BEAUTI, COCKTAILS & GIRLTALK

🍸 Top-Shelf: Where Ambition Meets Mixology 🍸
Shake things up with our intoxicating new segment, "Top-Shelf"! Like the finest spirits that elevate any cocktail, we're serving up conversations with women who are the crème de la crème in their fields.
These leading ladies are the smooth bourbon of business, the sparkling champagne of innovation, and the aged whiskey of wisdom. They've climbed to the shelves of success and are now ready to pour out their secrets.
In each issue, we'll stir up inspiration, blend career insights with personal triumphs, and garnish it all with a twist of girl talk. So, grab your favorite glass because these stories are best enjoyed with a side of sass and a splash of ambition.
Get ready to raise a toast to the women who are shaking up their industries. Welcome to Top-Shelf – where every story is served straight up, with no chaser needed!
Cheers to success, sisters! 🥂

Join us for an exclusive interview with the versatile Ashley Versher, a rising star whose talent is making waves in the entertainment industry. From her captivating portrayal of the fierce and passionate 'Lena' in Tyler Perry's Netflix drama Beauty In Black, where she advocates for natural hair and to her other diverse roles, Ashley's versatility is truly impressive.

But Ashley's career is not just about one breakout role. She has graced the screen in Jennifer Lopez's 'This Is Me...Now: A Love Story' on Prime Video and landed a coveted supporting role alongside Taraji P. Henson in the upcoming Netflix film 'Straw.' Her career is not just impressive, it's on fire. With appearances in popular series like 'American Auto,' 'Law & Order: SVU,' and 'Reasonable Doubt,' as well as notable theater performances, Ashley showcases her range across various mediums.

What truly sets Ashley apart, however, is her passion off-screen. As a self-taught filmmaker, she's dedicated to uplifting young filmmakers of color, collaborating with organizations like Made In Her Image to pave the way for the next generation of diverse talent in film and media. Her advocacy for diversity in film is not just inspiring, but also gives us hope for a more inclusive entertainment industry. Join us as we delve into the world of this multi-faceted artist, exploring her journey, craft, and vision.

In the bustling world of Hollywood, where dreams are born and shattered daily, Ashley Versher stands as a beacon of authenticity and determination. Her journey in the arts began long before the bright lights of Tinseltown beckoned, rooted in the melodies of choir songs and the delicate strains of a violin.

"I have always been involved in the arts, at least for as long as I can remember," Ashley reminisces, "I sang in the choir and started playing the violin at a young age." This early immersion in the arts, coupled with a father who instilled in her a deep love for film and music, laid the foundation for Ashley's future. Yet, like many artists, her path took time to be clear.

"It just took me some years to figure out which medium of art I was most passionate about," she admits. "Acting came first, and filmmaking came second."

As Ashley speaks, there's a palpable sense of gratitude for the journey that led her to where she is today – a multifaceted artist thriving as an actress, director, and producer. Her latest role as Lena in "Beauty In Black" showcases her versatility as an actress and her commitment to telling stories that matter.

"Oh wow, I love Lena," Ashley says. "She is so different from me, which makes her all the more fun to play. She has a playful and systematic way of handling people, which I love the most about her."

As she delves deeper into the character, it becomes clear that Lena represents more than just a role – she's a statement. "She's an antagonist in the show. She is firm and grounded in her beliefs. She's got something to prove."

Ashley's advocacy work, particularly her passion for empowering young women and filmmakers of color, is reflected in her sharing about her involvement with "Made In Her Image," an organization dedicated to advancing young women, girls, and non-binary youth of color in film.

"At this point in my career, I am doing my best to show up for others and be of service," Ashley says. "My time working with MIHI has taught me that showing up, taking action, and fostering healthy and fruitful learning environments are invaluable to an individual's belief that they can and deserve to take up space and inspire them to do so. Inspiration is everything."

This commitment to lifting others as she climbs is a recurring theme in Ashley's career. When asked about her most rewarding moment, she doesn't hesitate:

'I wasn't surprised when my nieces said they wanted to act. They are young, and acting wasn't the only thing on their list, but my career has opened their eyes to what is possible, at least a tiny bit.'

Her career has inspired her nieces and many other young women and filmmakers of color, proving the power of representation in the industry.

But Ashley's journey hasn't been without its challenges. She's learned to find strength in faith and self-belief in an industry notorious for rejection. "It's faith, having faith that everything will work out," she shares. "My belief is substantial and has wavered, but it has never ceased to exist. So, when times are complex or challenging, I take a beat and bet on my faith."

This resilience has served her well, especially as she navigates the complexities of being a Black woman in Hollywood. Ashley's advocacy extends beyond her work with organizations to her everyday choices, particularly regarding natural hair representation.

"Hair is so personal and personal to Black women deeply and relentlessly - there has been so much persecution and disdain for it," Ashley explains, her passion evident.

"I think Black women wearing their hair however they want, whenever they want, and wherever they want is an act of advocacy and activism. I'm proud and grateful for all the women before me who knew and gifted me that."

Ashley offers advice that encapsulates her career and advocacy work approach: "Networking is real. But mainly, it's networking with those to your left and right. Though the word 'networking' can feel very loaded, when I say Networking, I mean building genuine and organic relationships with like-minded individuals—that's my vibe, 100%." This advice reflects Ashley's approach to building connections in the industry.

Ashley Versher stands out as a beacon of authenticity, talent, and purpose in an industry often criticized for its superficiality. Her journey from a young girl singing in the choir to a multifaceted artist and advocate is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of lifting others as you climb. As she continues to make her mark both on and off the screen, one thing is clear: Ashley Versher is not just telling stories – she's changing the narrative.

Interview by Nicola H. Styles

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