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

Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I am an Entertainer and Day Trader. Still to this day, I’m most proud of always starting! Sometimes starting is the hardest part when you’re living your purpose. Knowing where you came from and what you’ll have to do to cross the finish line is scary. Obtaining everything you know you deserve can be intimidating, especially if you dream big. I started shooting videos on my mobile phone, trying to get out of my comfort zone. I started stand up comedy, despite having stage fright. I started a new life in Los Angeles. I started producing my own interactive comedy show called Backyard Comedy Battle. I started acting classes. I started improv class. I started dabbling into different aspects of entertainment. I even started learning to day trade. I’m constantly starting and continuing.

Ashley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up on the Westside of Detroit with my two sisters, brother, my Mommy and Dad. Detroit usually gets a bad rep but I have gotten to experience a better side of the city. I loved growing up in Detroit.

As a kid, I didn’t get to watch television much at all. But one night, I caught the Martin Lawrence special, ‘You So Crazy.’ I was in awe. The way he was telling these stories, the act-outs, the mannerism, the hilarity in it all. I stayed up every night for years, trying to catch that special again. I dreamt about it. My curiosity had me wondering if I could do it. I was only a kid. Later in my adult life, I was able to get into comedy clubs and that too changed my life. After repeatedly seeing some of my favorite Detroit comedians like Coolaide, Mic Larry, Darius Bennett and Josh Adams, I felt compelled to try stand up comedy.

Sometimes, the beginning of almost anything is fun and kinda easy going. You have what feels like all the support in the world. And then, you find yourself immersed deep in the craft. The support dwindles and it’s just you there to keep you disciplined, consistent and motivated. That’s when the road gets a little tough.

As a comedian, actor and content creator. It’s my duty to make people’s lives easier with laughter. Imagine a day when you didn’t laugh not once, that’s crazy to me.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to attach and detach. I’m locked in with what I want to do in life. At the same time, I’m detached from the politics that come along with it. That means I have to work ten times harder to get it because I can’t fold for money, fame or anything else that could damage my character.

I would love the world to know Ashley Mathaw will always present you with something you’ve never quite seen or experienced before. My material on stage is curated through thoughts and personal experiences that are colorful and eccentric. My self-produced comedy show, Backyard Comedy Battle, is the most fun you’ll ever experience. It’s not just a regular comedy show! We have more projects and shows coming to fruition. And I say WE because I need the people’s energy and love to give me that extra oomph across the finish line.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Moving from Michigan to California was a huge shift. As a mail carrier and a full-time college student (paying-out-of-pocket), I was feeling rich. I was making great money, I had a nice place right outside of Detroit, a decent car and a plethora of women in my life. I was on cloud nine. Then I moved to California, where the cost of living seemed to kick me in my face, back and teeth. No matter how many hours I worked, odd jobs I picked up, I could not mentally, physically or financially keep up. I was always sleepy, tired, overworked and underpaid. I was determined not to have a roommate despite the outrageous rent prices. I absolutely couldn’t date as many women as I used to back in Detroit. And I knew I didn’t want to work just to pay bills. No way did I leave my hometown to NOT flourish. I had to make some moves that could free up my time and make life easier.

A few years living in California, I discovered Option and Futures Trading. I devoted so much time, money and brain power to this craft. Pro traders say the first two years of trading is the hardest and it truly and sincerely is. I’ve lost so much money, had accounts go negative and unpaid. Not one time did I think to quit. I’ve also seen bountiful days and made good money. I knew the potential and wanted more. I just had to become obsessed with trading just as I am with comedy. In the process of acquiring a few mentors and taking classes, standup took a backseat. At times, I felt like I was missing out on improving my set on stage. Ultimately, learning the skill of trading is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made while living here in California. I’m almost out of the two year curse of trading and on my way to being a consistent and profitable trader.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

A book that changed my way of thinking is called ‘You Can’t Afford the Luxury of a Negative Thought’ by Peter McWilliam. The title itself speaks volumes. Please give it a read. I love and have watched ‘The Secret’ on Netflix and YouTube. I watch this maybe 2-3 times a year because I need those reminders of how ‘Thoughts Become Things.’ It keeps me sane and persistent when going after my dreams and purpose. I love tuning into Earn Your Leisure on Youtube. A channel full of financial gems. The information and knowledge that I’ve gained throughout my journey this far, will soon allow me freedom in all aspects.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young10der/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/young10dah
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg4HZFybRKlAr7Q4P3HTLuQ
• Email: [email protected]