Meet Ashley Velez

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Velez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

My creativity came alive when I was 9 years old. I always loved to draw and create pretty images in my head. As time went on I decided to include my artistic side in high school, college projects, and in the workforce. I even use creativity in my music and when I’m modeling. I always like to think outside the box vs within. My aspiration is what sets me apart from most people.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Nova. I am a singer and model. Ever since I was small I always wanted to be a singer. What inspired me to become a singer were two artists named Selena and Aaliyah. Every so often I would be listening to their music and singing along with them. Their style is what inspired me to create my own style of music. As for modeling, I have modeled for various designers. I have modeled high end fashion clothing for many boutiques, fashion shows, and runways. Collaborated with fellow designers and models to build outstanding performances. Worked closely with makeup artists and photographers to complete photoshoots for fashion show advertisements. As of right now I’m currently focusing on my music and have been collaborating with another artist named Atriel. I have been featured on his albums by the titles of, Recreation, Libra SZN, The United Hate Of America, our partnered Latin album, Sentimientos, and his latest album Batty Bitch. My music is currently featured on various streaming platforms such as YouTube Music, Spotify, iHeart Radio, TIDAL, Pandora, Amazon Music , and iTunes. I have 2 songs that are now streaming from my upcoming album, Latin Gem ft. A T R I E L & Empty Heart, and the album will be set to release soon.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The qualities that I have inherited over the years and this is with any other job is communication, punctual, and outstanding retentiveness. With communication it’s important to grab the audiences attention with ideas that people can relate to or see themselves in that same situation. For being punctual it’s important to show up to a meeting and or event at a specific time frame. Otherwise most designers won’t be able to book you for shows if you are constantly late. Having a good memory has been useful for me because it’s what helps me remember dates, times, and important bookings. It’s also helped me remember each desighner, photographer, or model that I have worked with in previous shows. The best advice I can give on as far as these attributes is to work and live by them. These qualities are what can book you a gig and what’s gonna make you become more successful.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

The biggest improvement that I have been working on solely is on my music. In the beginning it was modeling because lot of designers from previous shows constantly kept booking me because they liked how i represented each clothing design. It’s taken me awhile to write every piece of music because most of it entails stuff that has made an impact in my life. Most of my music deals with life experiences I’ve experienced growing up to challenges and obstacles I’m facing everyday. My music is what’s help me become a better person and getting my ideas out on paper. Versus being in my own headspace and keeping all of my emotions bottled up.

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