Who is
The Bespoke Coach?
I'm Ashlei “A1” Neely, and my journey toward financial coaching is a culmination of diverse experiences rooted in education, finance, and personal empowerment. This trajectory began long before my formal education. Raised by a single mother, who was both a special educator and a financial role model, I learned invaluable lessons in financial literacy from a young age. Witnessing her break barriers, set precedents and achieve remarkable feats, inspired me to have an “A1 everything” mindset and strive for financial independence and stability, starting at the age of 18.
My career initially began in the classrooms of Baltimore County and Baltimore City Public School Systems, where I spent five fulfilling years as a middle school mathematics teacher. Fortified with a Bachelor of Art in Education degree from the University of Michigan, I found immense joy in not just imparting mathematical knowledge but also instilling in my students the fundamental value of financial literacy. During my teaching years, I dedicated my evenings to tutoring mathematics, nurturing the academic growth of students ranging from first grade to college level. While tutoring, I improved my skills in breaking down complex concepts and fostering a deep understanding of numerical principles.
Fueled by my passion for financial acumen, I pursued an MBA in Finance from Strayer University, graduating with honors while balancing my teaching career and tutoring commitments. This educational endeavor opened doors to a dynamic career in one of the world's top investment banks, where I spent the last ten years, concluding my tenure as a Director in Third Party Program Management. While maintaining my positions in corporate America, I have been a freelance financial consultant as well as a mobile barber for the past nine years. After being unexpectedly laid off mid-2025, while severely injured from a car accident and consequently having to live off my savings for almost six months, I decided to complete the launch of The Bespoke Coach, which originated in early 2024. Not returning to corporate and finally moving forward with my entrepreneurial endeavors has been a well thought-out decision that brings me, not only peace, but a great sense of fulfilment.
For almost two decades, I've maintained multiple streams of income and achieved many of my financial goals through a healthy relationship with money and credit, diligent budgeting, disciplined saving, and strategic investments. Driven by a deep-seated desire to empower others on their financial journeys, I am excited to share my wealth of knowledge and personal experiences to assist others in achieving their specific goals. As the Bespoke Coach, I am committed to helping individuals unlock their full financial potential by providing comprehensive education, budget creation, personalized guidance in credit building, and fostering financial accountability.
Whether you are just beginning your journey and want to be ahead of the curve or have been struggling to make good decisions and want to get out of debt, I’m here to guide you! I am ready to dive deep into, not only the numbers, but also your thought processes and behaviors to help mold you into the financially sound individual you wish to be. I can’t wait to meet you!
