Check Out Ashley Duran’s Story

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

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a child and young adult, I was always very shy. I struggled to find the confidence and missed out on many opportunities. I knew I needed to challenge myself and find the courage it took to take on new things.

Finally, in 2016, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I began applying for modeling gigs even if they weren’t financially funded. I took every modeling shoot I could book and used it as a way to grow. I remember wearing my first pair of high heels and learning to walk in them.

What can I say being tall already was definitely a learning experience and achievement in itself. I can definitely say I became a lot more comfortable with my femininity and getting glammed up. It really felt good dressing up, and getting makeup done. As a model, I began to believe in myself and get over my fears, but most importantly self-love and growth. Overcoming my insecurities and with my now-known confidence, I was able to find my true passion in front of the camera….

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is never a smooth road. I had quite a fair share of bumpy roads, potholes, and more. It’s just all about moving forward and never giving up. I had to deal with internal struggles as well as external ones, but what I can say is, the work starts first within. Second, I was letting go of a lot of people who held me back and brought in negative energy.

It took some time for me to distance myself from people who I thought were friends, family, or even lovers, but once I completely dropped them. My life completely changed.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do a lot of things. From Cocktail serving at one of the top beach clubs in Vegas to a successful catering company. But my modeling is my main endeavor. I am a freelance model working with many photographers, small businesses, and my very own content. If one were to look me up, I specialize in my comic dancing and artistic photos. I am proud of a lot of things I have accomplished, but I am most proud of the journey.

I never knew how far I could take my modeling and there is so much more of my work to share. From being published in many small-time magazines to having a billboard once upon a long ago. I love how I motivate others to be their authentic selves and lift people up. I guess you can say that’s what sets me apart because I don’t just pose for a picture of what people see. I create a picture to inspire and influence people to be confident within themselves and simply make their day.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I have many many goals I want to achieve in the next 5-10 years, but my main goal is to start my very own e-commerce business.

Ultimately that is my end goal, but I feel at the moment I can succeed a little more in my modeling. I always thought about calendars and posters. Who knows? It would be great to be published even in more magazines.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashduran22/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashduran22 

Image Credits
Hugo Gallegos and Marcus Arbelbide