Daily Inspiration: Meet Ashley Hart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Hart.

Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
The arts are something I’ve been interested in since I was a kid. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t doing something creative. Art was and is my life, it’s in my blood. I grew up in a city where local craft shows were regular weekend events, murals were painted throughout the streets and everyone supported one another’s craft. For me, it was always writing, drawing, photography and film. It was all a hobby yet a life-changing experience for me.

I’ve recorded some of the most positive and negative times of my life through art. I’ve always wanted to bring this passion of mine to life but the question was; what can I do? Am I good enough? Can I get a real job? The toughest part was getting through those stages and realizing that my work was worthy of being shown and that I have the determination to make it happen.

Before I was confident that I could pursue this field, I started cosmetology school and got my certificate in esthetics. I then started working at a private club as a receptionist. Not too long after starting that position, the opportunity became available and I was promoted to their spa manager. I met a lot of great people there and discovered a lot about myself as I worked full-time as a manager and part-time as an esthetician.

It was great, but it wasn’t my end goal. I met a couple there who truly encouraged and inspired this journey of mine. They inspired me to continue with short stories and I created some of my best work when I was writing with them. That led to the website, storiesfromnm.com, being born. After that, I dabbled in some blog writing and returned to school for a bachelor’s in media communications.

This is one of the best decisions I’ve made and with graduation peeking around the corner in 2024, I’m trying to build my brand, Ashley Hart Media. You can make great strides without a college degree, but then I realized the education and diploma may just get me places I might not otherwise be able to get to. Just another stone I want to put in my foundation. Like this interview. I want to be in a place where others can see what I’ve done and what I can do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have a lot of friends supporting me alongside my parents and grandparents, but life often has other plans. I had a big surgery in March 2021 to correct my TMJ disorder and this came with a lot of limitations like the inability to speak or eat solid foods. I was on a strict schedule of having my mouth banded shut by the use of braces to keep my jaw joints stabilized as they healed.

Because of this, I was on a liquid diet for 3 months which usually meant I ate using a syringe if the bands couldn’t come off my braces (set times were allowed to remove them but the exercises and medicine I had to take usually took up that time) then I was on a soft food diet for another 3 months. I lost quite a bit of weight during that period as it was difficult to meet my expected nutritional needs, but I managed.

I ended up leaving my job due to the inability to perform at the rate I was before. It was discouraging and difficult not only physically but mentally. During this recovery period, I didn’t realize how little time I gave myself to take a minute and breathe due to constant battles with my insurance company and being on several different medications that would make me dull. It stopped the pain I was in, yet I was falling into depression.

I stopped writing for a while and well, stopped doing everything. I didn’t take care of myself in the way that I should’ve and neglected a lot of things. When I finally recovered, I realized I lost myself and wanted to regain the spark I had when I went on this journey. I joined online classes at the Los Angeles Film School in September 2021 and am now networking to build connections in the field of photography, marketing, and graphic design.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my career, I’m currently employed in development and communications at a local youth shelter. I assist with their grant writing, social media presence, website, and fundraising events. This job has allowed me to grow in what I’m studying in school so I’ve been thankful to have the opportunity to use these skills here and learn new things along the way while helping those in need.

As I build my brand, Ashley Hart Media, I currently specialize in graphic and web design. I’ve built a couple of websites and am taking on some part-time projects to continue that growth and help others who reach out to hire me. I’m most proud of my ability to work with others and produce content people love. I’d like to say that I positively impact the people I’ve met and the places I’ve been.

My main goal is to share creative works to inspire, connect, and bring joy to others. If I’m not proud of something, I won’t release it. When I was 17, I had my first short story published in the local newspaper. I won first place in this writing contest two years in a row. Little did I know that after participating in that competition, my journey was just beginning.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Everywhere I’ve worked I’ve built enduring relationships. At the same time, I’ve broadened my skills. Sometimes in unexpected ways. It’s those friendships and skills which have allowed me to step up to the next level and continuously grow in my career paths. I hope to hear from some of you so we could learn from each other and support one another as we work towards our dream. Let’s create something we’re proud of!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleyhartmedia.wixsite.com/ashley-hart
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhartmedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyhartmedia/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshleyHartMedia
• Other: https://storiesfromnm.com/ashley-hart