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

Hi Ashley, why did you pursue a creative career?
My entire life, I’ve always been intrigued by the creative arts world, specifically entertainment. In a way, I guess you could say I’ve had a passion for it since birth, starting when my mom went into labor with me while buying concert tickets and later, delivered me while that year’s Oscar ceremony was airing in the background. From there, I took matters into my own hands. When I was 2-years-old, I started singing in church – not because they asked me to, but because I went up on the stage and grabbed the microphone and started singing “Jesus Loves Me” and no one could tell me not to. When I was 8-years-old, I worked on my first movie set, which opened an exciting new world for me because I got to witness the joy of real people getting to create and do something they love as their career, and I knew I wanted that too.

I’m now an experienced publicist and have spent several years representing filmmakers and creatives in the entertainment industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve built my career in entertainment publicity by centering stories that deserve a bigger spotlight—whether that’s amplifying athletes, entertainers, or cultural voices that shape how we see the world. What sets me apart is the way I approach PR: I don’t just focus on headlines, I focus on impact. For me, it’s not about chasing coverage for the sake of coverage, but about crafting narratives that resonate, open doors, and connect people to culture on a deeper level.

I’m most proud of the moments when my work has elevated underrepresented voices and helped clients step into opportunities they may not have had otherwise. Seeing a story I pitched land in a major outlet is rewarding, but the real win is when that exposure shifts perception, creates business growth, or inspires others. Those moments remind me why I chose this path.

My journey hasn’t been linear or easy—I’ve had to navigate the realities of breaking into an industry that can feel gatekept and competitive. There were times when I had to prove myself twice as hard, or carve out my own opportunities when doors weren’t opening. What got me through was persistence, adaptability, and a belief that my perspective and skills had value. Every challenge taught me resilience and sharpened my ability to think creatively under pressure, which is one of the most valuable skills in PR.

Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned are that relationships are everything, authenticity wins every time, and success is a marathon, not a sprint. PR is about trust—both with your clients and the media—and you build that by consistently showing up and delivering.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my work is rooted in passion for storytelling and advocacy. I believe entertainment isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about culture, representation, and legacy. My story is still being written, but the throughline is always the same: championing voices, building bridges, and leaving spaces better than I found them.

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.
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta, here are some of the things we would do:

Morning: Brunch at ‘Breakfast at Barney’s’ or a cool brunch/mimosa spot
Afternoon: Visit the High Museum of Art (see if any pop-up exhibits are going on) and/or shopping and quick bites at Ponce City Market and mini golf at Skyline Park
Evening: Dinner at The Garden Room or Gypsy Kitchen
Night: Bar hopping on the BeltLine or attend comedy show at Vortex Comedy Club

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout the public relations, communications and marketing professors who taught me at Georgia Southern University – they all played a part in making me fall in love with my profession. Without their encouragement, guidance and mentorship, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They all genuinely care about their students and their success, which helped me a lot throughout my college years and set the stage for what to expect in my career.

Website: https://ashleyabshireagency.com/

Instagram: @abshireashley

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyabshire

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