We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlee Olivia Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee Olivia, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Professionally by the end of my career I wanna be acting still, but mostly directing. With a catalogue of fine films behind me and a bunch of interesting stories to tell about productions I’ve been apart of. Me and my actor or psychiatrist husband funding fellowships for young artists who wanna do like we did and more, but also ME, still fine, silver-foxtress making appearances when I’m requested and just make a ball of life a la Martha Stewart (w/o the jail time) or Snoop Dog who just seems to really be having a great time! I’m writing plays now, so by that time I would like to have a few good pieces that black women can gravitate to when they have an urge to see themselves on the page. Or when they are stuck in a certain point in life and they need perspective, it is my wish that the stories my plays tell will offer peace of mind in those moments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I just want the world to know that I’m not done yet. I haven’t settled. I’m still banking on my dreams. This is just the long cut, no edits. I havn’t given up. No matter how it may look. No matter how long it takes. No matter if you see tears in my eyes. I’m of the no pain, no gain crew. What choice do I have? I was born for this art form and for creative expression. I can’t get away from it, I’ve tried and it was a painful! I rather suffer through it all-knowing that this is God’s plan. I was once told to look at your pain as your riches, well I’ve grown RICH in the deep, dark emotions that are necessary to access the depth needed in the telling of certain stories. The gold in my art is that I’m using all that’s trying to use me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting the city we would have to do a hike. Let’s say Palos Verdes somewhere, with views of that rocky coast. Do both Universal Studios and Disneyland for days of just pure joy and fun and then 1 day go to Culver City and eat at Citizen. 1 of our nights out would have to start at this dive bar in Hollywood called The Woods, then head over to 1Hotel to get drinks made by the cute boy bartender. After that, head to the rooftop bar Harriet’s for dj vibes and views. Ride-share home and then maybe Malibu beach in the AM, driving all the way down PCH until you get to the pier…there’s a swing-set off the water there. 1 Thursday night or Sunday we would have to make dinner reservations at STK in Westwood, they have a really good DJ. A private boat day where we sail to Catalina with a few friends. Music, food, drinks, pics! Maybe cap the week off with a day in Santa Barbara.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Always, my mother, my father (rest in peace), my sister and my entire family who provide the best foundation I could ask for.

Website: https://linktr.ee/AshleeOlivia

Instagram: @olivia_bad

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCMX3H844bgK6VnasQQK0Q7w

Image Credits
David Mueller Aja Pijeaux

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