island living and visiting Studio 54

Describe your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memories always involve my granddaddy. He used to live a couple of hours away and, whenever he would visit, it would be a special occasion. We would all get dressed up and make plans to have a big family cookout or go bowling. I would constantly run back and forth to the window to see if he was pulling up yet. At some point in the day he would sing to me "How much is that doggie in the window?" and I would cry and beg him not to leave when it was time for him to go home!
If you could move to any place in the world for free, what place would
that be?
Right now, my husband and I have a fixation with the Cayman Islands for some reason. Neither of us have ever been there, but all we hear about the place are good things. The slower, simpler island life sounds more and more attractive to us everyday. It's tempting to think about packing up, taking the kids and the dogs and starting a new adventure. Another bonus is that it's close to my friends and family back in the US - but don't tell my hubby I said that!
The biggest learning point or experience in your life.
Learning to be myself at all times even if it means I might get mixed reactions now and then! I get stronger and smarter the older I get and l have less time to waste. Life is short and precious  - so don't waste it on people or things that don't deserve your time. 
What is the one skill you'd love to learn, and why?
I'd love to speak a few different languages. It's always helpful to speak more than your mother tongue - I kind of feel rude when I'm in a country and can't speak a word of the local language! 
What advice would you give your younger self, if you could?
You're awesome just as you are! You've got a personality that can take you anywhere and people will admire you for it.  
If you could go back to any era in time or witness any major event in history, which one would it be, and why?
I could be a little more philosophical here but honestly I'm obsessed with Studio 54! I wish I had lived in the 70s as I would have been right up there brushing shoulders with Bianca Jagger and Michael Jackson! It was the place to be seen at.
Your greatest fear.
Not giving myself the chance to be good enough. I know I have a lot of potential to be great at many things, but I allow doubt to creep in too often. I've learnt to be better at staying focused and remaining confident, but every now and then that self-doubt comes back.
If you could trade lives with one person for an entire day, who would it be and why?
Possibly not the answer you would expect, but maybe my husband. I know he works hard and most of what we do and enjoy would not be possible without him, but sometimes I think I underestimate just how much he actually does. It would be nice to take the burden off him for one day and really appreciate everything he does for us as a family.
Favourite movie character of all time - and why.
Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. The girl who nobody gave a chance, finds her Prince Charming and sweeps him off his feet. Hits close to home for me. Never judge a book by its cover. 
If you were President of a country, what is the first thing you'd do?
I have no idea. I would never want to be President! Too many responsibilities and too much pressure! I'd never get the job for the simple reason that the first thing that springs to mind is to explore the White House and change some of the decor rather than change laws etc!  
- Staff Reporter