Meet Ashya Watkins | RBT Training Specialist & Artist

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

Hi Ashya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business is to inspire, uplift, and heal others. I use the arts as a healing tool and a way to connect with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In simple terms, stay determined, stay disciplined, and show up! This journey has not been the easiest but it has been very rewarding. I started my journey in 2017. This was truly a tough year for me…I found myself often reflecting back to my high school art courses. In high school, I was injured running track and the arts was the only thing that kept me motivated during my recovery period. I felt these same emotions in the year of 2017, so I picked up a paint brush and completed my first ADW original for a pageant in college. My friends loved the piece so much I started to receive messages for custom orders. In 2020, I received some really discomforting medical information and again the emotions hit. I didn’t really understand mental health or TRUE self care then but I knew I needed to release and connect with others, so I hosted my first solo art show. I figured I had to put myself out there and find the community that supports my next phase of life. Which was the title of my second show in December 2021, “Next Phase.” Since then I have grown as an artist tremendously and things started to just flow. I hosted a meeting for local artist in 2022 and completed my first mural at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. In 2023, I joined two art families BMG and Bourbon with Heart. I am now displaying my work in conferences, exhibits, galleries, and attending organizations/schools for public speaking and guided art courses. I have learned a lot of lessons throughout the years of investing in my brand. One thing I would share to a another or younger artist is you have to show up, adjust your schedule for the lifestyle, and always keep your purpose for creating first! ADWs mission is to heal and connect! Ashya is dedicated to uplifting others and building positive relationships within her community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To have a blast in the city is to go view the beauties of the city. My favorite thing to do is drive around the city, so I would take you on a car ride; wind blowing, music bumping, and enjoy a nice slushy or iced coffee. I also enjoy sitting out by the river, so definitely taking in the views from or near the big 4 bridge. Growing up in the city Thunder over Louisville was always big for my family during derby season, so I would hope their trip is planned around that time. However, I grew up in J-Town so Gaslight Festival is really big for me as well. Louisville has a lot to offer I would encourage my friend to explore. In my adult years, I am seeing my city grow and I have enjoyed spending my Saturdays on Main Street.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had the opportunity to work with several individuals while on my art journey, I am very appreciative for my community. Since promoting myself as a local artist in the city of Louisville, I would like to thank Prizm Pop for allowing my first vendor opportunities, Bourbon with Heart for displaying my talents and giving back to the city, BMG for connecting me with several black artist in the city, and of course my family and friends for the endless support and words of encouragement.

Website: ashyadenise.home.blog

Instagram: ashyadenise

Facebook: Ashya Watkins

Other: Email: ashya.adw@gmail.com