We were lucky to catch up with Ashlee Lawhorn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashlee , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Confidence and self-esteem aren’t just things you wake up with—they’re built, step by step, like making your favorite dish or building a portfolio. For me, it’s all about celebrating progress. The first time I nailed a tricky drum solo or landed a role I’d been dreaming about, it wasn’t luck—it was believing in myself just enough to take that first step, even if I wasn’t 100% sure I’d crush it.
Here’s the secret….CONFIDENCE THRIVES ON ACTION. Try something that scares you—take that class, step into that ring, or audition for the role. Even if you stumble, you’ll come out stronger, and that’s a win worth celebrating! I’ve learned to treat every failure as a plot twist, not the end of the story.
One of my favorite tricks is reframing failure as feedback. Instead of letting mistakes drag me down, I use them as stepping stones to improve.
And let’s talk about your vibe—because who you surround yourself with matters. My tribe is a mix of people who lift me up, keep it real, and sometimes, just let me vent with my dogs by my side. They remind me that self-esteem starts with self-love.
At the end of the day, confidence isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, owning your quirks, and saying, ‘This is me, and I’m pretty awesome.’ So, go ahead—take a chance, cheer yourself on, and watch your confidence soar!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hi there!
I’m an actress, drummer, and boxer who’s passionate about telling stories that inspire, entertain, and spark connection. My journey started in Columbus, Ohio, where I took a leap into acting after studying psychology at Shawnee State University. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on a range of projects—from independent feature films and award-winning shorts to commercials and even a fun music video with Kyle Gordon.
What excites me most about what I do is the variety—it’s a little bit of everything! Whether I’m bringing a character to life, creating rhythm behind a drum set, or channeling focus and power in the boxing ring, each outlet lets me explore a new part of myself and connect with others in a unique way. I also have a deep love for learning within my craft, always seeking ways to grow, refine, and push my limits.
Being an advocate for the underdog is central to who I am. I believe in championing people and stories that deserve to be seen and heard, whether it’s through the characters I play or the projects I choose to support.
Recently, I’ve been thrilled to see my films featured at festivals like Cindependent Film Fest, Broad Humor, and Horror Hotel, to name a few. Plus, I wrapped as the principal talent for a global Makita Tools commercial and stepped into the spotlight for a Petland spokesperson campaign.
My brand is all about authenticity and versatility. I’m drawn to projects and collaborations that value creativity, connection, and a genuine desire to make something impactful. For anyone looking to collaborate or just curious about what I’m up to, stay tuned! There’s always something new on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I’d say three qualities have been the most impactful: resilience, versatility, and a genuine love for learning.
Resilience has been crucial. Whether it’s facing rejection in auditions, perfecting a drum solo, or getting through a tough boxing session, I’ve learned that persistence and grit are what carry you forward. My advice? Embrace the challenges. They’re not roadblocks; they’re stepping stones. Every ‘no’ or setback is an opportunity to reflect, adapt, and come back stronger.
Versatility has also been a game-changer. Being open to different opportunities—acting, drumming, boxing, or even woodworking—has helped me grow in ways I never expected. For those starting out, I’d say: Don’t box yourself in. Explore your interests and passions, even the ones that seem unrelated. You’d be surprised how skills in one area can enrich another.
Another key factor has been a love for learning—not just from experiences but from people. Over time, I’ve taught myself to get genuinely excited about networking and meeting new faces. It was a mindset shift, but it’s been a game-changer for me. Every individual I meet leaves an impact, no matter how big or small, and I hope to reflect that in my work. My advice here? Approach every connection with curiosity and kindness. You never know how someone’s story might inspire or teach you.
Lastly, humor has been an underrated superpower. It’s helped me find joy in the chaos and stay grounded, even in the most challenging moments. For anyone starting their journey, don’t underestimate the power of laughter—it keeps you resilient and connected to others. An acting coach of mine, Ralph E. Scott, once said, “We are all clowns in this business. Don’t be afraid to be silly or vulnerable”. This advice opened my eyes to the realization that things get easier for us when we don’t take ourselves so seriously. Life is short, have fun on your journey.
And if I can add one more thing—advocate for the underdog, including yourself when you feel like one. Believe in your potential, especially when it’s hard, and keep showing up. That’s where the magic happens.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always excited to collaborate with ambitious filmmakers who have compelling and raw stories to tell—stories that resonate, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impression. I’m drawn to projects that embrace authenticity and creativity, with teams who are passionate about pushing boundaries to create something truly special.
A dream of mine would be to collaborate on a mini-series with Mike Flanagan, whose storytelling is both masterful and deeply impactful. His work has inspired me throughout my journey. I remember when I first began my acting journey during COVID. I was anxious, frustrated, and eager to find a way into acting classes, but no one I knew had transitioned into online classes yet. During this time, The Haunting of Bly Manor was released on Netflix, and I watched it—and I was instantly hooked. There was something about that series that sparked a fire in me.
I began researching books, YouTube acting coaches, and anything I could find to keep that motivation alive, even though I didn’t have much acting experience or knowledge at that point. All I knew was that I had a dream—and an unshakable desire to make it a reality. And now, here I am, living that dream each time I step on set, receive an audition, or connect with another creative.
If you’re a filmmaker, creator, or artist with a vision and are looking for a collaborator, I’d love to connect. Let’s explore how we can bring meaningful stories to life together—whether it’s through a conversation over coffee, sharing ideas, or simply brainstorming possibilities. I’m always eager to connect with like-minded creatives. A great way to reach me is through my website: ashleelawhorn.com or connect on Instagram: @ashlee_paige_lawhorn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashleelawhorn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlee_paige_lawhorn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashlee.lawhorn
Image Credits
Ben Mclain, Job Gailey, Joe Palmer, Joseph Cox, Zack Dionne, and Braden Timmons.
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