Life & Work with Ashley Alvarez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Alvarez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got started in the industry at 18. I grew up always wanting to be a professional dancer, my father was a tap dancer and growing up I just wanted to be on broadway; actress, dancer, or singer. But growing up in LA in the 90s there were limited opportunities for a dark skin Latina especially when you don’t come from money. I was told that my window was limited in dance and if I didn’t “make it” in my early 20s it wasn’t going to happen. Life and responsibility also came into play and I needed to work so dancing became just a dream. Until at about 19 a co-worker of mine who promoted nightclubs asked me if I ever thought about being a gogo dancer. I didn’t even know what that was but finally, I agreed one night and it was amazing because I was performing again and it didn’t matter that I was a 5’2 Latina. Getting into that scene, I quickly learned that to get booked you had to be a model and have a following. I never felt like I was beautiful or had the right body to be a model. I took a couple of pictures and started booking more gigs.

A year later I meet Jeff Reyes known as EchosWorld. He was a photographer who was also working in the industry producing and shooting music videos and other projects and he wanted to sign me to his team. He believed in me and made me believe that I could be a model. From there I started working now as a model/ gogo dancer. I have danced all over LA, OC, Hollywood, Vegas and even danced at the playboy mansion for their iconic parties. I started working in music videos, representing brands and working on major trade shows like Sema and Magic. I was really making a name for myself and was working like crazy but I lost my original dream actress, dancer, and singer. Then at 25, I got pregnant and my life changed. I was going to be a mom and my partner didn’t approve of my dreams. I got lost in trying to create someone else’s dream and gave up on my mine. I dedicated eight years to being a wife and stay-at-home mother and just letting my dream die I tried to convince myself that this was my new dream but in my heart, I knew. That’s the thing about destiny you can’t fight it. I never wanted anything else but to be a performer I just always knew that was meant for me. I had a daughter three years after my son and was in a toxic marriage. I didn’t know who I was anymore, as a woman I felt like I had no purpose of my own.

In 2019, I separated from my husband and was starting over. It was the scariest thing I ever did I had no job, no money and years of someone telling me I would never be anything, I was pathetic and would never make it on my own. But I knew it was now or never., if I wanted it, I would have to go for it. So I started reaching out to all my old contacts photographers producers and especially Jeff Reyes who through our the years always supported and encouraged me. My family became my safety net and believed in me and my dreams and without them, I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I do. My father set me up with actor John Ennis who is absolutely amazing and runs “The Yard” theater on Melrose and I started working on my craft. Then the pandemic hit and I lost both my jobs, the theater was closed and I felt everything slipping through my hands but I decided I wasn’t going to stop I had put my dreams on hold for nine years no more. We did theater through zoom three days a week for 4 hours each. I also created a podcast and started writing a script with my dad. I spent that time also building relationships with other actors, producers, photographers through social media. I am where I am today because of my village, my team, and of course my kids who keep me going.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been smooth but like most great things they don’t come easy. I have struggled with body issues since I was a teen. Growing up I never felt beautiful, I was picked on for being “dark” skinned and not the girliest girl. I had a lot of self-hate as a young woman, I lacked confidence and it stopped me from taking opportunities because I didn’t feel good enough. My first roadblock was myself. Life happens we can’t stop it and no matter how hard we try we definitely can’t control it. I am a single mom I work two jobs and I didn’t come from money. I’m in an industry that lacks diversity and opportunity for Latinos. I am stereo typed and but into a box, categorized. Although I don’t see these as struggles, this is my journey, my lessons and they don’t stop me they are me. They have shaped who I am without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. My struggles have been me in my own way at times, lack for self-worth or belief in myself.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actress and a model. I most known for being a model/ promotional model. I have been featured in Streetlow Magazine, Low Rider Today, Mini Truck Magazine, several online magazines. I love modeling it has allowed me opportunities that have changed my life. But my heart will always belong to acting, I have been fully focused on acting for the past four years. Making the transition hasn’t been easy lol but it’s worth it, I started acting on the stage, studying theater with the Incredible John Ennis, an amazing actor who has worked with some of the best in Hollywood. I’m proud of everything, as cliche as that may sound, it’s true. I have been able to work on pilot, shorts, work with some of the most talented people. Me, no one will read a role like me or make my facial expressions or bring my life experiences into a role like I can. Yes, I’m hard working, determined, and hungry, I study and I train but so do so many other actors. We are what sets us apart that’s why when you book a role its because it was meant for you.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think when looking for a mentor, it’s important that you connect. Everyone teaches differently and everyone learns differently, so it’s like finding the round shape that fits the round hole. Also know what you want to do in your career, if you want to do commercials then find a mentor that has extended knowledge in that department. When it comes to networking it’s a must, you have to get your face out there and build relationships. Relationships in the industry are very important. It isn’t easy networking itself can feel like another job but it’s important to surround yourself with people in your industry, have conversations, and learn from others. When I go to an event I don’t just stand on the side I introduce myself to as many people as I can and always try to exchange some form of communication, which nowadays is social media. Social media is also a great form of networking, following people that you want to work with someday or that you admire,

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ashleyalvarezofficial
• Facebook: Ashley Alvarez

Image Credits
Jeff Reyes Rene Rodriguez Low Rider Today