Meet Ashlie Crystal | DJ, Model, and Fashionista

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

Hi Ashlie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I have passionately pursued music, modeling, and fashion throughout my personal and professional journey. I have always been passionate about fashion, starting from my childhood in New York City, where I dreamt of becoming a supermodel and playing with Barbies. Surrounded by the city’s fashion scene, my passion for fashion began to take root. I have earned two fashion degrees and have been modeling since I was 15 years old. After living in Milan, Italy, I moved to Los Angeles four years ago and attended FIDM. I took on a new challenge to further balance my work life by becoming a techno DJ and playing music around LA and Orange County.

I have managed to pursue all my interests through organization and time management. Balancing my work life has been challenging but advantageous. I prefer to focus on one thing at a time and divide my days and weeks into separate sections. This work-life balance allows me to pursue what I want in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Many people don’t know that I have a fashion degree, and that I lived in Major cities like New York and Milan, Italy. I also moved to Los Angeles to go to school at FIDM, where I earned my degree in visual communications. So, not only am I a DJ, but I am also a model, fashion designer, fashion stylist, graphic designer, and creative director. I am most proud to have gotten to where I am today. Genuinely grateful I get to build a community filled with my passions of fashion, music, and art. It wasn’t easy and still isn’t easy. At times, I had self-doubt and wondered if I was on the right path. After working years for a fashion brand and pouring my energy into it, I felt pulled to focus my energy on myself and redirect my focus in a way that encapsulates all my passions. I decided right there to make it a career and start giving DJing more of my time and dedication.

Of course, it is natural to encounter challenges personally and technically when learning how to DJ. Being in Los Angeles also has its challenges when entering the industry. Sometimes, juggling everything all at once can also be challenging when you have different passions, but finding a balance is essential, as is having the right support systems, being consistent, and putting in the hard work. I’ve also learned to be gentle with myself because I can sometimes be my worst critic. Maintaining a positive mindset helps when moments feel overwhelming.

I want the world to know to do what makes you happy; that will ultimately bring you joy and peace of mind. If you come to see my live show, I want to bring that feeling of freedom and forgetting about your problems, even if it’s for an hour. I want my fans to feel sexy, empowered, and confident in who they are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I recommend checking out Marina Del Rey. It’s a cute and wholesome beach town where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. If you want to watch a DJ set, Exchange, and Sound are great venues to watch your favorite DJs. My favorite warehouse event is Elevate Angel, where other artists and I perform techno and other electronic sounds. If you’re looking for self-care, I recommend treating yourself to a Med Spa, going to downtown Laser and Anti-aging. I highly recommend going to the fashion district in downtown LA for shopping. You will find so many hidden gems for a fraction of the prices. Sur in West Hollywood is known for its upscale menu and upbeat atmosphere. Baja Cantina is a Mexican restaurant known for its delicious and authentic fajitas. If you want to do something outdoors, the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens are beautiful to walk on a clear sunny 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 want to shout out to my favorite DJ and boyfriend, Ryan, also known as Oshn. Four years ago, I moved to downtown Los Angeles from Milan, Italy, to pursue fashion and modeling. While in the City of Angels, I discovered my passion for mixing music. Ryan has been a fantastic mentor, guiding me through the exciting journey of my techno DJ passion. With his guidance, I’ve embraced my natural talent for blending techno and vocals. Together, we create music as Crystal Oshn and have some unreleased tracks in the works. I’m genuinely grateful for his generosity in sharing his musical knowledge, and I’m inspired to see the incredible adventure this music will lead us on!

Website: https://ashlieroswall.wixsite.com/fashionportfolio?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabdPJ1y1f9yANP4GHYAAJc_wPe5c_Pmo1RgcLCFMiDPDMkJ5Y17eFnEyLM_aem_a18vw0x1dQM0-f65sclLCw

Instagram: @ashlie.crystal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlieroswall/

Youtube: @ashliecrystal

Image Credits
@oshnofficial
@makeupbyfabj
@_rene_madrid
@elevateangel
@mobb_ties
@lickndipsevents
@namaslaycollective
@wilderrush
@agoodspot
@helgalondon