We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Bishop-Diggs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I have always been naturally extroverted, always interested in the arts. When I was a little girl, maybe 5 or 6 I told my parents I wanted to be a singer and that I wanted to be an actress on The Young and The Restless. My parents, especially my father always nurtured that; I assume part of that stemmed from him once being a singer as well. Through my younger years I sang in the church choir and auditioned for every show in the small town I grew up in. I went to college and jumped right into voice and theatre, strengthen my natural talents. Best decision I ever made was going to school for theatre; it taught me so much discipline as well as what to expect from the business side of the industry. If I could do anything differently, it would probably include networking while I was younger and in college. I didn’t realize the importance of networking until I was well out of college. The most essential skill includes being bold; boldness and going after opportunities even when I wasn’t the most confident opened many doors for me. What stood in the way? Love (laughs). In the height of my singing/acting career I got married and started a family; I was in mid 20’s and naturally wanted to be a fantastic wife and mother. Having my son has been the best part of my life thus far, but it brought my career to a rather screeching halt for a few years.

Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a singer and actress here in the Atlanta area. My most notable performance includes Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille; a one woman show based on the jazz legend Billie Holiday. I began performing this show in 2009 as an undergraduate at Tennessee State University and I am still performing it to date! When I was first introduced to Lady Day, I was only 19; I would have never imagined it would be such a blessing to my life. Recently, the show was done in Norfolk Virginia at the historic Attucks theatre where Billie Holiday actually performed. That was such an honor, to know I was performing on the exact same stage as Billie Holiday was such a powerful experience. I am also a jazz singer and travel with my band Bishop and the Bassix quite often. It’s so much fun to be able to do what you love; Billie Holliday once said “singing has always been the best part of living to me”. That resonates with me so strongly; some of my happiest moments have been on the stage singing exactly what I feel. It’s such a freeing experience that I cannot imagine a life without it. I think what sets me a part from others, is well a lot of things (laughs); but if I must name only one it would include my humble approach to what it means to be a performer. I don’t take any opportunity for granted and I believe in humanity; anyone I have ever met during or after a show I’ve expressed kindness and gratitude, as opposed to being boastful or arrogant. I do believe showing kindness has taken me a long way. So many artists can get caught up in the fame, the lights, and the attention and they forget what it means to treat their clients with respect. Many times, I like to talk to my clients/audiences after a performance. I like for them to experience a magnificent show, but also meet Ashley Bishop-Diggs from small town Athens, GA. I have found the more genuine human connections you make the better your business shall be.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I became a mother, I had many mixed emotions. I always wanted to be a mother and to have a family. When I found out I was having a baby, I had just signed with a record company in Nashville as well as auditioning left and right for shows. I had a wave of emotions, excited for new life but scared I would never be able to perform again. I kept my pregnancy a secret for quite sometime; and my husband at the time who was also a performer was at an all time high with acting gigs and commercials and call backs, so that made me feel even worse. When the record label found out I was pregnant my project was completely dismissed. It was heartbreaking and I went on a downward spiral. But, I was looking forward to being a mom even though I wasn’t sure what that meant for my acting and singing career. It took about two years before I got back into acting and singing. But, during those two years I started a in home bakery as well as worked for a private school. But, I was not fulfilled in either business because my passion was on the stage. So, I made the decision “ I can do this, I can be a great mommy and a great performer at the same damn time!” And so I did; my son travels wit me, he comes to the studio with me, he has even taken interest in instruments which is delightful! But, during my transition from the stage to mommy hood I learned what strength and resilience really looked like,

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist to me is the feeling I get…..both before and after. It is almost something that cannot be described into words that I believe only an artist can relate to. Sharing my talents with an audience can be so rewarding and I am always hopeful it was almost as fulfilling for them as it was for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @broadwayduchess
• Facebook: Ashley Michelle Bishop-Diggs
• Youtube: Ashley Michelle Bishop-Diggs

Image Credits
Williams Simmons-Photographer @iamsupremevisuals