Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Richardson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been drawn to the camera ever since I was a little girl, just ask my parents, lol. Every school picture was taken, from Pre-K and forward, there I was… poised with the biggest smile on my face. It wasn’t until I was around seven or eight that I decided I wanted to be a model (outside of my dreams of becoming a ballerina, haha). I spent most of my childhood summers with my Father in California, which is where I took my first set of professional photos for my portfolio. I was around 9 or 10 at the time, and I just knew I embodied the skills to make my dream a reality. Unfortunately, after meeting with an agent, it became clear that if I wanted my dream to come true, the best decision for me would be to move to California with my Father.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I was a daddy’s girl no doubt! However, my Mother was my WORLD. I couldn’t imagine leaving her so soon, so I put my dreams on hold and figured it would happen when the time was right. Now, I never moved back to California, but as I became older- around 17-18- I began to get back into modeling. It started with friends who had photography as a side hustle and needed subjects to practice on. Of course, I was down for all the practice I could get. After years of practice shoots and perfecting what looks and styles worked for me as a model, things began to slowly but surely take off. I was being contacted by photographers and companies all around the world who wanted to work with me. I’ve worked with a variety of major companies from CHI haircare to Good American by Khloe Kardashian. I didn’t have a huge following, but I remained true to myself, relatable, and authentic. My modeling career put me in places I’ve never imagined and put me in rooms with people I never thought I’d be able to be face to face with, ever!
From ripping the runway at New York fashion week to Travis Scott and Drake videos, I’ve expanded my skill set as a model and pushed myself to accomplish new goals in this industry. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been a walk in the park! I’ve been lied to, scammed, all of the above… but it only taught me that I have to remain headstrong and stand up for myself at all times in this industry. Crazy thing is, I feel like I’m just getting started! There’s still so much more for me to learn and do, but I’m grateful to have gotten this far without compromising who I am. That’s extremely important to me.
Outside of my modeling career, I work a pretty flexible corporate job regulating daycares. Children have always held a special place in my heart that will remain as long as I’m here. Protecting the unprotected is self-rewarding and gives me a feeling of purpose knowing that I’m ensuring children are getting the best care
possible outside of their homes.
When I’m not in front of the camera or working for the children, you can catch me cooking up some good ol’ authentic Creole and Cajun food. Since college, I’ve been known as the friend you can always count on for a good meal. After cooking my “Ms. Cajun” seafood boils for close friends and family, I decided to take my shot at turning Ms. Cajun into a side business. Of course, with life being as beautiful as it is unpredictable, Ms. Cajun is currently on hold while I focus on new endeavors that have taken my time and interest. However… don’t worry, “Ms. Cajun” is always available upon request!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing great comes easy, right? The road has been bumpy, to say the least, however, prayer and a supportive family and friend network has definitely kept me going in some of my most trying times. I had to learn that it was ok to say no, it was ok to not let these companies and brands take advantage of me. Starting off, it was rare that I would turn down unpaid job offers just because I was excited to even be considered, and I love what I do. It’s so easy for someone to go on Instagram now and find any pretty girl to take photos for them, so there are times when companies just don’t want to pay your rates or pay at all! It’s ok to decline and put your foot down. Know your worth. If that company wants a professional and quality work, trust me… they will pay for it! There are a ton of pretty girls in the world, but a pretty face does NOT make a model.
It’s important to remember that you may not always succeed at every task you aspire to accomplish, and that happens… it’s ok! I love cooking, however, I did not have the time and manpower it took to keep up with the demand that “Ms. Cajun” was receiving. I could not juggle my side business with everything else that I had going on in my professional life. My best advice would be to not stay down too long, pick your head up, correct the mistakes, find a solution, or move forward to another the task you have set in your mind to accomplish.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are so many people that I could thank and give credit to for where I am today in my life and career. My parents, of course, they always believed in me and never doubted my dreams or my passions. The unconditional love and support they provided me made me confident that I could be successful at whatever it is that I wanted to be. Whether it was a prima ballerina, a model, doctor, it didn’t matter! My good friend, Randwell Johnson (@mr1080photoz), who started taking photos of me in college, which made me want to get more serious about my modeling career. My agency, Neil Jou Agency (@NeilJouAgency), for constantly providing me with the tools to become strong in my craft. And last but not least, my other half, Tay Mitch (@TayMitch_) for providing me with His knowledge and guidance while helping me reach my potential, even when I wasn’t so sure of how far I could go myself. Also, for being my full-time live-in photographer, haha!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://neiljouagency.com/actor/ashleyr/
- Email: ashleybrielr@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photographers: @jaiophotography, @taymitch_, @flashbydlh
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