Meet Ashley Orlando | Vocalist, Ukulele Artist, Charisma Coach

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

Hi Ashley, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
The million-dollar question! In the world of music and speaking, it’s easy to equate success with winning awards, becoming rich and famous, etc. But defining success that way means you’re always chasing the next thing. I’ve learned that a healthier definition of success for me is daily taking steps toward deepening my skills as a vocalist and ukulele artist, along with presence, communication and leadership development. I love connecting with interesting people and stepping out of my comfort zone to do projects and shows that I’m passionate about. For me, life is about focusing on the process, not the payoff. There will ALWAYS be a bigger show or stage to aspire to, but how can I be truly present in the moment and connect to make THIS day, THIS conversation, THIS instance a powerful one.

At the moment, I’m thrilled to be prepping to open on May 8th at The Heights Theater in Houston, TX, for the incredible Jake Shimabukuro, an ukulele virtuoso and composer who is known and tours worldwide but also truly understands the importance of gratitude and giving back.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With a background in both public relations and music, I love straddling the worlds of music AND communication/leadership development. It’s a dream come true to bring singing INTO my speeches to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

And the ukulele (and occasional kazoo/mouth trumpet) adds in an extra element of fun!

It was not at all easy for me to get where I am today—mostly because of my own self-doubt and fear—but as a result of having to work through these obstacles, I am better-equipped to help other high-achieving professionals who also suffer from a lack of confidence, imposter syndrome, and/or an overbearing inner critic. Deeply understanding this common but often hidden struggle has made me even more passionate about my mission to help 1 million women find their speaking, creative, or musical voice.

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?
Exploring Louisiana is one of my favorite things to do! I’d definitely show them around downtown Baton Rouge, Spanish Town, the Old State Capitol AND get a birds-eye view of the city from the top of the current State Capitol building. We could also see a show at the Manship Theater and enjoy dinner at Portobello’s.

No visit to Louisiana is complete without a day-trip to Acadiana. On our way west, we’d stop at the West Baton Rouge Museum for a historical tour en francais (I speak French and love connecting visitors to Louisiana’s French culture). Then we’d continue on to enjoy more francophone delights in the small French-speaking town of Arnaudville, with lunch at the Bayou Teche Brewing Company. Before returning to Baton Rouge, I love to stop for dinner at Café Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge.

Finally, we’d have to take another day trip to New Orleans! One of my favorite places in the city is the New Orleans Jazz Museum. We’d explore their latest exhibits and catch one of their fabulous 2pm concerts. Then we could make one more stop at Bacchanal Wine in the Bywater for happy hour with live music on their gorgeous back patio before heading home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have helped me get to where I am today!

Musically, there are truly too many to name, but a few standouts who helped me early in my journey are:

My ukulele duo partner, Kenneth Fowler, who constantly challenges me and keeps me focused while taking calculated risks.

My ukulele teachers Craig Chee and Sarah Maisel, who showed me the depth of what I could do with jazz ukulele, encouraged me, and introduced me to most of the great jazz ukulele players I continue to learn from today.

Barry Sames, an incredible Houston-based jazz pianist, arranger, and bandleader who took me under his wing in Houston after the pandemic, helped me get established in the jazz scene there, and who regularly brings me back to Texas for fun projects and gigs.

Speaking-wise: Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown and Craig Valentine are all world-class professional speakers who have helped me hone my power of storytelling. Thanks to their guidance, I can’t wait to see where the next steps of my career as a keynote artist takes me!

And last but definitely not least, I’d like to give a big shout-out to my husband, Adam, who is loving and supportive of my creative endeavors. My favorite hidden talent of his is an incredible knack for inserting comic relief into my life when I need it most.

Website: https://www.ashleyorlando.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyorlandomusic

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyorlandomusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AshleyOrlando

Other: BandsInTown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/15528624-ashley-orlando?came_from=250&utm_medium=web&utm_source=artist_event_page&utm_campaign=artist

Image Credits
Ingrid Nacole Photography