You may recognize Ashley Blaine Featherson from her role on the FOX show, Glee, or in the critically acclaimed film, Dear White People. The Maryland native has always had her eye on performing, and in addition to television she is the co-creator, co-producer and star of web series, Hello Cupid. We chatted with Ashley to find out what daily life is like for the performer, get her 5 minute beauty routine, and find out the details on Blaine Lorenn, her soon to be released line of hair and skin care products! And, as part of our July partnership with Lottabody, we got Ashley to share a few of her favorite things from the brand as well!
Tell us about a day in the life of a busy actress, performer and web series producer.
My days vary. I typically wake up, pray, read out of my daily devotional book 'Jesus Calling', write down my answer to the "question of the day" from my 5-year journal, answer emails, make some phone calls, (have a) lunch/dinner meeting, (go to an) audition, or hang out with friends. I love not knowing what the day will bring!
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Being able to inspire young girls with big dreams that they too can be on TV!
What advice would you give to other young women of color who are interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts?
Find a really awesome mentor. Shadow someone who is doing what you want to do. Learn the ropes while practicing humility and patience. I would also encourage them to STUDY. Yes, for many of us performing is an innate talent, but it is still one that I continue to hone and perfect. There is ALWAYS room for growth and improvement.
How do you incorporate exercise and healthy eating into your daily routine?
I just try to be conscious of it. I hike a few times a week and workout with friends. I also try to make it fun. I cook a lot of fun foods and always love trying new recipes. Oh I also do 200 crunches every night before bed while watching one of my favorite shows.
You are planning to release a line of all natural, apothecary hair and skin care products this year. Tell us more about what consumers can expect from these products.
Christina Elmore and I are really excited to share Blaine Lorenn with the world. We are launching with 6 products at the end of this month: a clay mask, bath soak, body oil, eye & brow elixir, hair & body merengue & a body polish. We are small batch, handmade, luxe and made with LOVE.
How would you describe your signature style? What are some of your favorite places to shop?
I have a modern vintage style. I LOVE vintage/thrift store finds but I also love designer jeans and shoes. I love what I'm wearing the most when I mix the two--something modern with something vintage. My favorite stores are Wasteland, Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdales, Zara & my local thrift store.
Do you have a go-to "5 minute face" or easy beauty routine for your off-duty days?
My "5-10" minute face is simple: a little foundation or tinted moisturizer, concealer, brown blush, darker brown for my contour, highlighting bronzer, mascara & brow wax. My easy beauty routine is to wash my face with African Black Soap & moisturize my eyes with Blaine Lorenn's 'WONDER' eye & brow elixir.
We've heard that you're a big fan of the Lottabody brand for caring for your tresses. What are some of your favorite Lottabody products and why?
I love their edge control and setting lotion! Nothing else compares. The "Control Me" edge control leaves NO build up and holds throughout the day. The "Style Me" setting lotion is like a miraculous potion. You can use it for literally ANYTHING. To tame your hair, lay it down, slick it back, twist it, braid it, curl it…ANYTHING. I absolutely love Lottabody products!
What are some of your favorite protective hairstyles for summer?
MARLEY TWISTS (which I have in now); a great big, gorgeous faux bun, and box braids which I plan to try next!
What three products are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail products you just can't live without?
African Black Soap
Blaine Lorenn WONDER Eye & Brow Elixir
Mac Matte Lipstick-'Styled In Sepia'
Learn more about Ashley at her website AshleyBlaineFeatherson.com and watch her on YouTube. Or you can follow her on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Other COCOBelle of the Month interviews you might like:
Nicole Ari Parker
LisaRaye McCoy
Tamala Jones
Tell us about a day in the life of a busy actress, performer and web series producer.
My days vary. I typically wake up, pray, read out of my daily devotional book 'Jesus Calling', write down my answer to the "question of the day" from my 5-year journal, answer emails, make some phone calls, (have a) lunch/dinner meeting, (go to an) audition, or hang out with friends. I love not knowing what the day will bring!
What is your favorite part of what you do?
Being able to inspire young girls with big dreams that they too can be on TV!
What advice would you give to other young women of color who are interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts?
Find a really awesome mentor. Shadow someone who is doing what you want to do. Learn the ropes while practicing humility and patience. I would also encourage them to STUDY. Yes, for many of us performing is an innate talent, but it is still one that I continue to hone and perfect. There is ALWAYS room for growth and improvement.
How do you incorporate exercise and healthy eating into your daily routine?
I just try to be conscious of it. I hike a few times a week and workout with friends. I also try to make it fun. I cook a lot of fun foods and always love trying new recipes. Oh I also do 200 crunches every night before bed while watching one of my favorite shows.
You are planning to release a line of all natural, apothecary hair and skin care products this year. Tell us more about what consumers can expect from these products.
Christina Elmore and I are really excited to share Blaine Lorenn with the world. We are launching with 6 products at the end of this month: a clay mask, bath soak, body oil, eye & brow elixir, hair & body merengue & a body polish. We are small batch, handmade, luxe and made with LOVE.
How would you describe your signature style? What are some of your favorite places to shop?
I have a modern vintage style. I LOVE vintage/thrift store finds but I also love designer jeans and shoes. I love what I'm wearing the most when I mix the two--something modern with something vintage. My favorite stores are Wasteland, Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdales, Zara & my local thrift store.
Do you have a go-to "5 minute face" or easy beauty routine for your off-duty days?
My "5-10" minute face is simple: a little foundation or tinted moisturizer, concealer, brown blush, darker brown for my contour, highlighting bronzer, mascara & brow wax. My easy beauty routine is to wash my face with African Black Soap & moisturize my eyes with Blaine Lorenn's 'WONDER' eye & brow elixir.
We've heard that you're a big fan of the Lottabody brand for caring for your tresses. What are some of your favorite Lottabody products and why?
I love their edge control and setting lotion! Nothing else compares. The "Control Me" edge control leaves NO build up and holds throughout the day. The "Style Me" setting lotion is like a miraculous potion. You can use it for literally ANYTHING. To tame your hair, lay it down, slick it back, twist it, braid it, curl it…ANYTHING. I absolutely love Lottabody products!
What are some of your favorite protective hairstyles for summer?
MARLEY TWISTS (which I have in now); a great big, gorgeous faux bun, and box braids which I plan to try next!
What three products are in your Ultimate Beauty Arsenal--those Holy Grail products you just can't live without?
African Black Soap
Blaine Lorenn WONDER Eye & Brow Elixir
Mac Matte Lipstick-'Styled In Sepia'
Learn more about Ashley at her website AshleyBlaineFeatherson.com and watch her on YouTube. Or you can follow her on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Other COCOBelle of the Month interviews you might like:
Nicole Ari Parker
LisaRaye McCoy
Tamala Jones