Meet Ashley Toman | Recording Artist & Songwriter

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

Hi Ashley, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly, it wasn’t something I sat down and constructed. The idea kind of came to me organically. I was a little frustrated with the industry after a lot of false promises about placing records, so I made an ad on Instagram and offered consultations to aspiring artists and writers and my inbox was full the next day with clients wanting to get started. I was like, “wow this actually could become a business.” People trusted me to give advice since I had independently landed several song placements and decided to offer my services for a fee. I then took it a step further and offered co-writing services, features, vocal arranging, vocal coaching, mentorship’s and creating electronic press kits for artists. Fast forward almost two years later, I’ve created a business that is thriving and successful and I never would have imagined it would have come to fruition the way it did. I really can only thank God for the way it aligned.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I definitely would not describe the journey as easy. There have been many ups and downs and sometimes the low moments make you want to quit, but the one thing about me is I don’t quit. I know with every fiber in me that my destiny is to do music weather that be- me as an artist, me as a writer, me writing for myself or other people- it is my destiny and my duty to do it. I believe that with every fiber in me that God gave me this gift to use and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

Sometimes our journeys realign in ways we didn’t quite plan for. For the longest time I wanted to be an artist and an artist only. A few years later, I landed song placements with Chaka Khan, Disney, Lifetime, The CW etc and I started a business where I help aspiring artists and writers with consultations, co-writes, features, vocal arranging/consulting etc which wasn’t something I had planned for but I believe it is apart of my destiny as well. End of the day I am a professional working singer and songwriter and I own a business where I help others do the same.

I think our journeys will align the way it’s supposed to, but it’s never easy. Anything worth having is going to mean there’s going to be long & hard days when you want to give up, frustration and tears at times, but that pain won’t last forever. There’s good days and bad days. When you know you’re walking in purpose it’s all going to be worth it in the end.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow so many! Cyclone Anayas is the best brunch spot in my opinion- I love a good salsa and their salsa is 10/10! Cha-Chos is the best “hole in the wall” Mexican restaurant in Houston in my opinion! The margaritas & quesadillas are delicious. As far as bars- I love Henke & Pilot- it’s the perfect mix between bougie and casual lol. If you want to get dressed up and be cute but not overboard- henke & pilot is the perfect spot! The Flat and Deans are chill bars if you’re looking for a cool atmosphere with decently priced drinks and good music/DJ’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, I’d like to thank my parents. They have supported me and had my back since the time they recognized I had a gift as a little girl. Without their support, I’m not sure I’d be where I am today. From musical theater days as a kid, to moving to Nashville in college to Los Angeles to all of the shows and tv appearances and every little detail, they were apart of that story. I’ll forever be grateful for having that.

Website: AshleyTomanMusic.com

Instagram: AshleyToman

Twitter: @AshleyToman

Youtube: AshleyToman