Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Barrera.
Hi Ashlee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Chicago, IL – born and raised – and I’ve always had a passion for entertainment. Singing is my absolute first love and it has always been a dream to be able to do that professionally; to perform, write and record music, and be an artist.
Acting has also become an important part of my life – I love being able to tell stories and express myself in a way that I wouldn’t in my everyday life. It feels incredibly freeing to become a character, hone my craft, and be part of a different world through the eyes of that character. Whatever I’m going through personally gives energy to my performance and there is no feeling that compares to that.
Filipino-American representation in entertainment has been a focus of mine throughout my career. It has been so promising to see so many other Fil-Am artists break through in the industry and that gives us that inspiration to keep going.
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?
I grew up very shy and hesitant to express myself creatively, and singing and acting had felt almost taboo in my mind. To this day, I still struggle with anything where the attention is on me and it’s a constant work in progress. In my high school and college years, focusing on education and a 9-5 career was so important (and rightfully so!), but I often lost myself in the grind and subsequently felt unfulfilled and unhappy with my direction in life throughout my journey.
I’m learning that it is never too late to go after what you’ve never stopped dreaming of. Whatever that feeling is within you is there for a divine reason. I’m happy to finally be taking the reigns of my life and moving in a direction that feels the most natural to me.
I am so lucky to have a husband, friends, and family who support and believe in me!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently working on writing, recording, and releasing new music, as well as getting back into performing and being in front of an audience. I’m also looking to collaborate with other music artists to create something amazing!
In the acting world, I’ve been fairly busy with auditions and working on independent projects that are meaningful, fun, dramatic, and promote diversity in entertainment.
To be honest, I am mostly just proud of the courage I’ve mustered up to put myself out there again to make connections, be part of a creative community, and hopefully be an inspiration to others.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Would love to connect! Please reach out on social media or email – [email protected].
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ashlee.music
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleebarrera
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleebarrera
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14906502/?ref_=fn_t_1
Image Credits
Don Adkins
