Life & Work with Ashley Daugherty of Atlanta, GA

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

Ashley , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a REALTOR® with Harry Norman, REALTORS, a real estate investor, and a former professional dancer and actress. I earned my Theatre degree from UCSD and spent 18 years working in Hollywood. My career included commercials, TV/film, and a long-term run as a professional freelance dancer. I’ve appeared in more than 30 music videos, performed at major events including the official Grammy’s, Oscars, and Super Bowl after-parties, and danced at some of the biggest nightclubs in LA. For the past six years, I’ve been performing with Atlanta’s top entertainment company, The OCP (The Off Centered Project), doing professional dance, stilt walking, character work, and more – while gradually transitioning into behind-the-scenes.

I grew up a military brat- my dad served in the Air Force for 24 years- so constant moves and fresh starts were a normal part of life. That experience taught me how to adapt quickly, a skill that’s served me well in the entertainment industry. I was a competitive figure skater as a kid with dreams of becoming the next Michelle Kwan, but when we moved to a city without an ice rink, I pivoted into cheer leading, dance, and just about anything connected to the arts. While a career as an artist definitely has its ups and downs, I’m grateful to have made most of my living as a professional performer.

My husband and I have lived in Marietta for almost eight years. Shortly after moving here, we opened an acting studio in Smyrna on March 12, 2020- and the very next day, the pandemic was announced. After a few years of navigating challenges brought on by the pandemic, inflation, vaccine mandates, the Hollywood strikes, and other unexpected forces, we ultimately had to close the studio. The ripple effects from Hollywood and the broader economy hit our business hard.

Today, I’m fully immersed in real estate and loving it- especially being part of a vetted, all-female investor network that helps women break into real estate investing. It’s been incredibly rewarding to both contribute and learn.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic hitting our small business and careers, my dad’s house burning down in Cali in 2020, the post-pandemic affects, getting older as an athlete, parents aging, etc..

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a REALTOR® with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, based in the Historic Marietta Office. I specialize in working with investors and helping freelance professionals become homeowners.

I’m also a professional entertainer, with experience in dance, stilt walking, character work, and more.

I’m most proud of having built a career as an professional artist while also helping people buy and sell real estate.

What sets me apart is the work ethic and discipline shaped by my military upbringing, years of competitive sports, and the physical demands of being a professional dancer and aerialist for many years.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how much Atlanta has grown – the amazing restaurants, vibrant entertainment venues, the beautiful Appalachians up north, and the fact that “ma’am” and “sir” are still part of everyday respectful conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ashleydaugherty.harrynorman.com/
• Instagram: @ashleyd.realtor / @theoffcenteredproject
• Other: https://www.newleafproperty.net/

Image Credits
Christy Parry

Joshua Stringer

The Off Centered Project