I'm back on the podcast, but I have something to share...

A note from my heart to yours - Ashley

Author

Ashley Joves
January 20, 2026

Hey fam,

I’m back on the podcast this week, but it’s with a heart that’s been through a lot over the last month. You may have noticed I’ve been a little quieter than usual, and I wanted to share the reality of what my family has been walking through. In the world of startups and "The Making Of," we talk a lot about the grind, but life has a way of reminding us what really matters.

Just before Christmas, we got the call that Brian’s cancer had returned.

This holiday season was heavy. As many of you know, Brian is the strongest man I’ve ever met. He insisted we still host 60 family members for the holidays with a smile, keeping his diagnosis a secret because he didn't want the focus to be on him.

Our boys’ Christmas gift was supposed to be a trip to Disney World, but instead of the Magic Kingdom, we spent that day at the UC Davis Cancer Center. We walked into that building in Mickey Mouse sweatshirts, choosing hope even through the tears. Our 16th anniversary wasn't spent at fancy restaurants in Napa; it was spent in a hotel room, ordering DoorDash and praying while the chemo effects took hold of his body.

I’m sharing this because this journey, like a startup, isn't just about the highlight reel. It’s about walking through the "darkest valley" and choosing to believe in miracles. I also want to say a heartfelt thank you for the messages and prayers you’ve already sent our way. Knowing this community is standing with Brian and our family has given me so much strength.

I’m leaning on my faith, my family, and the promise that we have many more anniversaries left to celebrate. Thank you for being part of this community and for your grace while I navigate this season.

This Week on the Podcast

While life has been heavy, the work of building a dream continues. In this episode, Toni and I dive into the essential "Invisible Foundation" of a startup—from the $80k credit limit hack and the deep psychology of branding, to the specific words you need to ban from your clinical notes to finally get those insurance claims paid.

Listen to The Making Of Bloom Dental Co. - TWELVE

With love,

Ashley

P.S. Don’t forget to leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it helps other dentists find us and fuels this mission we believe in so deeply.

The Making Of has partnered with Net32, the dental marketplace that lets you compare vendors, brands, and pricing in one place. → Net32: www.net32.com/TheMakingOf