We recently connected with Ashley Sierra and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley , appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I one hundred percent wish I had started my career earlier! I was about 22 when I did my first fashion show, and that’s really when I began my modeling career. I was in college, studying elementary education with every intent of becoming a teacher one day. I had the opportunity to walk in a fashion show, which led to photo shoots, which led to getting published and eventually getting signed with an agency where I started taking on real modeling jobs.
I truly feel like if I had started much younger, like mid teens, I really could have taken advantage of so many more opportunities. Most models start around that age and grow with a Mother Agency that helps to develop their skills and portfolio.
I grew up in Iowa, and it doesn’t have a huge fashion scene like LA, NYC, etc. I just never was really aware of the potential opportunities that the fashion/ modeling industry had until I was much older.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Ashley Sierra and I am a Phoenix based Model and Content Creator. I found my passion for modeling while in college, and after graduating I decided to chase my dream. Since then I’ve walked countless runways including LA Fashion Week , Phoenix Fashion Week, and most recently London Fashion Week. I’ve been internationally published in fashion and beauty editorials, and featured in print, video, and commercial advertisements. I also specialize in creating user generated content for brands worldwide. I am a big advocate for mental health, positive body image, and inclusive representation in the fashion industry.
I am truly passionate about what I do, I love the creativity and teamwork that comes from working in this amazing industry. I believe in good energy, a strong reliable work ethic, being open minded and flexible, and delivering results above and beyond expectations.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I absolutely love the creative process. I could listen to stylists, directors, photographers, etc. talk for hours about their inspiration for the shoot or concept we are working on. I find it so interesting and it helps me get in the zone to help make the vision a reality.
When there are moments of “hey, let’s try this!“ or “what if we do it this way?” on set, and the idea works there is this amazing feeling of being on the right track- which is not only validating, but exciting for everyone. And even if the idea ends up kind of flopping we all laugh and move on to the next idea.
And of course seeing it all come together in the final product is so cool, it’s never just an ad, or a picture- it’s a compilation of everyone’s hard work and skills all wrapped up.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
More funding for the arts at every level of education would be huge. I think that just as much money should be allocated to the arts as it is to sports programs. Not every kid is a natural athlete, and when children are encouraged and inspired to create and see value in art- they can really flourish and grow their talents and take those skills into adulthood.
I think it needs to be supported at the college, and young professional level just as much. Having programs where artists and creatives can apply for grants would be amazing and transformative for so many people.
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Image Credits
Image credits: Red two piece outfit: Photographer: Sergey Bidun Outfit: Divaz Grand Central Boutique Polo Party 2019 Cover Photographer: Dave Siebert Outfit: Ralph Lauren Underwater Photographer: Daveed Benito Designer: David Benito Tempe Fashion Week Runway Photographer: High Tier Photography Designer: Christine Adar Hair: Vincent Rodriguez MUA: Alvin Moyer Close Up Beauty Shot Photographer: Carolina Takahashi MUA: Carolina Takahashi Hair: Beth Martin Moevir Paris Cover Photographer: Harlan Cone Outfit: JustFab Airplane Shot Photographer: Nick Tenney Designer: Shrine of Hollywood Shoes: John Ashford Swimwear Shot Photographer: Scott Hall Swimwear: Dolcessa MUA: Gilbert Tellez Hair: Velocity Stylebar