We recently connected with Ashley Farley and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ashley, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
This is a loaded question for most of us, isn’t it? It was recently that I was able to make the distinction between feelings of anxiety and imposter syndrome. They tend to go hand in hand, however, anxiety for me are several intruding and overwhelming thoughts all at once, and imposter syndrome is that singular damaging thought that I simply don’t belong in the space I occupy. That thought hits me like a ton of bricks, every time, so it would not be truthful to say I have overcome imposter syndrome, because it is recurring, but I can share how I silence that negativity when it arises. First, I actively watch for imposter syndrome, meaning when it becomes a thought, I step back and acknowledge that it’s happening. By doing this, I detach it from myself, and I can recognize that the imposter syndrome is here because I’m in a space or I have an opportunity that I worked hard to achieve. Imposter syndrome is only there when you are preparing to challenge yourself in a meaningful way or you have attained something you have always aspired to. Once I acknowledge imposter syndrome, I repeat a simple phrase to myself, “you deserve this”. If you are reading this, you are probably ambitious, you know what you want, and you have probably figured out how to get it, but even if you don’t know your path quite yet, just know, that when the inspiration, networking, the lack of sleep, the hard decisions, and sacrifices you have made, have landed you in a space you have always wanted to be, its because you deserve it. We are not imposters in places we have worked hard to be in.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In 2020, I co-founded BaiFar Productions, where we create content focused on telling authentic stories from those who experience them. Last year we released our first project, The Blacktor, which explores the misadventures of a Black working actor in Hollywood. It wasn’t intentional, but the show is even more relevant after the recent and historical actors strike in 2023. We are officially in production for our second season which will be released early summer this year. I’ll also be directing my first short, After, a story about the conversations we must have with our children after they lose a loved one, a subject matter that touches close to home for me. I grew up in the 90’s, and I believe that the best TV and films came out of this era and is a main source of inspiration in my directing and writing style. Therefore, I strive to tell grounded and visually stunning stories with relatable characters.
Additionally, I am in production for season 3 of my podcast, Geriatric Momma. In this podcast I candidly chat about becoming a mom a little later in life. Like most women, I wear many hats and fit in many categories. I love being a working parent, and I’m at my best when I create moments to take care of myself, and to be honest, that can be a struggle. However, pursuing my goals actively, makes me a better version of myself, making me a better parent, a better partner, friend, and creative. My podcast takes a deep dive into to all of these areas of life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I look back on and continue in my journey, there have been three monumental virtues that have shaped the way I move through life. The most significant bit of wisdom I have ever received came from my mother. She passed on to me that my words have power, what you speak over your life is what will come to pass. This has stuck with me, and because of that, I always make sure that I’m speaking positivity, prosperity, and healing words over my life. My high school theater teacher, Mr. Kirksey, taught me that finesse is one of the greatest qualities we can possess as creatives. I work to bring a touch of delicacy to everything I do. A skill that I developed in my theater education that has become transferable to every job and project in my career is developing an attention to detail. When I’m working on a project where there are a lot of moving parts, I am able to catch the small details to make sure the bigger picture is achieved. This is beneficial in directing, producing, and writing.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
There are so many obstacles for Black women to overcome on a daily basis. However, I find that most of the obstacles I encounter are those that I create for myself. With that, the number one challenge I am currently facing is overcoming negative and intrusive thoughts, something that many of us battle and it can be polarizing and detrimental to us walking in our fullest potential. If I doubt myself and allow imposter syndrome to become rooted in my thought process, it will be impossible to accomplish anything, from everyday tasks to lofty career goals. Some days I feel like I have really conquered this obstacle, and other days I feel like its a large wave, waiting to crash down on me. In these moments I recall all the moments I have triumphed over it, speaking positive affirmations out loud, finessing the situation by showing myself some grace, and paying attention to small things I can accomplish that will push me closer to a place I want to be. If we stop and reflect, we will find that life has already taught the lessons we need to stand firm when faced with any adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: baifarproductions.com
- Instagram: baifar_productions _geriatricmomma
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@geriatricmomma
Image Credits
Justin James Farley
