The story

On January 17, 2018, I acquired a new title… ‘Survivor.’

I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure at the age of 34. Most likely caused by a virus, maybe as simple as the common cold.

When I watched my heart beating on the echocardiogram that day at Nashville General, and the doctor confirmed that I had heart failure, of course, I panicked due to the severity of the issue, but I also felt like I had run out of time. 

I grew up as a hopeful young lady with this crazy voice and loads of potential, ready to share my God-given talents with the world. Yet, here I was… in my 30’s… in the emergency room…. with heart failure. Whaaaat?

For years, I denied my dreams and what my heart was telling me (and probably shouting!), and directed my energy to the safer, less vulnerable path with various marketing and communications roles in large, corporate settings.  

As you can imagine, that day in the emergency room was a monumental moment of reflection, and it changed my life forever.

I made a commitment to myself that day. Ashley, there is no better time than right now to live the life you’ve always wanted to live.  In recovery, I was reunited with my heart after so many years of ignoring her and the true passion for music, singing and storytelling that runs through my veins. 

I haven’t taken the traditional path to get this point of reflection, but I’m here now. I realize now, more than ever, that you must listen to your heart to find true peace and happiness.

Overcoming my greatest fears, I will pursue and utilize my God-given voice, full heart and seasons of experience to tell relatable, memorable and meaningful stories through beautifully written songs and clever, witty characters.