We recently connected with Ashly Valenzuela and have shared our conversation below.

Ashly, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I believe it’s challenging for most parents to acknowledge their child’s “talent” or “creativity” when earlier generations predominantly emphasized college and career paths. This focus remains prevalent in most schools today. Having been in “gifted” classes throughout my life, my father pushed me to maintain straight A’s, get into college, and continue my education thereafter. I don’t regret earning my degrees and obtaining my license to practice law. However, it’s hard to realize at this point that I much prefer the creative side of my brain and the passion I didn’t even know existed because I was not given the freedom or opportunity to explore it before. I believe that millennials and those who come after us are blessed with the ability to pursue entrepreneurship and creativity. Unfortunately, I don’t think that schools or parenting often allow much room for the development of these talents, unless, of course, you’re a natural child prodigy in arts or sports. If I had known about my passions beyond the classroom and courtroom, I may have embarked on a completely different path, perhaps in communications, media, entertainment, management, or public relations. This isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy what I do, but it would have been nice to discover more of what I COULD do earlier in my journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Since 2019, I’ve been working as an entertainment attorney, and recently, I embarked on a new journey by establishing my own law practice, AV Legal & Entertainment. In this endeavor, I focus on assisting individuals, creatives, and entrepreneurs, rather than their corporate counterparts. My passion for music and management often leads me to step outside my legal role and take on these additional responsibilities. In May 2023, I initiated a fresh venture with my podcast, the “Royalty Room.” Through this platform, I’ve had the opportunity to shed light on the entertainment industry and mental health in a unique and impactful way that I haven’t seen before. Growing up, my career aspirations shifted from wanting to be a teacher to desiring to become an attorney to help children in poverty and foster care. During law school, I redirected my focus towards the entertainment industry, considering it a more mentally stable career path. Given my strong commitment to social justice, personal experiences with mental health challenges, and deep involvement in entertainment law, I decided to merge these aspects into my own show. Through it, I aim to discuss topics that truly matter while also providing entertainment. I’ve also made a significant commitment to self-care, self-love, and my Christianity. I’ve come to realize that what we consume, whether visually, through our senses, or in terms of food, greatly influences our actions and outcomes. Therefore, creating a show that doesn’t revolve around sex, drugs, drinking, or nonsense aligns with my goals for the show.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDS AS MUCH AS YOU SUPPORT CELEBRITIES THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW!!! This is so important because we often feed our attention and money into those who already have it, instead of those who are trying to make it (even if that’s you’re friend or family member). Support doesn’t always have a monetary value either — you can always share, like or bookmark posts, subscribe to channels or platforms, tell someone or send a link, or even post something with you friends brand. As creatives, we have to support one another first or no one else will!

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

The most rewarding aspect of creating something is reaching someone else. I vividly recall my time in law school when the two organizations I led collaborated to organize a field day and law school tour for foster youth. Some of the kids initially appeared disinterested or convinced that college was beyond their reach. However, there was one boy, a memory forever etched in my mind, who stood up and expressed his deep appreciation for our efforts. For the first time, he felt inspired to pursue his dreams. In that moment, I witnessed a twinkle in his eye, and I could never forget the feeling of touching his heart and mind. Even if it’s just one person who learns something, appreciates the effort, or experiences a spark from anything I do or say, then all the blood, sweat, and tears become worth it. Whether it’s through my show, music, art, or my law firm, I view my endeavors with this perspective. Hearing positive feedback, having individuals share their own stories with me, and knowing that I’ve inspired or motivated them, or simply being thanked for what I do, brings me immense fulfillment. I can’t imagine a better feeling than this.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktree.com/legalqueenla
• Instagram: instagram.com/legalqueenla
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVLegalEnt/
• Youtube: YouTube.com/@legalqueenla
• Other: Book Me or My Services: fanbasis.com/legalqueenla Podcast (audio): royaltyroom.castos.com