Well, here we are. My first blog post. My website is live, and I’m officially out here—talking about myself, obviously assuming you care (lol, but also… you clicked, so thanks).
Why did I start this website?
Honestly? Because I do a lot—and when people ask, “So what do you do?” I either freeze or word-vomit my whole resume and still somehow miss half of it. There’s no neat title for someone who’s a first-generation American, mom of three, daughter, sister, friend, partner, boss, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and full-time survivor of both life and questionable decisions. So, here’s where it all lives: AshleyDu.com.
Let’s rewind a bit.
My story really begins with my parents, who literally escaped war-torn Vietnam by boat—yes, fresh off the boat in every sense of the phrase. They made it to San Francisco to build a better life. My eldest brother was born in Macau during their escape. Casual, right?
Starting over in a new country, raising five kids, with no support system… I can’t imagine how hard that was. But my mom did it. Mostly alone. My dad struggled with addiction and wasn’t around much, which meant my mom had to hustle—working three jobs at a time just to keep us fed. And somehow, she always made sure there was food in the fridge. I grew up on Hot Pockets, Bagel Bites, and Marie Callender’s chicken pot pies—basically fine dining for a kid who came home to an empty apartment.
I witnessed things kids shouldn’t have to see—abuse, violence, addiction. My childhood was raw and unfiltered. By middle school, I was being bullied at school and finding “friends” outside of it—let’s just say their hobbies included gang activity and chaos. By 13, I was no longer living at home. By 15, I had dropped out of high school. By 17, I met my ex-husband. Married at 18. Was I running toward stability or just away from my past? Probably both.
I made a lot of decisions for other people. Lived to please, to survive, to keep the peace. But somewhere along the way—especially after becoming a mom—I realized that surviving isn’t the same as living. And I wanted more.
So here I am now.
I’ve built multiple businesses. I own childcare centers, a commercial real estate company, a nonprofit, and I’m getting a psychology degree because I plan to open clinics for children and families one day. Why? Because I want to be the person I wish I had growing up.
Every step I take now is with intention. I’m building something bigger than me—and I want to take you along for the ride. This blog is part storytelling, part behind-the-scenes, part inspiration, and 100% me. The real me. Unpolished at times, but always honest.
Thanks for reading my story. If you’re still here, you officially care (lol). I hope you feel a little more connected now, and if you’ve been through hell too—just know, you can rebuild. Stronger, smarter, and louder.
Welcome to my world.
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Ashley