Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Graves.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I was born and raised in New Brunswick and North Brunswick, NJ. I came to Atlanta to go to Spelman College (best decision ever) and after going back to NJ for graduate school, I brought my masters’ degree back to the “A” with me. Since being here I’ve had 2 kids; a girl, Makayla (6) and a boy, Warren (4), I do everything and work as hard as I do for them.
I got to where I am today through hard work and perseverance. I didn’t lose focus on what I hoped to accomplish despite different obstacles thrown my way. I am STILL not where I want to be. I’m still working hard and figuring this thing called life out as I go.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely NOT been a smooth road. lol I have dealt with a lot of loss like my father passing when I was 12 years old, molestation as a child, and dealing with a tumultuous relationship with my mother as a teen, I have been at rock bottom where I was moving my infant daughter and I house to house because I had nowhere to live and I didn’t have consistent income.
I have also dealt with many ups and downs in my romantic relationships. The good news is, that everything I’ve been through has only strengthened my faith in God and inspired me to write songs and poetry I would have never written without those experiences. My hope is that my words will reach and inspire the world, even if I’m not the one to sing them.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about a.simone Publishing – what should we know?
I work a regular “9-5” job for the city of Atlanta, but my real passion is writing songs. I write, sing, and publish my own songs through my publishing company “a.simone Publishing” as a part of ASCAP. I am currently working with a few producers and engineers to try to make more of a name for myself as a songwriter through singing and releasing my own music.
I have posted a few “unmixed” songs on my SoundCloud page (www.soundcloud.com/asimonelyrics), but I plan to release an actual album or EP on all streaming platforms available very soon.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people who have been supporters, cheerleaders, and just overall friends during this process of building my brand. This whole thing started with my friend Deandra Bryant and her man Drey Baldwin. Drey produced all the tracks on the work I am about to release and Deandra was right there coordinating along the way.
In addition to Drey, she hooked me up with an awesome photographer and videographer, Mikenzie Lewis who is amazing at what she does. A few of my other friends that have been some of my biggest supporters are Alana Hamberlin, Erika Alexander-Brown, Christopher McMullen, Loni Booker, Marcha Price, Jason Simon, and Morgan France-Johnson.
These are all people I share a Spelman-Morehouse bond with and appreciate so much. I can’t forget my friend Lauretta Williams, who has been encouraging me to take myself and my music more seriously for years, which I love her for. I would also be remiss if I didn’t send a shout out to Arlexia Kemp. This woman was sharing my videos/posts on social media and handing out my business cards like they were her own.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soundcloud.com/asimonelyrics
- Email: a.simonelyrics@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/a.simonelyrics
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/a_simonelyrics
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