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

Aurora, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Taking risks has always been a part of my journey. Embracing uncertainty has often been for me, where growth begins. Life is unpredictable, but stepping into the unknown has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect.

I have gratefully had the opportunity to work alongside aspiring artists & creative individuals and their teams such as Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa, Richie Hawin, Olafur Eliasson & Dr. David Edwards from Harvard. Working with these individuals in my career and their teams showed me that outside of their outstanding talent, that each have taken a risk and that taking a risk ultimately means taking a chance on yourself, your vision and often your intuition.

For years, I grappled with my artistic career, having the honour to work along such inspiring individuals made me wonder, what place does my art have in the world compared to this? And also feeling as though there was inner work I needed to do before I could truly find my voice as an artist. To confront this, I took one of the biggest risks of my life: I dedicated six years to traveling the world, healing, and growing.

It wasn’t an easy decision, and much of this journey I undertook alone. I visited 42 countries, lived with Indigenous tribes in Colombia, studied sacred mycology in Guatemala, explored plant medicine in Peru, and spent time immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Mexico. Each experience opened my heart and mind, shaping me as an artist and as a person.

This experience left me understanding that inside, we are all artists in our own right, and our self expression through creative form is one of the biggest gifts we can give to the world from ourselves.

The risks I’ve taken haven’t always worked out as I envision but every step has brought me closer to alignment with my authentic self. I’m still on the journey to where I want to be, but looking back I can recongise the growth. Emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and creatively, I’ve grown in ways I could never have imagined.

Investing in yourself is the greatest risk—and reward—of all. Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of finding mentors, people who inspire you and show you what’s possible. Life is unpredictable, but it’s in those moments of uncertainty where growth happens. For me, every risk has been a step forward, a testament to believing in myself and the endless possibilities that come from taking a chance.

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?

At my core, I am an artist. I believe we all are, whether we embody that or not is another question, but for me, being an artist is an identity that transcends any one discipline. It’s a commitment to creativity in its most expansive form. From the age of six, I attended a full-time performing arts school, where I was immersed in a world of disciplines—acting, singing, dancing, and beyond. This early exposure planted the seeds of what would become my life’s purpose: to create, express, and inspire.

Over the years, my artistry has taken many forms—painting, acting, fashion, music, and education. I believe that creativity is the highest form of human expression, and it’s my mission to explore and share it in as many ways as I can. Creativity is not limited to one medium or one craft; it’s a lens through which we experience and interpret the world. My work isn’t just about creating art—it’s about connecting with others and encouraging them to embrace their unique creativity.

One of my achievements has been founding DREAM, a community designed to inspire people to reach for their personal dreams while coming together to reimagine the collective dreams of our future. DREAM is more than a platform; it’s a movement. It’s a space where we can explore not only our individual aspirations but also the bigger picture—where we’re headed as a society and how we can shape it together. The goal is to create a community of dreamers and doers who believe in the power of imagination to change the world.

What sets me apart as an artist is something I believe applies to everyone: our individuality. I was reminded of this during an acting class when our teacher told a story about a student who was leaving the craft because of the intense competition. The teacher reminded him that there is no competition because no one else can be you. That simple yet profound truth resonates deeply with me. Each of us is utterly unique. No one else will ever think the way we do, feel the way we do, or create the way we do. Even if we are given the same brief, our results will be entirely different because they are filtered through our own perspective and experience. That uniqueness is what makes us valuable, and it’s what I strive to honor in my work.

How did I get into the industry? It wasn’t a straight path but rather a lifelong journey driven by curiosity and passion. My education in the arts gave me a strong foundation, but it was my deep desire to understand life that propelled me forward. I’ve always been fascinated by the human experience—where we come from, who we are, and what lies beyond what we can see. Music, in particular, has always been a profound part of my life. In the most difficult times, music felt like a saviour. It gave me a sense of connection, comfort, and clarity when the world around me seemed overwhelming. That connection to music and creativity became my compass, guiding me toward a life dedicated to art in all its forms.

