Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Montgomery.
Hi Asia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Columbia, Mississippi, as a preacher’s kid and the baby of six children — in a house where there was never a dull moment. My childhood was full of love, home-cooked meals, climbing trees, riding four-wheelers, making mud pies, and picking blackberries in the summer and pecans in the fall. My mom held down every corner of the house while my dad worked hard to provide for our family — all while they both simultaneously poured into building a church community from the ground up. Those simple, joy-filled moments are what made me proud to be a Southern girl — rooted in family, faith, and a whole lot of flavor.
From a young age, creativity was in my DNA. One of my earliest memories is sitting on the stairs playing with these little glass angels — I gave each one a name, and I’d build elaborate stories around them. That imagination sparked my initial dream of becoming a teacher. As a PK, I was always in church — singing in the choir or performing with our dance group — which also gave me a love for being on stage and using my voice. And when it came to the school plays, I would always audition and more times than not, landed the lead singing role.
I also vividly remember falling in love with beauty and makeup. I would always see my mom refresh her red lipstick before we went into the store. I can remember boldly asking for some one day and feeling so grown when she said yes. Playing dress-up at my grandmother’s and watching my older sisters wearing their bold blue eyeshadow, thick eyeliner, and shiny gloss only added fuel to the fire. It got me so excited for when it would finally be my turn.
Throughout my teen years, I discovered I wanted to be in front of the camera in some capacity — but at the time, modeling became a major part of the dream. I loved taking photos and remember summoning my sister Hannah to be my photographer. We’d find random spots around the yard or house, and I’d pose like I was in a magazine —never feeling a lick of shame. I didn’t have a portfolio or a plan — just a feeling that being in front of the camera was where I came alive.
In grade school, I was always involved in something – all of my siblings were. Whether it was sports, cheerleading, leadership roles, school plays, or the band, there was never really a moment where I was still. Around middle school and high school is when Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat entered the scene. Instagram was my go-to for photos, but Snapchat was where my personality really shined. That’s when I started to build my community and become known for being an entertaining storyteller.
I went to college at the University of Southern Mississippi and started as a Broadcast Journalism major. I explored different majors and eventually landed with a major in Public Relations with a minor in Communication Studies. My leadership continued to grow in college — I was a Luckyday Scholar, served as President of Delta Sigma Theta, and held leadership roles in SGA. I was honored to be recognized by my peers as Homecoming Queen in both high school and college, which really affirmed my ability to connect with people and show up confidently in every space I was in. That’s when I realized how strong my desire was to lead and make people feel seen.
Around 2018, I really got serious about learning makeup. But it wasn’t until 2020 when things started to really click. After being sent home during my senior year of college due to COVID, I leaned into beauty, lifestyle, and storytelling content — not with a plan, just for fun – it was my safe place during a time when the state of the world was so shaky. I spent hours watching YouTube tutorials and started posting funny story times on TikTok. That’s when everything shifted. People began connecting with my vulnerability, my humor, and the way I told stories. That’s when I realized: this wasn’t just a hobby — it was something I was naturally gifted in and could build a career around.
With all the extra time I had, I learned how to take my own Instagram pictures, worked with multiple brands and even landed my first paid collaboration in 2021.
Since then, I’ve grown a following of over 60K combined on social media as a beauty and lifestyle creator, worked as a marketing manager for a social media agency, stepped into freelance modeling (including being featured on a billboard and in a magazine), started ABPOV — my wedding and events content brand — and became a TV personality at my local news station, where I host Shop the Pine Belt, a segment that highlights local businesses and what they have to offer. I’m also an event host/MC, and I’ve had the opportunity to bring energy, presence, and connection to stages just like I do on screen. On top of that, I founded ABTV — my own content platform where I blend creativity and storytelling to entertain and inspire others to go after their dreams.
Everything I felt was inside of me as a little girl was real & I strive to make her proud every single day.
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?
This journey has been far from smooth — not just because of external roadblocks, but because of the mental ones too. For the longest, I’ve struggled with self-doubt and chronic overthinking. Even when people would tell me I inspired them, that they loved my content, or even asked me to post more — I’d still find myself stuck in my own head over the smallest things. I could have all the answers — what to post, when to post, how to edit — and still spiral into analysis paralysis.
I’m also actively working on my fear of being “too much,” which I now realize stems from things I experienced back in grade school. So I’d shrink myself, dim my light, and play small just to feel safe.
And don’t get me started on procrastination. I’m realizing now that procrastination became a form of protection. If I didn’t put it out there, I couldn’t be judged. And now, seeing first hand how ruthless people can be online, the idea of being perceived — let alone criticized — became a real fear and is a reason why I was okay with not putting myself out there consistently. I’m an emotional, sensitive girly, and while we were taught “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…” whew, words definitely hurt.
But deep down, I know I’m built for more. And honestly, I’m tired of betraying the potential God put inside of me — the version of me He keeps showing me in glimpses — and the version that people are already asking to see more of.
The hardest part of this journey has been learning to trust myself and silence the noise in my mind that loves to whisper the opposite of what I know to be true. After years of doubting myself, I’m working to believe I actually have something worth sharing. That my voice matters. That it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present. I’m still unlearning a lot, but every time I choose action over anxiety, I get a little freer. A little bolder.
My prayer is that through my obedience and action, I can inspire others to do the thing — even scared, even unsure — and trust that there’s power in simply showing up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear a few different hats — and I genuinely love them all. I’m a TV host, lifestyle content creator, commercial model, and the founder of ABTV — a storytelling platform where I blend beauty, lifestyle, and real-life stories. I’m also the creator of ABPOV, my wedding and events content brand where I capture special moments from a personal, behind-the-scenes perspective. Whether I’m behind the camera documenting a couple’s big day or in front of it interviewing a business owner on air, everything I do revolves around one thing: connection.
I specialize in making people feel. I’m known for my relatability, transparency, and ability to tell stories that are personal, playful, and purposeful — stories that not only entertain but also resonate. People often tell me that my presence makes them feel seen, loved, and uplifted — and honestly, that means more to me than any title. That’s what I’m most proud of.
I’m also passionate about helping people feel more confident in front of the camera — whether I’m guiding them through poses during a shoot or teaching them how to take better photos of themselves. Helping people show up fully and confidently, both online and in real life, is something I take seriously.
During interviews, I’ve had several guests tell me it was the most comfortable they’ve ever felt on camera — that I was easy to talk to. And that’s the part that always sticks with me. I truly believe my ability to connect, to create safe and joyful spaces, and to make people feel seen and celebrated… that’s my superpower.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t credit luck — I believe in God’s favor, alignment, and preparation meeting opportunity. That’s why I think it’s so important to lean into the gifts He’s placed inside of me and to put in the work. I know the gifts He’s given me are directly connected to my purpose and the reason I’m here on this Earth.
I can say that when I trust His plan and do things scared, opportunities have opened up that I never could have imagined for myself. And when things aren’t going how I intended, I remind myself that there’s a lesson in the pain — and that I will come out on the other side, stronger and more prepared for what’s next.
I credit obedience to His voice, resilience through the tough seasons, and a whole lot of grace.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Will Robinson
Chauncey Mangum
Chelsey Jones
Tyron Dawson
