Meet Ashley Love-Mills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Love-Mills.

Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, there was no one who could have ever predicted that I’d eventually become interested in working in Hollywood. Being from the opposite side of the country, it was expected that I’d grow up to become a doctor or a lawyer or pursue a more idealistic career. My dad had me playing the piano at the age of four years old and set high expectations about the type of woman he wanted his daughter to be. He grew up poor so naturally, he poured his heart and soul into me and worked tirelessly to make sure I had all the things he didn’t including the best education possible.

I was naturally gifted in school, but I was an artist at heart. A true Cinephile. I’ve been that way since I was a little girl. Probably around the age of three years old was the first time I remember telling my parents I wanted to be an actress. They often ignored me, but every chance I got I was performing and impersonating other actors from movies. My dad had a huge library of films. Hundreds. Whenever he’d come home from a work trip, my treat was a new movie to add to the collection. So to keep myself entertained while my parents were at work, I’d watch a new movie almost everyday. Eventually, I memorized all the words from movies and became so engulfed with not only the acting but also the cinematography. I was 9 when I did my first indie film. My part wasn’t very big but I remember during that time of filming was probably one of the happiest times in my childhood.

My parents determined to keep me focused and away from the “harsh realities” of Hollywood made sure that I didn’t grow up to be a child star so I didn’t start actually pursuing acting until I graduated from college. I graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Media Communications and a minor in TV/Film Production. I pursued a degree that was deemed “safe” in parents eyes and the moment I turned 21, I started to do what I really wanted.

I eventually got my first agent. I was modeling a lot for different brands and other small tv jobs often. I had a job in corporate America but I hated it. I wanted to quit. And eventually I was laid off, and I knew that meant I needed to pursue my real dream. I remember the first onset gig I had. I was an extra and was in awe from start to finish. It was in those moments, I knew that I needed to find a way to really make the dream I’d had since I was 3 come into fruition. Eventually, I went on to win Miss North Carolina USA 2013 and placed top ten at Miss USA. I’d hope that’d get me more exposure. After my reign ended, I relocated to Atlanta. I moved back in with my mother who was also living there and started to formulate a plan. I was dead broke. Twenty-five cents in my account to be exact. My parents told me to get a real job and I refused. Determined to prove to them I could make this a real career. With time, I started meeting people and found myself in acting classes and at the right networking events and got a new agent. I started booking commercials and getting auditions for speaking roles.

As time passed, I signed with a few different agents in different markets hoping to make enough money to take care of myself and live on my own again. I modeled a lot. I booked my first speaking role on CMT’s Nashville and then my big break came in 2016 when I played Valerie on Tyler Perry’s Too Close To Home which aired on TLC and OWN Networks; a role I had actually almost didn’t even audition for. My dad was battling cancer and at the time taking care of him was more important than going to the audition that day. But my agent called and said the studio asked me put it on tape. I did reluctantly and even refused to send it in because I was unsure of my performance. Four days later, I got a call that Tyler wanted to see me in person. When I got to the studio, I realized I was the only actress brought back in for the role of Valerie. I was offered the role two days later and Tyler told me that when he saw my tape, he knew I was Valerie. That was a bittersweet time in my life because the same day I got the call about booking the show, my dad was put into hospice and he died three days later.

My dad never saw my dream realized by seeing me on tv but he lived long enough to see me keep my word when I said that one day I would be an actress. The show ran for two seasons. Things slowed down after that and so I focused solely on studying the craft. It took me a while to find my way but I eventually I went on to study at Identity School of Acting which is based in London. Who better to study under other than the Brits! I’ve currently got new management, and I just booked a new pilot called The Baker and The Beauty which will air on ABC this summer!

Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve had so many struggles. They say it takes ten years to become an overnight success. It’s hard to pursue this business especially when you don’t know what you don’t know. But I really believed in myself even when no one else did. I believe that manifestation is real. Done over 500 auditions and still continue to fight for my place in this business but I will be heard. I will be seen. It’s inevitable. It’s hard to pursue a dream when no one believes or supports you. But I realize that the vision I was given to me by God has not been meant for other people to understand. I’ve been broke and rejected. Dropped by agents and managers who weren’t willing to wait and invest in my potential. Yet, none of that matters to me. I think the scariest thing is realizing that my dreams may actually come true. You sort of get used to hearing the word “No” so when you start to book it does scare you. But I have really been training myself to mentally to push past my fears and actually throw myself into what scares me the most. Do it until it no longer scares you. I really believe thats why I’ve gotten this far. And I’ve still got so much work to do so many goals to accomplish.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m an actress and a model. I’ve been in the business for over ten years. I do also have own Mustard Seed Film Entertainment. Aside from being in front of the camera, I also write, direct and product. Soon I will be putting out my own content.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The industry is changing now. It’s far more diverse as it relates to representation and what you see on screen. As time continues to pass, I think we will continue to see more stories told from the average everyday person on tv. As a woman of color, there is no better time to be in this business because I get to tell stories that appeal to other people that look like me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ashleylovemills
• Twitter: @ashleylovemills

Image Credit:
Image in black with Red lipstick and image in green jump suit by Tony Tyus; Images with curly hair and swimsuit by Vegas Giovanni.

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