The main purpose of my work is simply to inspire others. My greatest dream is to live in a world where everyone feels free to embrace their artistry, whatever form that may take. Whether someone is a doctor, a lawyer, a painter, a gardener, or a dancer, there is artistry in everything we do. I believe the world would be a better place if we could all connect with that inner artist and let it shine. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people are forced to stifle their creativity just to survive. We live in a world where making money is often prioritized over personal fulfillment. That’s why I see my work as a way to encourage others to reconnect with their creativity and pursue what truly lights them up. If I can inspire even one person to take a step toward their dreams, then my work has served its purpose.

What am I most proud of? My resilience. Every step of my journey has brought new challenges, but I’ve always found the strength to keep going. Growth isn’t linear, and it isn’t easy. But it’s worth it. Every time I’ve pushed through a challenge, I’ve come out stronger, wiser, and more connected to my purpose.

What I want people to know about me and my work is that it comes from a place of authenticity and passion. I’m still on my journey, learning and evolving every day, but my commitment to inspiring others remains unwavering. I believe creativity is an essential part of what makes us human. It’s how we connect with ourselves, with each other, and with the world around us.

Through my work, I aim to remind people of this truth. My hope is that by sharing my journey and my art, I can encourage others to embrace their creativity and see the endless possibilities within themselves. Whether it’s through music, painting, acting, or any other medium, I want my work to be a testament to the power of self-expression and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

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

One of the most significant influences on my entrepreneurial and management philosophy has been the work of Dr. Wayne Dyer. His books have profoundly shaped my perspective on resilience and overcoming adversity. Dr. Dyer’s insights emphasize the power of shifting our mindset to rise above life’s challenges. What resonates deeply with me is his focus on personal responsibility—how we respond to difficulties defines us far more than the difficulties themselves. His teachings remind me that adversity is not an obstacle but an opportunity to grow, adapt, and persevere.

Another author who has greatly influenced me is Florence Scovel Shinn, particularly her work on reprogramming the mind. She emphasizes that the key to breaking free from limiting beliefs lies in reshaping our thought patterns. Her philosophy has taught me that success often requires incremental paradigm shifts. When we aspire to something radically different from our current reality, it can feel out of reach. Shinn’s approach of gradual mindset shifts—layer by layer—has helped me embrace the process of transformation.

Together, these perspectives have shaped my belief that growth often comes from navigating the most difficult situations. Whether in life or business, setbacks and struggles are inevitable, but they hold the potential to build character and clarity. Dr. Dyer’s focus on resilience and Shinn’s emphasis on mental reprogramming have shown me that with patience and persistence, we can reach even the most distant goals.

For anyone navigating their own journey, I highly recommend their work. They’ve taught me that overcoming adversity isn’t about avoiding challenges but about cultivating the strength and perspective to face them head-on. Their insights continue to guide me as I build and grow.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that seeking approval from others was essential for success. Growing up, I was often praised for conforming to expectations—whether it was in school, in my career, or in relationships. I internaliased the idea that if others were happy with what I was doing, then I was on the right path. This need for validation became a driving force in my life, and I often sacrificed my own desires and authenticity in the process.

The turning point came during a period where I was struggling to find my true voice in my work. I’d been working with high-profile figures and achieving external success, but internally, I felt disconnected from what I was creating. I was so focused on what others would think of me, and it left me uninspired and unfulfilled.

One day, I had a conversation with a mentor who said something that stuck with me: “The only truth is your own” It was a simple phrase, but I realised I had often been living my life according to others’ standards instead of my own inner compass. I had to unlearn the idea that my worth was tied to external approval and instead focus on trusting my instincts and creating from a place of personal truth.

Since then, I’ve learned that real fulfillment doesn’t come from pleasing others—it comes from aligning with your own vision and values. Letting go of that need for approval has allowed me to be more authentic, more vulnerable, and, ultimately, more creative. It’s a lesson I continue to remind myself of every day, and it has transformed the way I approach both my work and my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.auroraash.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/auroraaash