Meet Ashley Graver—a boss babe, branding genius, and true innovator in the music industry. While she isn't discussing strategy and branding initiatives with music partners, you can find her at a live music show—okay that is still work for her, but she is the definition of committed to her work. Just by meeting her you will quickly realize she is one the most hard working individuals you'll encounter. We caught up with Ashley, learned about her love for music, her commitment to wellness, and how she values kindness and forgiveness above all else. Get to know Ashley...
I AM ASHLEY GRAVER AND I DEFINE CONFIDENCE AS WILLING TO TAKE RISKS.
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I grew up in San Diego and now live in New York City. I’m still a cali girl to the core!
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO?
I'm the Head of Creative Artist Partnerships at Spotify. In my role, I oversee artist partnerships for new content brand initiatives and industry programs across the Music organization. I'm dedicated to partnering with artists to create innovative campaigns that bring their creative vision to life while connecting them closer to their fans.
WHY IS HAVING A HEALTHY GUT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
A clear mind, positive spirit, and a balanced body all begin with the gut. I’ve always been super conscious of what I put in my body and try to eat clean and healthy as much as I can.
WHY DO YOU LOVE THE CONFIDENCE CO?
I am a huge sweets person. I eat desert every night and more so recently have been getting more bloated and feeling sick after I eat cookies or ice cream—pretty much anything heavy or with dairy. I took a Confidence Co Enzyme before a dinner that I knew I was eating cake and they truly made a huge difference! I didn’t have any bloating or anything!
NAME YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT.
This is a tough one because I’m a huge foodie and there are so many good restaurants in NYC. Carbone is definitely one of my favorites.
NAME THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS.
- California Burrito but anything and everything Mexican. I love spicy. If you’re ever in San Diego - Robertos has the best cali burrito in the game. Make sure to ask for the special hot sauce.
- Spicy tuna crispy rice - extra ginger on the side (always).
- Pizza
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE?
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies from Bakerita blog.
ANY MAJOR WELLNESS MOMENTS IN YOUR LIFE?
My body truly craves and enjoys movement. I work out five days a week and do a mixture of pilates, yoga, and throw in dance sometimes too. I love to plan Zoom workout dates with my friends/coworkers makes every workout more fun!
WHAT'S YOUR CURRENT SELF-CARE ROUTINE?
Prioritizing me time has been extremely important. Whether that's a hot shower, doing a facemask, working out or even going for a drive. This is a great time for self reflection so I say embrace it!
WHERE DO YOU GET OR DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
MUSIC!!! I miss concerts. I miss going to see my favorite bands & artists. I miss the energy. I can’t wait to see a live show again.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 18-YEAR OLD SELF?
It’s okay to make mistakes.
HOW HAVE YOU KEPT UP YOUR CREATIVITY DURING THIS TIME?
I’m fortunate in that my job is both a source of creativity and also challenges my own creativity regularly. But during this time, that's been even more true. Restraints that have presented themselves due to quarantine have made me think BIGGER and outside of the box. Being forced to pivot and adapt shows you how resilient you can be and how creativity thrives during the unknown. It's been refreshing to throw out the rulebook and have the leeway to test anything right now. All ideas are fair game.
HAVE YOU FOUND CREATING ART TO BE HELPFUL WITH EVERYTHING GOING ON? IF SO, HOW?
Cooking has been super therapeutic for me during this pandemic - it’s kind of turned me into a chef :) It’s been an escape from reality and a way to unwind at the end of the day. So nice to throw on some music, drink a glass of red wine, and try new recipes. On top of it, it’s something I can share & make with family and friends.
WHAT ARE IS ONE SELF-CARE RITUAL YOU'RE LEANING INTO FOR COMFORT?
I’ve been on the hot water with lemon kick! I drink it every morning before coffee & every night before bed. Sounds so simple but having the extra time to do this has been so nice. It has become a part of my daily routine.
DO YOU HAVE A QUOTE, POEM OR SONG THAT YOU WOULD DEFINE AS YOUR ANTHEM?
Forgive yourself each night & re-commit each morning.
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It's nice to be important, but it's important to be nice. Kindness is free.
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