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

Ashley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I happen to have two -The most meaningful project I have done and I’m currently working on.

Last year I was asked to co-coordinate on Miss Judy Parker’s NSITCRII. It is a fashion and entertainment show that features selected sensual and pop art styles in a burlesque show form. There’s live performances, dance entertainment and more! Although I knew what I was capable of managing, it was a time to physically show up as a model coach, leader and choreographer.

There were certain aspects that took place that allowed me to reflect, process and grow in my intended purpose. One day- it was set to be amazing- we, the cast & crew, had our photo and video shoot for the promotion of the show: followed by rehearsal. I was elated to show what I had prepared, looking forward to seeing the many eager models excited to learn a new way of runway, including choreographed model walks.

The day took a turn when I found myself hospitalized with a wrecked vehicle. I worried and hurt for my models. I had an obligation I so desired to meet. It was physically painful, kids and family sad yet I was heavily disappointed in missing an important moment to connect to my community, my next level.

As SOON as I felt okay enough I began to work on my strength, my healing was prayer filled. The show was AMAZING, I worked hard and trusted my body to do well but now over exert myself. My mom was a huge foundation in keeping me mentally and spiritually grounded in order to move forward knowing I had less than 3 weeks. It was a blessing to experience through and through cause it brought me closer to God in a different way than I’ve experienced and it allowed me to SHOW a part of me that aspired to do great things.

Now I am in the process of producing my own show. Making sure I keep a focus on things that make for an amazing event. I believe who I am as a person will be reflected in this production as well as giving its due Glory to God for all that he’s invested in me creatively. Definitely keep an eye out for me!

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.

I am Ashley Corder, professionally known as Ashley Paige. At this present moment I can be found and contacted via Instagram as AshleyPaige_TheModelCoach.

I began modeling at the age of twelve, first show being runway for a women’s conference. I knew in that moment this was for me. The confidence I found in myself I didn’t feel on the outside world, but the runway felt like home. From there I began connecting with anyone with a camera! Analyzing each shot so I showcased better in the next set. I was hungry for progression. I fell upon different Facebook groups and started going to castings and flourished from there.
I also became a licensed cosmetologist and got my foot in the doors and many rooms. I used my interest for arts to network and find a flow. In my experience it led to random moments of coaching models in hallways right before shows just because they catch me practicing in a corner. I always had a heart for learning and teaching, so showing techniques that will better present on the runway while also building a newfound confidence in my peers, came naturally and joyfully.

I think that’s what sets me apart, I have a true heart for the industry and for the people that seek improvement in their desires. I pull from what you already have in you and use that to carry the best you. Be that on the runway, before castings or at the show itself! I am intentional about listening to what is needed and use the years of my experience to cater to that within my niche.

My main goal is to soon build a household name that manages many creative aspects within the modeling community, and creative directors world. In the present moment I am booked for model coaching for various events and fashion shows as well as more personal interactions with group, one on one and virtual coaching. I desire to create a healthy space for those aspiring, building or stepping into the entertainment industry.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience is my most notable attribute. I have not the road of ease I imagined when I stepped into the life of a model. Every no. Every hesitation. Every yes that still felt like I was invisible. Feeling inadequate in a space I loved so much. It didn’t break my desire. It allowed me to go to God more. I know, I know, it all leads back to Him- but who’s going to speak life in the middle of what’s taking place? It’s going to be me! He gave me the authority to claim what is mine and that set a fire in me that couldn’t burn out. I allowed myself to feel my feels and keep pushing for the next big opportunity. The more I talked to God about what my purpose was, the more I was pushed to use that strength to enter each room, each casting, every networking event with crazy faith. It worked more for me than carry the disappointment I once allowed to settle in when the opportunities came but didn’t go in my favor in whatever way. Life would hit me in ways that would try to alter my confidence, my environment. Earth shattering events seemed to hit back to back. I had to surrender that burden. It wasn’t for me to carry, it was essentially holding me back from what was in store for me. That release came with walking in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and London Fashion Week. I walked for BET Awards and Fashion Show. I’ve connected and befriended celebrities of various calibers. That’s God. And I thank Him for building me resilient, graceful, resourceful, humble and talented.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Being a creative means doing what YOU love. Sometimes that confuses people. The logical aspect of life requires you to divulge in your space and create a productive and conducive environment. Creatives and non-creatives share the same ideal, however the perspectives are different. We carry a heart that wants to produce self reflection, self exposure, and self expression for the receiving of attuned joy. Art feels and looks different to each of us and someone has to fulfill that part of you that craves artistic depths. That’s where we come in!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: AshleyPaige_TheModelCoach

Image Credits
Instagram Mentions: Eric Elmore: ee77_mono Las Vegas Swim Week x JerryMartinPhotography Arnold Shoots x Eclipsecontent Designer: Sherita Moss x HausofMoss Zachariah_Shoots