We had the good fortune of connecting with Lava (Ashley Hancock) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lava, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the most important factor behind my success is always staying true to myself. I have noticed when I say ‘no’ more and continue to move as my authentic self, I naturally enchant even better opportunities, people, and energy that aligns with a strong ‘yes’ from my being. The powerfull initiation of shedding those people-pleasing tendencies from within lets the world know you mean business and are not one to mess with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The art of Lava is ever expanding and for that , gratitude exudes from my vessel out to earth. What sets me apart from others is that I fully tap into all of my senses when I am performing. When I listen to music, there is an inevitable connection: either I tap into the emotion that naturally rises, almost like a chemical reaction as my body moves… OR I take a step outside of myself and channel the emotion/experience of the artist in a way that may be new to me and gain perspective whilst expressing it through my movement. Many have told me that they have seen many fire entertainers that do not have a strong dance background and I believe that sets me apart as well. I am most proud of never giving up on myself, not allowing the shadow of me take over the light of me, and excited because honestly, I feel like I have just begun. If I gave up on myself after all the gig/role rejection, all that silence after applying, and missed opportunities then I wouldn’t be who I am today. I continued to share my art as well as apply for things I truly wanted. I shifted into the knowing that it’s all on divine time and what is meant to be, shall. How I got where I am today professionally has definitely been due to having returning clients and even word of mouth. Additionally, I would say learning from my fellow peers in the space of entertainment and independent performance work has helped me tremendously. A valuable lesson I have learned is not to sell myself short; I have awakened to my own potential and just want to share and help create more art and impactfull experiences while I am here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gotta show some love to the chosen family I have in this lifetime: Jordan, TiF, Xhaania, Pixie, Patrick, because of you guys, I am able to feel gratitude on the daily and remind myself I am supported in this lifetime, you all have helped me evolve in ways I cannot put into words. Eye thank you. Lava also wants to show some love to the Insomniac Entertainers ran by the queen that inspires me, Ms EZ. Eye lava you all so much. Thank you for truly seeing me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatlavaflow?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Grant Palmer Photography
Mister Poe Photography
Armin Photography
Danny Fain Photography
Liv (Silk Fae)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.