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

Hi Ashley Kay, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always felt drawn to performance and entertainment ever since I was little. From Film to Television, to Theatre and even Music, I admired so many creatives like Denzel Washington, Vanessa Williams, Robin Williams, Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Quintin Tarantino, and that’s only some of my faves because I could go on and on and on LOL, literally!

Being an Actress/Filmmaker/Model allows me to tap into parts of myself that I wouldn’t necessarily express to the world off rip but I know and God knows where I draw it from. It’s therapy, it’s revelation, it’s healing, it’s growth. It provokes the unspoken and the spoken. It allows me the freedom and the space to be me while connecting to the emotions of human nature. It’s deeper than the talent. It’s apart of my purpose here on this earth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is my individuality. Growing up, I always found myself being the outcast amongst most of my peers and it bothered me because I wanted acceptance. But I tell ya, life has a way of shifting your perspective because now it seems like everybody wants to copy one another due to popular trends and I’m like the opposite. I enjoy being different, from the way that I walk, talk, think, dress, it’s based around my personality which can be best described by the title of my favorite TLC album: Crazy, Sexy, Cool.

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?
So, I gotta say that Eventhough I’m a Detroit girl, period, L.A. has indeed become my second home. So a good time for me around the L.A area would start at The Galleria shopping mall in Glendale, because who doesn’t love a good shopping spree and a chance to eat sweets and what not (I gotta have my Cinnabon)

Then we would make our way down to the Santa Monica Pier., They have restaurants, a mini Amusement Parks, food trucks, and of course the beach. It’s something about viewing the ocean that calms me and allows me to take in the beauty that God created.

Finally, we will end the night by heading to the Hollywood Walk of Fame while enjoying some good food from the Hollywood Bowl.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Ohhhh I feel like I’m giving an award speech right now LOL. Honestly, it’s a few folks I’ve gotta shout out so here we go:

The Creator, My God, Yahweh, the reason I’m even in this position as we speak! My love goes all to Him for so many reasons! Love you Sky Daddy!!

The Saginaw Valley State University Theatre Department. That was the place where my professors saw my gift, took a chance on me, and gave me the foundation I still carry to this day. Shoutout to Ric Roberts, Dave Rzeszutek, Jerry Dennis, and Dr. Steve Erickson (R.I.P) and all of my former class/castmates! I love ya’ll dearly!

Marilyn McCormick, who is a legend & a dear mentor, she helped take my gift to the next level. Forever my fairy Godmother!

And to Prestina Glover, Jeanette Drake, Charles Kennedy Jr, Kevin Tates, Brian Taylor: my brothers and sisters in this industry, These were the folks that were significant during a very turbulent transition in my career/life and the only ones who I trusted to talk to about every emotion I was feeling. Ya’ll will always be solid with me!

Instagram: @thatsashleykay @kayproductions88

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.k.evans.3?mibextid=9R9pXO

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCWcSdp_Sm4isYNWkO2awTww

Other: https://www.every.org/wocunite/f/webseries-the-shade-of

Image Credits
Candace Campbell

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.