We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlee Williss a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashlee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I am fortunate enough to make a full-time living from my creative work, as a DJ & Singer-Songwriter, but it definitely wasn’t an overnight success! My journey started as a pop/country singer at 15. I dedicated everything for 13 years. I had a few small wins – record deal offers, I sang & recorded with some legends in the industry, had songs in TV/Film, but nothing really took off took in a major way. I was given the runaround so much I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I decided to release an album on my own in 2013. The 1st single was called, “You Only Want Me When You’re Wasted” and the day of my release party, my boyfriend tragically died….So needless to say, my entire world came crashing down. I had to take time away from music. During my year of self discovery, I fell in love with DJ’ing! It literally brought my spirit back to life and everything started to click in a way I hadn’t expected.

There weren’t many female DJs at the time, and literally none incorporating country music, so opportunities started to flow my way. But it wasn’t just luck—I applied everything I had learned from being a performer & singer-songwriter my entire life, from music knowledge to branding, to networking and understanding what audiences want.

While I’ve never approached my career like a traditional business, I do wish I had been more business-savvy early on. I probably would have gotten further, faster—but I’ve always tried to follow a spiritual approach, trusting where the music leads me, and in the end, every lesson along the way has shaped the artist and DJ I am today.

Now, I bring everything full circle by incorporating live singing into my DJ sets, creating a truly unique show. And I’ve learned that when I go with the flow and stay true to what feels right, the right opportunities always seem to find me.

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

I believe that for artists and creatives to truly thrive, society needs to shift its mindset around the value of creative work. Too often, art and music are seen as luxuries rather than essential parts of culture, connection, and even economic growth. To change that, we need support on multiple levels—financial, educational, and cultural.

First, there needs to be more investment in the arts, whether through grants, sponsorships, or fair pay for creatives. Too many talented artists struggle because they’re expected to work for exposure rather than being compensated for their time, talent, and expertise. When we pay artists what they’re worth, we allow them to create freely without the constant burden of survival.

Second, education is key! Schools should prioritize creative programs just as much as they do STEM subjects because the arts teach critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and innovation—skills that benefit every industry. Young creatives also need access to business education so they can learn how to sustain themselves financially while pursuing their passions.

Third, we need to normalize creative careers. Too often, artists are pressured to have a “backup plan,” as if pursuing music, art, or performance isn’t a legitimate path. Society thrives when artists thrive, and the more we celebrate creative careers as valuable and viable, the more people will be encouraged to follow their true calling.

Finally, community support matters. People can help creatives simply by showing up—attending performances, purchasing music or artwork, sharing an artist’s work, or hiring local talent for events. A thriving creative ecosystem requires engagement, and when communities actively support their artists, it creates a ripple effect of inspiration, opportunity, and sustainability.

At the end of the day, the best way to support artists is to recognize their worth and invest in them—because art, music, and creativity are what make life truly meaningful.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to connect with people on an emotional level through music. Whether I’m DJing a high-energy event, just setting a tone for a beautiful wedding, singing live during a set, or seeing people completely lose themselves in the moment, it’s an incredible feeling to know that my work is bringing joy, nostalgia, or even healing to others.

Music has always been my escape, my place of peace. As a singer-songwriter, I poured my heart into my songs, and those experiences shaped the way I approach DJing today. Now, instead of just performing my own music, I get to curate soundtracks for some of the most important moments in people’s lives—weddings, corporate celebrations, festivals, and special events. Seeing the energy shift in a room, watching people light up, and knowing that I helped create an unforgettable experience is something I never take for granted.

Beyond that, I love the freedom that comes with being a creative. I don’t follow a rigid business model—I follow where the energy flows. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about trusting your artistry, embracing the unknown, and watching doors open in ways you didn’t expect.

The best part of being an artist isn’t just the music itself—it’s the way music brings people together, creates memories, and allows us to feel something real.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.DJBadAsh.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/AshleeWilliss
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/djbadashofficial
• Linkedin: www. linkedin.com/in/Ashleewilliss
• Twitter: https://x.com/djbadash
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9mpmcgo8ES6mI-ladU97MA
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/ANNyf74y6e
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/djbadash

Image Credits
Mark Sacro