Meet Ashley Miah | SHE.E.O. & Artist

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

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I overcame many challenges to get where I am today. Overcoming generational trauma, breaking the mold of what success looks like, ignoring the “art isn’t a career”, etc. I followed my heart and transitioned from a safe career trajectory with no fulfillment for me in the legal field in city government, to being an artist and CEO of an arts organization built on sisterhood and purpose. I created my company with women I love, who understood the need for minority artists to gain opportunities and resources in the art world. I can’t say I haven’t been burned in the process of becoming, as a woman or a business owner. I have learned that while I choose to lead with love and follow my purpose, you can’t trust everyone else with your intellectual property, you can’t trust that people won’t imitate your vision, you have to have discernment in character when being open with your ideas. However, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. Every lesson has made me who I am today, and I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the woman I am. If my 13-year old self, met me today, a Forbes listed creative force of nature, I would be in awe at the dream life I have.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ll take this opportunity to highlight the sisterhood I have, because I can’t imagine a day without them. I have the privilege of having a best friend group of women that I grew up with, friendships of 8-12 years, and we plan the most wonderful itineraries. Crystal would have some suggestions for the itinerary and her and I are such planners! We have a group chat called “Sultry” with Tayler and Danielle, and we would likely collectively come up with the itinerary in there:

If they’re in a wellness mood: A workout at BQE Fitness

Art is always a must: Gallery hopping in Chelsea, at the Landmark Arts building, with a walk on the highline after.

Food. There’s soooo many good food spots! We love the below spots, and always finish off with dessert. Our favorite is Crumble Cookies

Manhattan:
Hide Rooftop in Fidi for a great time
Butter in midtown for an amazing lamb cavatappi
Osteria 57 for an amazing pescetarian meal
Rosemary’s for very fresh pasta

Queens:
We’ve been to Sugar Freak in Astoria for creole food many times, but the drinks and the beignet sliders!
Kween in Astoria for Drag show game nights
Brunch at Oliver’s in Astoria for good quality food and fun drinks
Rockaway Thai for views and good food

Brooklyn:
Glasserie Brooklyn, is one of my favorite restaurants
Brooklyn Beso for a STRONG rum punch
Cornbread for cheap, slap yo mama level good, southern food

We’re also huge on coffee, and love squeezing in a local cafe for a sip

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out all the women who were put in a box, who were told no, who had to work to prove their ideas can be successful, who show up and show the world exactly who they are, who broke generational curses, who heal their trauma, who lift others up after they have had to lift themselves up. The boss “bitches” out there with boundaries and a vision, the women breaking the molds, that fuel the confidence in themselves to go after their dreams. Every SHE.E.O. in her own right, making decisions in her life to lift herself and impact others. Every Empress who leads with love.

Website: https://www.theculturecandy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leeleelacubana/

Other: https://www.leeleelacubana.com/