We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashlie Crystal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashlie below.
Ashlie, 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 learned how to DJ from my boyfriend Ryan, known as Dj OSHN, during COVID-19. Ryan, a friend of mine, and I were having a wine night, and I was discussing my love for techno, and I envisioned myself playing techno. That night, I decided I wanted to make DJing my career; I had a few shows lined up, which made me practice and become dedicated. Knowing what I know now, to speed up my learning process, I would learn how to experiment more with looping. Looping is an essential part of DJing, which adds different characteristics to a set, makes it more unique, and showcases my DJing skills. The obstacle that stood in my way of learning more was getting in my own way. Sometimes, I can be my own worst critic, and I’m learning to give myself grace, remember to have fun and embrace my creativity. Playing live shows in LA helps solidify that I’m on the right path, and DJing makes me happy.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Ashlie Crystal. I am a Techno DJ, model, fashion designer, graphic designer, and creative director. From an early age, I loved watching Victoria’s Secret Runway shows, which sparked my passion for modeling and fashion. I lived in New York City and Milan, Italy, two cities known for their culture, fashion, music, and art. Milan was a huge part of my life. I was studying fashion and design while I was there. I began to model for print work and walk runway shows. I was also introduced to techno. Then, I moved to Los Angeles, where I continued to further my education and got my degree in visual communication from FIDM. At this point, I wanted to work with a fashion brand where I could learn how to run a business and gain experience, which I did. After that chapter, a new chapter opened where I wanted to find a way to embody and bring all my passions for fashion, music, community, and art together. After some time off I really dove deep within myself and realized Djing would allow me to bring all my loves together.
When I entered this industry, I thought it would be glamorous and fabulous, but unfortunately, like everything else, it requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. It’s sometimes a struggle because you think there will be shortcuts and rewards, but the only way is through consistency and authenticity.
I believe my education and experience sets me apart from others. Everything I’ve done has led me to exactly where I need to be. I finally feel like I can bring all my communities together. As a person, I also have a duality about myself. I can be soft, delicate, and feminine, or dark, mysterious, and sensual. This duality is one of my strengths, as well as my creative imagination. My creative imagination bursts with ideas for all my projects. I also have the support of my boyfriend, who is my rock. With a bit of tough love, he motivates me and encourages me to be the best version of myself.
I am most proud of building a small community and connecting with fans and other artists. I want my fans to know that when they come to my shows, they can expect to have a fantastic experience, dance, and forget all their problems, even if for just a set.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My passion for fashion, music, art, and modeling motivates me to succeed in my creative lifestyle. I have big goals and consider myself a dreamer; I don’t want to regret giving up on my dreams.
Right now, I’m taking my time and making small steps towards my objectives. I need to maintain a balance because I love expressing my creativity in different ways. One of my heartfelt aspirations on this creative journey is to weave together all my projects with the beautiful threads of music. I believe that music has a unique power to connect and enhance our experiences, and I hope to express that through my work.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
During my education, I attended three different universities and earned two degrees. I first obtained a bachelor’s degree in fashion design from Washington State University. I also studied abroad and modeled in Milan, Italy, at NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti). My final degree was in Visual Communications from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).
Reflecting on my creative journey, there are a few things I wish I had known earlier. If you are a student or a future student, my first piece of advice would be to keep all your books—don’t sell them. You never know when you’ll need them later in life; books contain different information than what you’ll find online. Additionally, download all your class PowerPoint presentations and keep all your notes; don’t throw them away.
Having these resources would be invaluable for recalling everything you learned in school and could help you in the real world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ashlieroswall.wixsite.com/fashionportfolio
- Instagram: ashlie.crystal
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlieroswall/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ashliecrystal
- Soundcloud: ashliecrystal
Image Credits
@oshnofficial
@makeupbyfabj
@doublewide00
@_rene_madrid
@elevateangel
@lickndipsevents
@wolven
@namaslaycollective
@agoodspot
@helgalondon