Meet Ashley Nicole

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Nicole. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From a young age, I found joy in communication. I remember sitting in front of the TV, absorbed in the TV Guide Channel, eagerly reading out what was coming next before it disappeared from view. That was my first taste of a “teleprompter.” Even then, I relished the response I received from imparting information, whether it was about upcoming TV shows or anything else. As a child, I entertained dreams of becoming an author, a lawyer, even a singer. However, it wasn’t until college that I truly understood my calling: to inform others. Considering my personality and passion for media, it became evident that my path led to becoming a news anchor. They say if performing a task ignites a spark within you, it’s your passion. If you’re willing to invest time and effort into it without expecting anything in return, that’s your passion. For me, stepping in front of a camera, crafting a story, or delivering the latest news elicits all those feelings of passion and purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m what you might call a busybody! I thrive on having multiple outlets for self-expression. My two passions have always been news and music, and I’ve managed to pursue both. While I initially aimed to become a news anchor, I realized the heaviness of reporting on topics like death and politics. Instead, I found joy in discussing celebrities and entertainment news, which led to the creation of my website, yotalkinash.com. Through daily entertainment updates and my YouTube series, ‘Just Kickin It,’ I offer glimpses into my personal life while aiming to inspire and entertain. My platform also spotlights celebrities and fellow entrepreneurs. Soon, I’ll be conducting celebrity interviews and attending red carpet events.

As for music, it brings me immense joy and serves as a unifying force. To combine my love for themes, music, and people, I founded ‘Lit and Live,’ an events company specializing in themed live band karaoke events and game nights. While we currently have shows scheduled in Chicago (April 21) and Atlanta (Aug 11), my ultimate dream is to tour the United States.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Communicating Effectively- Communication holds immense significance, especially in my life. I owe my communication skills to my mother and grade school teachers. My mother instilled in us the importance of clarity and directness, discouraging whining and slang. She taught us to articulate our desires straightforwardly. If we wanted something, we had to structure our requests effectively. As a child, I learned to present my case to my mother, and if my reasoning was sound, she would consider it.

Hone Your Craft-When you discover your passion, commit yourself fully to it. Utilize all available resources and seek guidance from a mentor. Practice tirelessly, perhaps even volunteering for firsthand experience. Stay focused and dedicated. My own stumble happened when I lacked a mentor and allowed distractions to divert my path.

Take Risks- Embrace risk-taking; not everything will come to you easily. Sometimes, you must seize opportunities. Step outside your comfort zone, take that leap! Pitch yourself, introduce your brand and be prepared for anything. Beyond fear lies uncertainty, but regret is the last thing you want.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
My biggest challenge is often myself. As my toughest critic, I hold myself to high standards and set daily goals. When I fall short, it feels defeating. To counter this, I’m prioritizing self-care and kindness towards myself. I set realistic goals and celebrate what I accomplish. I’ve also learned to avoid comparing my journey to others’. Though I sometimes feel behind compared to peers, I remind myself to enjoy my unique path. Everything unfolds in its own time. I work diligently but also make time for breaks with my 9-month-old son or watching Disney movies. I’m embracing the present and extending grace to myself, knowing that as long as I have breath, I have time.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Michelle Dokes Photography

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