Interview with Ashley E. Matthews — Song and dance model
Ashley E. Matthews is a 26-year old model residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How would you introduce yourself to our readers?
Canadian born, southern California raised, current Las Vegas local in Rock of Ages the music. Professional musical theatre actress, singer, dancer as well as specialty performer and model. Hapa -half asian- and proud of it, I have worked professionally on both coats, Vegas, Utah and even all the way to Macau.
When, how and why did you first get involved in the modeling industry?
I started out as dancer, then became a musical theatre actress and film and tv actress. The dance life lead to a lot of modeling opportunities both print and live and I kind of fell into it. They all tend to go hand in hand and I love each one for what they are.
What are your personal and professional goals? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?
My professional goal is to continue performing, acting, and modeling for as long as I can and never have a “grown up” job. I don’t like to set time limits, every actress wants to be on Broadway or win a Tony or Oscar, but unlike most professions, that doesn’t make or break a career. Not being on Broadway doesn’t mean an unsuccessful career, so as long as I’m happy in five to ten years, I’m doing something right.
How often are you modeling and what does it usually consist of?
My main career is acting, live stage, on camera, among others, so the modeling jobs are here and there. I typically do fashion, dance photography, and live modeling and performance type jobs and have done some glamour and catwalk in the past. I have done a lot of bridal modeling as well.
Please tell us about the best and/or worst experiences you’ve had so far in modeling.
In modeling, the best experience I had was at a job for a launch of a new Liquour line. the Job consisted of us taking photos on the red carpet, passing out samples to celebrities, and sitting in the pool and hot tub at a private mansion while holding cocktails made of the new liquor. We even played around in the photo booth set up for guests and the photos ended up so good they were used for advertisement for the product. We had a blast and I still can’t believe that was a paid job. The worst experience I had was being told I would be modeling at a Bridal expo on a stationary platform. When I arrived I was put into a massive bridal gown two sizes too big for me with a cathedral train, too big shoes, and told to walk a catwalk in front of hundreds of future brides. Nervewracking and not my best work.
Is there anything you would change about the modeling industry if you could?
When it comes to the entertainment industry in general- we are in need of a major boost of diversity. The default tends to be caucasian- though high fashion modeling tends to be more diverse. Commercial modeling and especially Hollywood and Theatre have serious faults when it comes to diversity, especially when it comes to Asians. Asians are not given the same opportunity as caucasians and even other minorities and it’s 2016- time for change. Thank God for shows like Hamilton on Broadway breaking barriers- but it’s not enough.
Do you practice any sports and what do you typically eat? Please elaborate on the importance of nutrition and exercise in your life.
I am the last person to talk to about this. Though I am a professional dancer, I am not a professional fitness or nutrition expert. My exercise is dance, right now the show that I am in. If I work out before a show -6 shows a week- I don’t have the energy to get through my show- so the high energy choreography serves as my cardio and exercise in my everyday life. When it comes to nutrition, I’m a carboholic, and though I tend to try and think about eating healthy… it’s not my strongest suit. I’m a super foodie and I say enjoy life and the importance of food while you can. Life is too short for green salads and bland meals.
Please share something people don’t know about you.
I am a trained fire eater.
Would you change anything about yourself?
I wish I could work on self confidence internally. Though I may seem confident, internally, this business is hard and I have my daily struggles.
Do you have any fears or phobias?
Octopus scare me like no other. They are a terrifying animal, far too intelligent, can fit through any size hole bigger than their beak, open jars from the inside to escape, and change color and texture in the blink of an eye. They are terrifyingly smart and dangerous- and people are brave enough to eat them, I don’t know how.
Visit Ashley E. Matthews’s website for more photos and information
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