Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Jefferson.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been an early childhood teacher and advocate of over 20 years; I’ve dubbed myself as an early childhood enthusiast. I enjoy the spirit of early childhood and just love environments that support their learning and imagination. I’ve done everything from teaching, nannying, parties, family classes and performing for years so this has always been my path. So much so that I started an early learning program in the Atlanta area called Play Pan Afrikan Kids. It’s been amazing!
We’ve done so much with the program but I knew I had more in me that I wanted to share with children across the world. I’ve always loved puppets as a kid and what it does for children as far as entertainment so it made sense for me to create a children’s puppet show like Nguzo Babies. It brings together everything I love about the work that I do…from singing, dancing, playing, and puppetry to writing…all of it wrapped up into this show that’s for children that love imaginative stories. I’m so excited to share Nguzo Babies with the world!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! To start, I’m more of a live performer and I like to improvise. Even if it isn’t a show and I’m leading a class in preschool, much of that is about being in the moment. So now I’m here with this project that takes so much forethought and planning…there are lines to write, lines to memorize, a cast to assemble, organizing schedules, editing and so much more that a lot of this has challenged me quite a bit. But I’ve honestly loved the process in having my hands in every part of this show. It’s really become part of who I am because it’s given me so many opportunities for growth. And that’s just the production side of things!
Getting the word out has been a completely different experience as well. I know a bit about marketing and branding but something like this is definitely new to me. On top of the fact that we also sell puppets and other merchandise. I honestly think that this endeavor has pushed me the hardest out of everything I’ve done before. I conceptualized this whole thing not knowing how it would go. I have to be the one to encourage myself when I’m in a doubtful space. It’s wild, but I love and live for it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a children’s advocate and entertainer. I especially work in the early childhood field. I like to think…or at the very least, I hope…that people see me as someone that reminds people of the joy in early childhood and family life. Holiday time, celebrations, out in nature, any space that has joy. Joy and play can be a beautiful way to learn about each other and about life. My commitment to that has helped me create events, spaces and programming that bring children and their families together.
With everything that I’ve done, though, I’m always proud to say that I’m a mother. In particular, I’m proud to say that I’m Jaali’s mother. My son is just such a vibrant force. He challenges me in so many ways…all necessary so that I can be a better person. I don’t know anyone that’s as playful, silly and filled with so much life. And he takes up space. He takes up as much space as he can, unapologetically. It really is an honor to be his mother because it’s made me want to do the same for myself. The way he moves in the world with such excitement and magnetism: that’s how I push myself these days and I’ve just loved how everything has changed for me. I’ve taken way more risks with my work. I create more in a way that is more authentic to my voice. And I’m happy with everything that I’ve done so far as well as being excited about what’s next. Though I created Nguzo Babies, much of the life and magic of the show is inspired by his spirit.
What matters most to you? Why?
My son always comes first. Motherhood is just something that I’ve always wanted. The relationship I have with my son matters a lot to me. So much so that even from a professional standpoint, I want that for others. I want children and their parents to be able to experience life in the way that we do. I want children to feel safe with who they are and be unafraid to dive deep into their imagination. I want them to have uninterrupted play. A lot of those elements are in Nguzo Babies where we have 7 friends that meet in the forest and get swept into Magic land to learn important lessons about life. Dragons, gingerbread warriors and the extraordinary are all there. One of my favorite parts of the show is when the children understand that whatever they think about, it appears in Magic Land. It’s all in the mind. You can create your reality. When we give that message to children that they can focus on joy and love to create their experiences, we’re empowering them in so many ways. That’s what I wanted with this show and that’s what I want for everyone because I get to live it every day in my life.
Contact Info:
- Email: ashley@playpanafrikan.org
- Website: www.nguzobabies.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/nguzo_babies
- Facebook: facebook.com/nguzobabies
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/playpanafrikan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkWdTgW00lXcGdvFE9j72HQ
