We had the good fortune of connecting with Asha Paul and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asha, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
That is a great question because I know for a fact so many creatives have this question replay in their minds. My Mother always told me “Never give up, Never give in!” and honestly through the years those words stand true for so many reasons. For me Art is more than just being creative, its essentially a part of my being/make up as people would say. In other words for me to give up would in turn be me giving up on myself. I believe that God has endowed us with gifts and talents that are uniquely tailored for us alone and the purpose we have in life, so to deny those things is to deny the life and opportunities given to us. Turning Art into a business is never easy yet those trials we experience are building blocks for learning and refining our character to be better with each level of life. Many want the “know-how” and success without the conflict hard work and dedication brings, yet wisdom is a hands-on teacher and tests become beautiful testimonies to pass on that knowledge for others. In other words if you understand who you are and the mission of your business NEVER give up! Mistakes happen yet never look at it as a loss but a lesson and take the mistakes you must correct moving forward. Perspective is everything and a person of true passion can never throw in the towel no matter how hard it gets.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art and the Performing Arts is in my DNA, from a young age I started off with studying dance. I attended LACHSA which is a Performing Arts High school located in the greater LA area, and from there I attended FIDM a design college in DTLA. In between those years of education I started to discover so many different mediums of art and It became quite hard for me to decide which lane I wanted to actually stick with. After many discouraging attempts deciding on a particular arena, a light bulb went off in my mind and I instantly connected to the desire in my heart. I did not want to limit myself and I made the decision to encompass all of it and hence A.B Couth was born. An art & design company that would house everything under the sun concerning creativity from music video choreography to art consultations to give a vast contrast. The A and B simply being the first letters of the founders names yet also playing on the basics of learning such as the ABC’s which explains the use of shapes in one of our logos. Now concerning the couth bit, I chose the word Couth for many reasons aside from my personal affection for interesting words. It literally means cultured, integral, and refined, All of the things that needs to be consistent in the design community. There is nothing worse than an amazing artist with a lack of character, integrity, and poor work ethic. That’s why I believe the creative community is only taken serious to a point, yes art brings freedom yet it does not have to lack structure and many don’t understand that concept. I started this company to change that narrative knowing “Its more than a lifestyle, it’s a culture.” raising the standard of what it means to be an artist and an entrepreneur and that it can definitely be one in the same.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Music, Art ,Food are the essentials for a good time on the town. First I would start off with breakfast at Ysabel’s a personal favorite of mine. The food and playlist is definitely an enjoyable atmosphere for both brunch or dinner. Then I would hit up a few Art museums and of course shopping must be involved. Aside from Rodeo, Melrose and DTLA has some gems for fashion forward looks and vintage finds. A mini spa moment with a mani/ pedi situation and a light facial followed up with a relaxing English High Tea fit for royalty with the works. Who doesn’t love strawberries, scones with Bavarian Cream and champagne. Winding down for dinner with an ocean view and a live DJ, music and great conversation is a perfect ending to a fun filled day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I definitely would love to shout out my Mother and President of CBFREELA NPO, not only did we start this non profit together but this woman is truly a pillar in my life. I thank God for her because honestly I don’t know the woman I would have been or how long it would have taken me to get there, Her guidance and strength has taught me so much in what it means to be Integral, kind, and to put others before myself. A leader with a servants heart is always for the people and true change is always the prize. So thank you for teaching me that and so much more. Also because of the climate we are in supporting each other is so important and I would like to shout out a few Black-owned/ Brown-Owned Businesses that are in our local LA community. @skiitones Alexus Fay ( Jewellery Brand) @Yajdielalfonso Yaye SSARK (Design Brand) @cmboutique35 Claudia Medrano (Clothing Brand) @realgabrielbaron Gabriel Baron ( Realtor) @Sashaywaxbh Mistey Saffore (Wax Salon)

Website: www.flarmusic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_a_s_h_a_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asha.paul.39
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPj2V2iS15fwl6nV7cs8TXg
Other: www.cbfreela.org

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