Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started modeling initially as therapy to help myself overcome my body dysmorphia. As a recovered anorexic, I still struggled with accepting my body at a healthy weight. I decided the perfect way to overcome the fear of what other people thought about the way I looked was to repeatedly show all my flaws to the camera… I truly wanted to show other women and young girls that we don’t have to be perfect to feel beautiful. It wasn’t until years later I got my first agency contract and decided to pursue modeling professionally — all the while continuing to work as a registered nurse! I’ve never looked back since. Modeling has led me to some of the best challenges, friendships, and my best love that I now call my husband. Now I’m working as a model in LA while growing my skills as an actor and songwriter wherever I can.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge throughout this course has been myself. It wasn’t until this year that I really came to terms with how much fear has held me back in life. New things still make me afraid, but I understand now the importance of doing hard and scary things. This is how we gain confidence, experience, and grow into who we are supposed to be.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Modeling has become such a passion for me! I consider myself a ballet dancer of sorts, challenged with telling a story or eliciting an emotion in my audience. The only difference is that I don’t have an entire performance on stage to do this — I get a mere split second as the shutter clicks. I’ve made it my goal to surprise, wow, or move my audience with a mood through creative pose and expression. Part of what I do also relies on marketability, so I try to keep myself from getting put in a box. This means staying active in bridal, commercial, fashion, e-commerce, and whatever area I hope to continue working. The common denominator I am known for thus far is my love for unique posing. I’m not afraid to try the ugly pretty, the eccentric, or the downright scary when the situation could creatively benefit from it.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
When it comes to my work, I really enjoy looking at vlogs from other models to see their experiences in their unique markets and jobs. This helps me decide if a certain market, job, country, or style is an area in which I want to work. One of my favorite things to do is also study current fashion shows, campaigns, ads, and photos from top photographers to see what is current in the world of fashion. This helps me construct the most effective styles in lighting, mood, makeup, wardrobe, and pose when I am putting together shoots for my book. In my personal life, one thing that really helps me thrive is budgeting time for self-care. It also helps me to watch or listen to standup comedy when I have free time. Training myself to laugh and maintain a positive outlook no matter what is happening in life has helped me adapt to circumstances as a human and artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybeloat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.beloat/
Image Credits
Main image credits: Photographer: Ehsan Zarrin MUA: Ashley Marin Hairstyling: Gretchen Gramlich Other images… Top row: Photographer: Zachary Lee Witt HMUA: Reyna Khalil Male Model/Husband: William P Cook Middle Left Image: Photographer: Yuliya Panchenko Styling & Creative Director: Guzal Komilova MUA: Nicki Marie Middle Right Image: Photographer: Elizabeth Hauck Bottom Left image: Photographer: William P Cook Bottom Right Image: Photographer: Yuliya Panchenko Designer: Inna Rudenko HMUA: Lauren DeCosimo
