Meet Ashley Karp | Director, Writer, Actress, Musician

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

Hi Ashley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is what creates the necessary change. For me, if I stayed where I was and not pursued anything that drove my soul into what fully created who I am today, I honestly don’t want to know where I would be. I know I wouldn’t be my happiest self, working somewhere that didn’t fuel the fire to my passions. The risk is the ultimate challenge, where the unknown meets the uncertainty of truth. But, that’s what makes the risk in life always worth it. We’re not meant to stay stuck or to be complacent in this lifetime. We are all meant to move forward in what truly drives us, what makes us who we are, whether you’re meant to be a writer, a teacher, a firefighter or a member of congress, all of that success is on the other side of risk. The greatest reward after risk is simply saying, “I did that.” I’m grateful for the times in my life where the going was tough, and I truly didn’t know where my next was coming from, so I trusted in the risk of diving into the unknown of life and having the faith to push forward and create new. I still have so much more to create, and with that comes so much more risk, but ultimately, I know now more than ever before, that just going for the risk and the pursuit of your souls calling is what makes life truly beautiful, and always worth the risk. That is the biggest reward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am am artist, to my core, with a canvas that is consistently being painted on with new splashes of inspiration, whether it be through day to day life, all forms of media or the creations that come through imagination. I love to direct and write, as well as act and being a musician, and am constantly drawing inspiration from new creations of artists I look up to along with interacting with the world as a whole. Are there challenges, absolutely. But I truly believe that is what drives creativity to its next level, where real life meets creational reality, and we as artists actually need those conflicts and trials as the extra spice, if you will, to add to our creations.

To get to where I am today, it has been an incredible journey of creating with so many equally passionate people that have the same creational desire as I do, and co-creating the magic that is currently out there in the world today. From being a two time Festival Director for Short+Sweet Hollywood 24/25, where creativity is at its peak, with so many wonderful and immensely talented artists whose hearts are in every fiber of their plays, to writing my audio fiction series The Ol’ Timey Spectral Hour and casting my friends whom are incredibly talented and simply love what they do, every aspect of getting where I am today comes from the hope and love for pursuing the life of a creative, all alongside like-minded souls who have the same passion for creativity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Los Angeles, there’s never a dull moment, and always so much to do. I love going on nature walks, and adore spaces like the Arboretum and Descanso Gardens where I can walk and sometimes find a quiet place to unwind and write alongside beautiful foliage and landscapes, all within the comfort of a quick drive to and from. As far as food goes, one of my favorite spots is Toi on Sunset, an awesome Thai food spot where, when you enter, your transported into a rock and roll time capsule, as the whole space is adorned with posters of Lennon, Metallica, Led Zep and more, all the while having really good Thai food. Oh and get the slum wine while you’re there! What makes it a great location wise is that it’s right across the street from the Guitar Center on Sunset, which is always a cool spot to roam around and pick up new equipment. I also love escape rooms, and have done at least 30 in LA. I can highly recommend Crossroads Escape Room, Hatch Escape, and The Basement as fantastic escape rooms if you’re looking for some epic escape room fun.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. If they didn’t take a chance with me all those years ago, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today.

Website: https://Www.ashleykarp.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleykarp3

Twitter: https://x.com/Ashleykarp3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleykarp

Youtube: https://youtube.com/ashleykarp3

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/appynormal