Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Mathaw.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on the Westside of Detroit with my two sisters, brother, my mommy and dad. I had a big family outside of my intermediate family and we saw each other every day. We were close-knit. We got to play outside until the street lights came on. Detroit usually gets a bad rep but I have gotten to experience a better side of the city. I loved growing up in Detroit.
As a kid, I didn’t get to watch television much at all. But one night, I caught Martin Lawrence special: You So Crazy. I was in awe. The way he was telling these stories, the act-outs, the mannerism, the hilarity in it all. I stayed up every night for years, trying to catch that special again. I dream’t about it. My curiosity had me wondering if I could do it. I was only a kid. When I turned 21, I was able to get into comedy clubs and that too changed my life. After repeatedly seeing some of my favorite Detroit comedians like Coolaide, Mic Larry, Darius Bennett and Josh Adams, I felt I had to try my hand at comedy.
Alright, 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?
Of course, the beginning of almost anything is fun and kinda easy going. You have what feels like all the support in the world. And then, you find yourself immersed deep in the craft. The support dwindles and it’s just you there to keep you disciplined, consistent and motivated. That’s when the road gets a little tough.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a comedian, actor and content creator. I simply specialize in making people life easier with laughter. Imagine a day when you didn’t laugh not once, like damn.
Still to this day, I’m most proud of always starting! Sometimes that’s the hardest part in living your purpose and dreams. Knowing where you came from and what you’ll have to do to get there is scary. Obtaining everything you know you deserve can be intimidating, especially if you dream big. I started shooting videos on my mobile phone, getting out of my comfort zone. I started standup comedy, despite have stage fright. I started a new life in Los Angeles. I started producing my own interactive comedy show called Backyard Comedy Battle. I started acting classes. I started improv class. I started dabbling into different aspects of entertainment. I’m constantly starting and continuing.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to attach and detach. I’m locked in with the world of comedy. At the same time, I’m detached from the politics that come along with it. That means I have to work ten times harder to get it.
How do you define success?
Success to me is when you’re living the life you love. Waking up in peace, going out into the world to do what you love all day. My successful life would allow me to wake up before the sun, work out, get my options trading in for a few hours, hit the beach, give my grateful to God and the universe for allowing me to live like this. After beaching, biking and lunch, I’d be attending seminars, webinars, acting classes then at night we hit comedy clubs. Kill the stages, get more great at my craft and mingle with the comedy community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young10der/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/young10dah
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4HZFybRKlAr7Q4P3HTLuQ
