Meet Irene Ashu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Ashu.

Irene Ashu, B.S., MBA is a Cameroonian Director, Creative Producer/Director, and Movement Specialist.

Since moving to Los Angeles the multi-faceted visuals artist has worked with an array of artists and brands such as SZA, Lady Donli, P!NK, Superfruit, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson, David Guetta, Afrojack, DJ Carnage, WIZKID, Fanny Neguesha, AlunaGeorge, Chris Brown, Big Sean, Jeremih, SHIN, Carrie Underwood, Little Mix, Beba Rexha, MAJOR LAZER, and more. In 2019 Ashu received a grant from the BFI to produce an original documentary entitled “Alors On Danse”. Ashu’s second documentary “WINGS” is currently under development. Ashu is currently working under Vanessa Beecroft.

Beyond The Present: Ashu has worked for notable brands such as SERENA by Serena Williams, SKIMS By Kim Kardashian, Apple (XQ Super School Special), Sony, Google, Android, LG, Toyota “Style Never Goes Out Of Style”, Irvine Auto Center, Coolhaus Ice Cream, Under Armour, Hollister “Carpe Now”, and The Late Late Show With James Corden.

Beyond Her Work: Irene is Cameroonian activist and the curator of EMPOWERED. Empowered is an emerging non-profit that gives underprivileged children & teens the opportunity to learn about jobs like directing, choreographing, producing, and more. Cameroon is heavily male-dominated industry and Ashu hopes to open doors for more women (Non-Binary & Binary) that want to pursue careers in art. Ashu hopes to continue on her current path and eventually direct a feature film. Irene is currently based in Los Angeles.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has definitely been a difficult journey. As a dark skin short female dancer, the window of opportunity is limited but it’s expanding. The industry is becoming a more diverse and accepting place. Beyond the classic road blockers, I’ve dealt with my fair share of injuries. Rupturing my Achilles tendon was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever gone through. It happened at a time where I just beginning to work frequently. I had to take nine months off and dedicate myself to re-learning how to walk and finally dance.

It has been a difficult journey mentally, financially, spiritually, and socially! All in all, I feel happy to be where I am and happy to be doing the work I find most pleasurable.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in creating unique content across multiple mediums. As a director, I strive to make my videos, commercials, and performance work an accurate representation of the times. My work is in line socially and designed to be inclusive. I strive to create equal space for black womxn and create access in the creative market.

I am most proud of being pro-active and engage with my community.

What sets me apart is really having a lane all to myself!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I would definitely recommend Los Angeles as a place to grow a business. While it is expensive there is a large economy and a lot of consumers. For anyone starting out, I recommend building networks in your hometown first and building networks in Los Angeles at the same time! You should aim to be a major player in your city before jumping into the big pond. If you feel comfortable to just make the jump that’s good too!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ireneashu.com
• Email: ireneashu65@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ireneashu
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/ireneashu

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