Meet Janan Ashton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janan Ashton.

Janan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Acting is my refuge. The stage has been my sanctuary and my safe space for as long as I can remember. It’s a place where I found my voice, found that my reflection was mirrored in the eyes of my audience and through them, I could see myself for who I truly was – a star, not in the sense of celebrity status or to stroke one’s own ego. I began my theatrical training at the New Freedom Theatre in Philly when I was only four years old. From there, my love for acting grew into curiosity as I yearned for something more than just the stage. Around 2002, at age 12, I began taking on camera classes and voice-over classes while simultaneously was sent out to auditions for major national commercials. I began booking national and local commercials in 2003, at 13 years old. At 16, I booked an episode of Forensic Files. Since then, I’ve been focused mainly on theatre and short films, working with filmmakers such as Sam Anthony from Chester, PA, Rico Aleus from Philadelphia, and Tyrone Blassingame, a Philadelphia native, now a LA resident. Currently, My most recent theatre credits include Titilayo in “Khepera,” Lady in Red and Green in “For Colored Girls who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf,” Bunny in “Detroit 67,” and Malita in Conversations for Sistas Only, written and directed by WDAS’s very own Frankie Darcell.

In 2017, I began venturing into the poetry scene, performing at multiple open mics which led me to being a headlining for multiple poetry shows in the tri-state area.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road to “making it big” has NOT been easy, by a landslide. I can literally sit here and tell you about every struggle I’ve had, whether it’s being typecasted by directors who viewed me as only being capable of playing one particular role, being overly sexualized, even as a child, or becoming a parent of (AMAZING) twins almost six years ago, which definitely shifted my perspective as in what to prioritize in my life. I could sit here and point the finger at every external source in my life that could have potentially gotten in my own way. However, I will say that my biggest struggle has been getting in my OWN way. To be transparent with you, the life I thought I would have by this age is COMPLETELY different from my reality. Which used to hurt me, deeply. I’m my own worst critic, therefore, not being on Broadway or getting active work in Hollywood, let alone performing on Broad St. in Philly was honestly, traumatizing for me. It trapped me into believing that I was not good enough. Y’all. The power of the tongue is real, and the more you speak lowly of yourself, I believe, the darker things will be for you. Things for me, on this journey, have been DARK. However, I realized that the darkness was for me to see my LIGHT and was in preparation for what’s ahead. I now know that everything has already been ordained and timing is divine. I will make it – I feel it and know it. Just have to trust myself and the process. This process has led me to different outlets that can all lead to my goal of making it in this business, even if I’ve had to fine-tune the logistics of my goal.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Well, to keep money flowing in my household, I need to have a steady income. Though I am a thriving actor, Aside from acting, I’m now a spoken word artist, as mentioned previously. In addition, I’m a 10th grade teacher in Philadelphia during the school year, though I still travel for my acting gigs. In addition to acting and teaching, I began using my voice in different ways. As of 2017, I began mentorship for black and brown young people experiencing hardship, which led me to become a Mental Health Advocate, speaking on panels in the tri-state area of how black and brown people are affected by mental health and the stigma surrounding it. In 2020, since the world was closed (lol), I began the SheNANigans Podcast, which takes a deeper look into juggling being black, motherhood, dating, all the while trying to take care of your mental health. You should listen to it – it’s available on Anchor and Spotify. It’s not all serious and deep, I’m quite hilarious (if I do say so myself).

People know me for my voice and how I’m not afraid to use it. My voice sheds light on what most people are afraid to admit within themselves. My voice speaks up for people that can’t speak up for themselves. My voice releases me from the life traps I’ve engulfed myself in for years in fear of being too vulnerable. My voice frees me and sets me apart from the world. I’m at a point in my life where being outspoken is no longer my sin. I’m no longer afraid to speak up and allow myself to be heard, as multifaceted I am. Standing firm in my truth sets me apart from everyone else. Speaking that truth, via mentorship or my podcast, makes me most proud. I am not only helping others heal, but I am healing myself in the process. It is grueling, but it’s a beautiful experience.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood has absolutely nothing to do with my craft, and that was being picked up from school by my grandfather, my Pop Pop. Walking down the street, hand in hand, while he snuck me chocolate candy as we sat outside and talked about our day before he pulled off, was my security. It showed me that it was okay to be myself and taught me how to remain present in the moment. Those days he picked me up, I felt the safest and the most nurtured.

Contact Info:

• Website: anchor.fm/jananashton | Jananashton.wordpress.com
• Phone: 2159807408
• Email: janan.ashton@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/youdntknownan

Image Credit:
Armani Dae, Emory Vision Photography

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