Born in Rigby, Idaho, Ashlee Ashby was raised in Easley, South Carolina. She then moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. She has previously been employed as a fitness counselor and sales representative for a major fitness organization. She has also worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor. She hopes to one day open her own fitness club.

Ashby enjoys working out, running, water skiing and Pilates. She describes herself as passionate, active, energetic and friendly. A practicing Mormon, she is most proud of graduating from seminary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints while still in high school. It required that she get up every day at 5:00 am to drive 30 minutes to the church to study the bible and church teachings before school.