Meet North Performer: Ahsia Pettigrew

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahsia Pettigrew.

Ahsia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to ATL in 2011 to pursue a professional career in dance. I slept on floor and couches of my friends’ homes and worked 4 jobs at a time until I was able to stand on my own two feet. I got signed to a dance agency and built up connections in the dance industry that eventually landed me on stage with some of the biggest artists in the game. I’ve toured and traveled the world dancing and sharing my gift of dance. I’ve always had a tremendous place in my heart for music. I can’t go a day without just zoning out and letting the music move me. I am now pursuing my singing career! The rest is history!

Has it been a smooth road?
The main struggle for me as a pro dancer has been finances. Managing finances. Trying to figure out how to do what I love and get paid enough to convince my parents that it’s a worthy career. It’s hard.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
Yes! I’m excited about my upcoming music career! I’ve been in a couple different girl groups and they didn’t work out for their reasons. I have now joined a group of girls that I really enjoy creating with! Our vibe is awesome together and our music is super dope so I’m very excited to share this with everyone!

I also lovvvveee fashion so I am dabbling in a couple different project to test the waters on my approach into that scene.

Let’s explore some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way. What was the most difficult part of your career so far?
The hardest spot in my career was actually pretty recent. A year ago, I drove across country with my mom and moved to LA chasing my dream to be a singer. I thought that because I had friends that I could rely on out there and promises of a definite career from industry professionals, that I would just magically walk into my destiny. That was not the case. I was the most financially, physically, and emotionally stagnant. I was so unhappy.I would book dance jobs here and there. Even landed myself on the Latin Grammys performing with Will Smith and Bomba Estereo. But my heart was in another place. So now I’m learning how to balance finances as an industry professional. How to stretch the check when I’m in between. Praying constantly. Spending time with loved ones as much as possible. And still working to achieve my goal as a singer and performer. I believe in myself!

What about “Wow-moments” – any moments that stick out? Any moments when you felt like you had made it?
My first wow moment was when I booked the TLC biopic Crazy Sexy Cool. Then touring with them and getting to spend my birthday in Japan! I never thought that would ever happen!! That was when I realized where my talent could land me.

More recent wow moments include, strangers approaching me asking for pictures, recognizing me for my talent and receiving encouraging words from them telling me to never stop never give up you inspire me! That resonates the most with me.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @fierceninja
• Facebook: Ahsia Pettigrew

Image Credit:
(Carnival pics) “Natey Nukez”