Veterinarian Ashton Sellers has made history in Kansas City’s veterinary world by becoming the owner of an animal hospital. Hickman Mills Animal Hospital, a longstanding clinic in the Hickman Mills neighborhood, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1957, with only three previous owners.
This Women’s History Month marks a historic moment as Kansas City native Dr. Sellers takes the helm, leaving her own mark on veterinary medicine.
At just 32, Dr. Sellers becomes both the first Black woman and the youngest woman to own an animal hospital in the Kansas City area. “We are in Hickman Mills Animal Hospital…my hospital,” Dr. Sellers told Fox4.
“Once you move into ownership, it’s a whole different ballgame because now it’s you,” she explained. “From the minute somebody walks in the door, it’s your business, your staff, your patients, and that requires a different mindset.”
Her path to ownership has been years in the making. According to her mother, Susan Weaver, it’s something Dr. Sellers envisioned from a young age. “She’s always excelled, always achieved, always had goals, and always been determined to accomplish them,” Weaver said.
Dr. Sellers admits she is still processing the full weight of her accomplishment. “Sometimes it doesn’t seem real…then other times I’m just so ecstatic and proud,” she shared.
Having quietly run the hospital for the past few months, Dr. Sellers is now preparing for a public celebration of her achievement on March 28. The event will include a proclamation from Jackson County Legislator Donna Peyton, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, raffles, giveaways, a silent auction, and a food truck.
Peyton praised Dr. Sellers, stating, “This milestone represents far more than personal success. It’s a powerful testament to perseverance, excellence, and being prepared for opportunity. She has created a lasting legacy that will inspire generations of young women, particularly young Black girls, to pursue careers in science, medicine, and business ownership.”
Dr. Sellers delivered a message of empowerment: “You really can do what you set your mind to. If you want to go be an astronaut, go be one.”
Her dedication to animals extends beyond her clinic, as she is also a devoted owner to several pets, including a horse, a German Shepherd, a Belgian Malinois, and a former military K-9.
