We recently connected with Ashley Junell and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I originally found makeup during a rough time in my life. I had just had my third daughter. I was struggling to find myself, struggling with mental health, and struggling with post partum depression. Originally I was just looking to find a healthy hobby, a creative outlet, something that would allow me to escape reality and bring that color back in to myself, and to my life. I first started noticing that I was gaining some traction and that people were genuinely excited to watch me learn and grow. It was about two or three years into learning that I started to really get serious about content creation and making a name for myself. My niece Tammy is actually the one who picked my name “Ashslays” when she was about seven or eight and it has stuck ever since.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Ashley Junell. I’m currently 31 years old, a wife of 13 years, and a mother to three beautiful little girls who cheer me on and motivate me everyday. I’ve been creating content a little over seven years now. I do an array of makeup and beauty content ranging from soft glam, SFX/face painting, full glam, skincare, hair tutorials, and anything within those realms. I got into this industry because all ive ever wanted to do was to inspire the aspiring artist in everyone. To show people beauty is for everyone, that beauty has no age, no rules. I wanted to help break down the barriers and break out of my own shell while also helping others do the same as well. I recently launched a collab with one of my favorite brands, Elli J. Beauty. Together we created a gorgeous palette that brings back all the nostalgia and fun of the 90’s grunge era. It has to be my proudest moment in my journey thus far. To see my name on something to know my hard work and dedication means something bigger than I could have ever imagined. I’m also incredible proud of the friendships and the bonds I’ve made with not only brands, but with other people inside this community as well. I truly believe that the bonds you create can help catapult you into bigger and better things. don’t be afraid to be yourself, the right crowd will find you and love you for who you are and the art you create inside and out.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect thus far has definitely been the genuine connections I’ve found along the way. Finding like minded artists and creatives. People who let you know you’re not alone. The community. The community has been so rewarding. Knowing that people from all over the world see you, support you, love you, and watch you learn and grow into someone better everyday. The brand owners who have believed in me and have given me a chance to be a face to their name. Brands from the likes of, Elli J. Beauty, Alora Cosmetics, Lux B Aesthetics, Beachwaver, just to name a few. To my friends and biggest supporters, Jessica, Anna, Nikki, Rikki, Kimmi, to name a few. All whom I’ve met along this journey. I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without that community and the connections along the way.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I feel like in an already oversaturated community, the best thing society or anyone can do is just support the smaller artists and creatives as you do and would bigger artists and creatives. As a smaller artist myself, often times I find it hard to be seen, or to feel like my work is good enough sometimes. A simple gesture such as a like, comment, share, repost, whatever it may be. Those are resources that can help us all immensely and resources that are free. Just cheer us on as we are all still learning and growing too. Be kind, be motivating. A kind word or gesture is all we need to drive us further.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashslays_xx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.junell/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashslays.xx?lang=en