Meet Ashley Herman | Actor/Comedian, Writer & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Herman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When moving back to Dallas, I wasn’t sure where to turn to find a community of creatives. I could see the talent, the desire and the potential, yet I couldn’t discover a hub for likeminded artists-of all types-to come together to collaborate.

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

It’s not necessarily the most talented person in the room that books the role or receives the most success. Of course, that’s a major component in most success stories, however, there’s perseverance, business savvy, discipline, and luck among a long list of other factors. It’s not just art, it’s also a business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally? What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

Running my collective, teaching classes and writing! Plus I’m always on the lookout for widening my network of fellow creatives!

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

It’s not necessarily the most talented person in the room that books the role or receives the most success. Of course, that’s a major component in most success stories, however, there’s perseverance, business savvy, discipline, and luck among a long list of other factors. It’s not just art, it’s also a business.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

Everything. Life as an artist is a risk in and of itself. There are a million easier paths to choose. Success in this industry has no true roadmap, and every person’s success story is completely different.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

Working with timing rather than against it. Deciding to have patience, adaptability and acceptance. Trusting I have the ability to navigate the waves of change.

What is the most important factor behind your success/the success of your brand?

Who to work with. You truly are who you surround yourself with, and some are just meant to be visitors rather than collaborators. Acting, writing, and filmmaking takes a village and you want to make sure yours is populated with the right cast and crew.

What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?

Taking time to step away. A hiatus from the industry as a professional. Also, moving back home to Dallas while still having plans to pursue my dreams. That’s why my business being in the city I love is so meaningful to me. ` Dallas should be a major location for the arts.

Work/life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance.

I believe a healthy work/life balance is crucial. I have actually learned the majority of my lessons on this from being in industries other than creative ones. When working in other industries, I found that if I don’t have some form of a creative outlet, it bleeds into my personal life; I feel suffocated.

When I was working a non-artistic job, I was discussing work-related success one day with a family friend, she shook her head in protest. She looked at me and said “Yes, but what are you doing for yourself as an artist?” This is a woman who knew me all my life, and honestly? That question changed my entire perspective. An artist is who I am, not what I do.

It’s impossible to turn it off, I live and breathe art and creativity from what I watch to what I wear and who I surround myself with. Once I accepted this and harnessed my creativity with purpose, my life became easier. I certainly limit my time and self from my business, but art is a switch I can never flip. I have learned to add structure to my artistry. For instance, as a standup comedienne and writer, I wake up and write every morning. And to those aspiring, please know I’m not pumping out uncut gems every morning, there are tons of duds!

Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you /what do you like about it?
I’m going to give you two.

“Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity.”
-Gilda Radner

This one speaks to me specifically because as a performer and human being, I focus on being present. Mostly because I’ve been unsuccessful at it in the past! Also, this woman is the reason I got into comedy. She’s an absolute legend.

“I found that every time I asked permission the answer tended to be no. So I had to make my own yeses.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Beverley’s! I can’t decide between brunch or dinner there, but drinks at Clifton Club after. I also love Old Monk for drinks.

I most likely have purchased tickets to a show at AT&T performing arts Center or Dallas Theatre Center at the Wyly.

I would point out the magic of the skyline, and allow that Dallas magic to carry us to a new adventure!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, anyone who told me with words or intentions that I couldn’t do it on my own. That pushed me harder than any other influence. On a positive note, my family, friends and community I have found here in Dallas, have truly allowed me to grow, flourish and driven me beyond what I could dream was possible.

Website: www.belmontcollectivetx.com

Instagram: @hermieherm @belmontcollectivetx

Twitter: @hermieherm