Ashley Hawkins shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ashley, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity to me is what is the staple of how your life will be. Having great integrity and character—how you treat people, your heart posture, and how you carry yourself—is what people will remember you by the most. It’s also something that’s so unique and special because no one is born with it. It’s something you have to build in every phase of your life. And once you do, it will take you places and keep you there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As a professional dancer, model, and actor, I’ve recently founded Kids That Run LA, a hiking club tailored for kids, with the goal of creating outdoor environments that encourage children to connect with nature and each other, rather than solely interacting through social media. Given that many kids today spend minimal time outside, our club seeks to instill a love for the outdoors and promote healthy relationships among its members.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I was always told I’m not good enough. And that my dreams weren’t of value. Look at me now. Living exactly what I dreamed of and what God had already planned for my life.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Once I started sharing my testimony, I’ve had several people express to me how my story encouraged and inspired them to keep going and never give up. Once I got over the fear of being too vulnerable or exposed, that’s when I started to fully step into who I am becoming and not being stuck in the world of who I was and what I went through. I wasn’t afraid of I showng my scars because I knew I was healed already. As I continued to share it started healing me internally and rebuilding my confidence.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That there’s only room for one person to succeed. Being in the entertainment world, it’s so competitive and there’s so much pressure to become the greatest. Although that’s great, a lot of people miss their mark because the industry paints a false picture of what success looks like, and if you’re not striving for that, then you won’t ever make it. A lot of people need to be taught that there’s room for everyone to win. So many opportunities are uniquely designed for every single person in this industry. What’s for you will always be for you! Stay focused on you and building you. Comparing yourself to others is the biggest downfall in life.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
When I know I’m staying true to myself and constantly working on who I want to be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dopeashdancer
- Other: TikTok: www..TikTok.com/dopeashdancerLink to my business Instagram account:
www.instagram.com/kidsthatrunLA
Image Credits
Traytorian MaGee
Kie McGrew
Emmanuel Espinoza
Legendary
