Ashley Walsh CEO
As the Founder and CEO of Inner State, my mission is to lead our company in creating safe and effective tools for mental health and medical innovation, utilizing natural noninvasive, nonaddictive products. In July 2022, I proudly helmed a significant contract with Ohio State University, setting the stage for groundbreaking collaborations.
One of our most noteworthy achievements came to fruition in April 2023, after years of rigorous protocol and contract negotiations. We successfully established the first-ever DEA-approved psilocybin-producing whole mushroom grow house at an American University and formed a transformative research partnership with Ohio State University, solidifying our position as a leader in the field of innovative medical research.
In my role as CEO, I am actively fostering partnerships with prestigious institutions like Ohio State University and the Institute for Neuro Innovation. Simultaneously, I am spearheading efforts to capitalize on opportunities for growth by leveraging our intellectual property and patents in the realm of drug development. Inner State is committed to transforming the landscape of mental health and medical innovation, and I’m honored to lead our vision towards a brighter, healthier future.
Before taking on the role of founder and CEO at Inner State, I had a rich and diverse career that laid the groundwork for my passion for innovation and my commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives. Prior to this venture, I co-founded an award-winning spirit company, Kimo Sabe Mezcal. Over the years, Kimo Sabe Mezcal evolved into a better-for-you beverage house that encompasses Surf City Still Works, Aga Vie, and Kimo Sabe. In fact, Kimo, Inc. is now on the verge of going public, a testament to the success and growth we achieved during my tenure.
During my six years at Kimo Sabe, I had the privilege of overseeing operations and marketing while collaborating with a national sales team. This experience sharpened my business acumen and honed my ability to manage multifaceted operations within a competitive industry. It was here that I developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of growing a brand and positioning it for long-term success.
Before my time at Kimo Sabe, I served as the Chief Operating Officer of Sobe Lizard Chocolate, a pioneering company in the functional food space. Sobe Lizard Chocolate was not only a first mover but also the first company to secure a licensing deal with Pepsi Co and Sobe Drink Company. As COO, I was responsible for overseeing nationwide operations and leading a marketing team that played a pivotal role in positioning our chocolate bars as the number one low-carb chocolate bar at major retailers like 7-11 and Walmart.
My innovative spirit didn’t stop there. I continued to create several popular iterations of our chocolate bar, expanding their presence in the market and solidifying our brand’s reputation for quality and innovation.
These prior experiences, spanning the spirits industry, functional food space, and marketing of groundbreaking products, have given me a strong foundation and a diverse skill set that I now bring to Inner State. As the founder and CEO, my goal is to leverage this background to drive groundbreaking innovations in mental health and medical technology while building strategic partnerships and fostering growth opportunities for the company. Inner State’s mission is not just a vision but a commitment to improving lives, and I am proud to be at the helm of this transformative journey.