Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Toman.
Hi Ashley , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I think singing was always apart of my DNA, songwriting was a beautiful gift I found later on… but singing is where it all started. My life has always kind of felt like one thing leading to another & another and eventually leading me to where I am today. I was shy in kindergarten and never spoke, and one day the teacher found me singing on top of the desk to the entire classroom singing “I just can’t wait to be king” from the lion king, and I kind of never shut up ever since then. Literally. I sang in every talent show which eventually led to singing basically being how everyone knew me growing up, which then led me to going to college in Nashville and then back to Houston and getting heavily involved in the R&B scene of Houston and eventually leading me to splitting my time between Houston and LA & having credits with Chaka Khan & Disney…. And today, I have my own business that I run and operate where I offer co-writing + songwriting + vocal lessons and consulting to artists all over the world. It’s been quite the journey with many ups and downs, but a beautiful one at that!
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?
I definitely would not deserve the journey as “smooth” lol. I haven’t always worked with people who understood me or my music, but when you find the ones who do, it makes it all makes sense. Through the ups and downs, when you finally find the beautiful moments- it makes you realize the struggle was worth it. I think there’s beauty in the struggle in a way, it wouldn’t feel as worthwhile if it was smooth all along. I believe God gave me these gifts for a reason, so I’m doing what I am supposed to be doing…. Which is singing and writing and making music. I think it’s all intertwined, the writing and the singing that is. I found my gift of songwriting a bit later in life, in my mid to late 20’s I realized I had this gift when it came to arranging songs and I’d look back and be like, “wow I had no idea I could write a song like that” but it almost just kind of happens and it feels like the song wrote itself. Storytelling is a big part of my writing, so again, if the journey was “smooth” all along, I don’t think I’d come up with as many emotional songs as I have. So I’m grateful for it all.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I would say I’m most known for my voice, as that has been my biggest instrument in all of this. It started with finding my voice at a young age to realizing this is what I want to do professionally to then finding the gift of songwriting and then ultimately starting my business that I run and operate today. That’s why I say it’s all intertwined. I wear many hats, I’m not just a singer or just a writer or just a business owner… I’m also a great networker and personable. I believe my bubbly personality plays an essential role in all of this too. Being in this field has given me thick skin where as I don’t feel I always had, or it didn’t always come naturally for me. I’m naturally very sensitive and emotional, and in the past I would get my feelings hurt or be let down from being told “no” where today I’m used to it & it’s just apart of the game. Not every door is for you, and when you truly have discernment and understand your gift, the “no’s” don’t hurt as badly because you truly believe your destined for greatness and if it’s not one door, it’s definitely another on the way. As far as what sets me apart, I think aside from my powerful voice and pen, I just believe there’s no one that can be Ashley Toman the way I can be Ashley Toman. And there’s power in that. I believe I have these God given gifts but it’s more than just the talent… it’s the determination, the resiliency to not quit, the authenticity of my storytelling and just being authentic with my audience and true to who I am. I think that’s what sets me apart. I never try to blend into what everyone else is doing, I do what feels right and make music that I believe resonate with me and in turn, will resonate with others. I’m most proud of my resilient nature to not give up, when I’ve had every reason to, I continued on because I believe I am walking in purpose. And I’m really proud of that.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Wow. A lot of things, but most importantly being at peace. Peace makes me happy. Life is full of ups and downs of course, but I try to aim to be at peace- even though I’m naturally a somewhat anxious person/hyper at times… I truly just want to be at peace. Music definitely brings me peace… and so does songwriting. I believe focusing on why you started to begin with, rather than focusing on the industry is a big one for me. The industry itself and how society may judge you can be tough, but focusing on why you started helps ground me and remember why this dream started in the first place. But aside from just music, my family and friends… and God first of all! Without God, I don’t know where I’d be. I probably would have given up along time ago if it weren’t for God, but he’s given me purpose and through Him, I’ve realized my life has purpose. And that within itself, makes me happy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: AshleyToman
- Youtube: AshleyTomanMusic
