Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashara Holliness
Hi Ashara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began as a dancer at 4 years old and from 4 to 15 I primarily focused on dance. Around 15 I begin to feel something different inside when I would listen to music especially artist like Jill Scott , Mary j. Blige, Queen Latifah, Just to Name a few artist. When that began I started to write little songs here and there, i was really insecure about my writing at that time so I would hide them from my parents. Honestly, I was scared to say I wanted to sing. Eventually when they did find out they told me “GO HARD OR GO HOME” and my siblings have always pushed me to be great, I don’t know what my life would be without my siblings. By the time I graduated I knew I wanted to be a singer no matter what or who was on this ride with me. However, the reality is I wasn’t any good at that point, so step one was looking for some training. I went seeking a vocal coach and studio, which I did find one, shout out to my long time friend Carl. To be honest, I had no idea what the heck I was suppose to do or how to progress I just went for what I could figure out. Over the years I got better, I begin to run into people who I learned from and I also researched a lot and watched documentaries on artist a lot . Many things I use today for my career progress and skill set enhancement are self taught.
As each year went by I face many challenges not just on the vocal front but financially supporting myself, funding my career and facing real life as well.
At some point, I had to have a talk with God and the universe in order to ground myself and prepare for the journey, I was seeking confirmation basically.
Along my journey I met very important figures in my career like my engineer and producer Toon, my closest friends CEE and Lena ( very gorgeous model by the way) and Todd Franklin ( ceo and amazing promoter) just to name a few folks, but there are definitely more.
There were some industry people who also were very welcoming to me and helped me along the way too, but I’m not into name dropping, time will show lol.
I’m not exactly where I know I will be but from a high school graduate who couldn’t sing well and had no clue what to do, to where I am now , which is a talented , vibrant, up and coming artist, from La, with a growing support system , progressional music, and hunger for success … I can honestly say I’m so proud of me.
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?
In no way shape or form has my road been smooth. I like to say I have bruises that the world can’t see from the battles I have fought silently on this journey. Some of the struggles I faced is Rejection , colorism , body shaming, being discouraged and so much more. Shoot I even betrayed myself and almost walked away a few times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer, writer, and choreographer. My specialty is my music first followed by writing and then choreography. I love them all almost equally. Wow, what am I known for, you know to be honest I’m not to sure but I can tell you what I want to be known for, which is a Black women that stood for something, A role model for young girls showing them that it is ok to not give into peer pressure, show young ladies after me that you don’t have to oversexualize yourselves yes it will take longer unfortunately, yes it can be harder when you have morals and standards but you can sleep at night your spirit is safe. Associate me with being relentless, Proud to be a black woman, loving , supportive and most of all creative. In fact being true to me no matter what, is what I’m most proud of and I didn’t give up. What sets me apart from others is I’m not scared to not blend in , I’m not afraid to say NO .
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The characteristic I think is most important to my success is being RELENTLESS.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Therealashara
- Twitter: Therealashara
- Youtube: Therealashara
- Soundcloud: Ashara Holliness
