Meet Ashley Winfrey

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

Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m a small-town girl, born and raised in Lawton, Oklahoma. I’ve had a passion for performing ever since I was a little girl. I was the one looking forward to the Black History Month, Easter, and Christmas programs at school and at church. I used to dream of being on Nickelodeon and Disney. In 2008, I attended the US Performing Arts Camp at the University of Texas in Austin. I was a junior in high school and that was my first time being away from my parents. I was terrified, but I really wanted to do this! That experience taught me a valuable lesson: in order to get what I want out of life, I have to be willing to leave my comfort zone. I left that intensive intrigued and anxious to learn more about the acting business.

However, my parents weren’t fully on board with this dream. I was a straight-A student, and they were determined for me to become a doctor or lawyer. Moving on to college, I attended Cameron University and studied International Languages. I love the Spanish language and I thought maybe I could have a more lucrative career as a translator or interpreter, but that’s not where my heart was. I had a few more courses left before earning that degree when I decided to double major. In 2014, I earned my Bachelor’s in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Performance.

Soon after graduating from college, I moved to New Orleans to further pursue my acting career, but my ultimate goal was to get to Atlanta. I predominantly worked as a background extra in films and television shows in New Orleans. I appreciated the learning experience I received from working on professional sets, but it seemed like that’s as far as I was getting out there and I wanted more! I always kept my eye on what was going on in Atlanta. I had already scoped out which agent I wanted out there and everything. I made so many trips back and forth from New Orleans to Atlanta, attending workshops, auditions and meetings with my soon-to-be agent.

Finally, the persistence paid off! On October 1, 2018, I was signed to BYSB Talent Agency in Atlanta. Keep in mind. I was still living in New Orleans at the time. But four months after signing, I booked my first role: a recurring role in DC’s Stargirl now airing on the CW! It was such a blessing. Because of this gig, I was able to move to the city that has forever held my heart: Atlanta, Georgia.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! But I’m thankful for all the curbs, bumps and potholes! Leaving my comfort zone was a struggle. Again, I’m from a small town and I never really drove much out there. It took me almost a year before I started getting around New Orleans. When I took that first trip from New Orleans to Atlanta, I’d never driven on the highway before. I was so nervous, but again, I wanted this so bad, so I pushed myself and got it done. Now living in Atlanta? I have no choice but to get used to all these lanes and this crazy traffic! Madness!

Also, the standstills in between gigs were extremely discouraging. I knew I was putting in work, but my aunt (who I was staying with) constantly belittled my career, referring to it as my “acting thing” and continuously suggesting that I get a “real job.” The negativity and lack of support were definitely eating at me. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with people who believe in you and are as passionate about your dreams as you are, especially in this industry. I get it, though. I was living under her roof and I was unable to help out as much as I wanted to financially. I was ready to leave as much as she was ready for me to leave! Tensions were at the highest when I ended up booking the role that would soon be getting me out of her house. God came right on time!

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an actress in television and film. I am known for playing Jenny Williams in DC’s Stargirl. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in my career up to this point. I’m living in Atlanta and I watch myself on my TV every other Tuesday! It still doesn’t feel real sometimes. My dreams literally came true! My drive sets me apart from others. My eyes are on the prize and nothing or no one will stop me from attaining it.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. Everything good was a blessing from God and everything bad was simply a learning experience.

Image Credit:
Harlin Miller
De’Aris Jinks
Jackson Beals

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