Conversations with the Inspiring Asha Bee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asha Bee.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My entrepreneurial journey started when I grew tired of playing the corporate game and couldn’t visualize growth or purpose in a job. Allowing others to control a majority of my time and working in a banal environment was spirit breaking. I began exploring different opportunities that I found enjoyable and could simultaneously generate income. My first venture was more about making extra money than about work enjoyment; which, is probably why my vending business Major Goods didn’t last for more than a year. Maintaining the few vending machines I owned became a hassle and the money wasn’t worth the time I was investing.

I was employed at a hospital at the time and was encouraged by a dope soul, Shirlene Wright. She said, “Asha, you don’t belong here.” She advised me to give the entertainment business a try because of my lively personality. An industry I’d never given any thought to, until that life changing conversation on Labor & Delivery at 3 a.m. Over a couple of months’ time, I did my research and dipped my toes into the pool of modeling and acting. Initially, it wasn’t a career that I deemed possible for myself. So naturally, I looked for other opportunities within that world and started my photography business. Holding down a full time job, modeling/acting, and running another business got overwhelming and the more involved I became with photography the less enjoyable I found it. So, after a year and decent profit, I dissolved Asha BeePhotography.

I started focusing on finding work in modeling and acting and began to put in the real effort to sharpen my skills; taking classes, networking, traveling, working as crew… pretty much anything that put me in the environment of creative and like-minded individuals. I thrive off of the challenges in my career and love the ever-changing factors of my environment and colleagues.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not, this is life also known as pothole city. I’ve hit internal and external holes and the internal ones’ are the biggest struggle. Working in an industry with such a high rejection rate definitely takes its toll and creates insecurities that I never thought I’d have. There were times I fed into that self-doubt and bombed auditions or didn’t pursue certain opportunities. I got in my head and felt like I wasn’t good enough and pretty much gave the gig away. I would attribute it to external factors such as, casting directors not liking me or not being attractive enough for the role… it took some time, personal reprogramming and growth but I now hold myself one hundred percent accountable for what I do and don’t do in every aspect of my life, especially in my career. The best advice I can give any woman is: not to give into fear, be yourself, do your research and hold yourself accountable.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As a creative, my vessel and soul is my product/business. Constantly selling myself whether it’s my personality, appearance, voice, abilities, etc. My specialty, if you will, is crying on command. I get em’ every time!

I’m most known for acting and modeling as that has been my main focus for the past 3.5 years. I started out my career appearing in commercials and print advertisements, working with clients such as Velveeta, Abercrombie & Fitch, and American Financing to name a few. Last year, I ventured over to film which has been an incredible experience. I shot my first feature film in August of 2018 and had the opportunity to work with an actor who I grew up watching. It’s titled Soul Custody and I play one of the leads; Lauren Monaghan who deals with adversities of schizophrenia, a jealous husband, and a 13-year-old daughter she can’t seem to connect with. The movie is currently in the distribution phase and will be out sometime this fall.

What sets me apart from others is my energy. It will not allow me to let obstacles win. I’m proud to be a part of a community in which I can learn and encourage and educate others on breaking barriers.

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Women are one of the strongest species on earth and are well positioned for any opportunity. A woman who knows herself and believes in her abilities is an unstoppable force and can make impactful changes that wow the world. We’ve witnessed countless examples of this throughout history and I’m certain there’s more to come.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ashabee_
• Facebook: Asha Bee
• Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/ashabee

Image Credit:
Divine Images 303, Noa’s Art Photography, A Brilliant Photo, Kymora Jaxson Photography, Eldeen Annette Headshots

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.