
As a self-appointed committee member of the Beyhive, I stan Ashley Everett! Most notably known for being the dance captain for our beloved Queen Bey, Ashley is an internationally recognized professional dancer with an ever-growing list of accolades. She’s worked with other countless artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Ne-Yo, and Ciara, to name a few. When I hear the song “Diva” by Beyoncé, particularly the line “Since 15 in my stilettos still struttin’ in this game,” I think of Ashley. Although not quite 15 as the song suggests (but close enough), since 16 years old, she’s been carving out the life of her dreams. Perhaps why she and Bey have been able to grow and learn from each other in their professional journeys. The parallels are evident; sacrifice, hard work, and familial support behind two rockstar women with big goals and even bigger dreams [literally] since they were teens.
At only 30 years old, she’s not just breaking barriers, she’s blazing paths. But behind the image and flashing lights, she’s just like you and me, working every day to figure out this thing called life. Living in the spotlight is no easy feat. With her every move closely monitored under a microscope, it was all good until it wasn’t. During “The Formation World Tour” in 2016, her love life and career intersected when her ex-boo proposed in front of a sold-out audience. Social media went crazy, and the engagement went viral. Then it happened. The questions, whispers, and side-eyes began rolling in about her relationship status. Personally, I’m easily frustrated when one or two people question me about marriage or other intimate happenings in my life. Quite frankly, it’s none of their business, so I can’t imagine receiving the third-degree from around the world.
Not to be defeated, and although she didn’t owe anyone an explanation, Ashley made a bold move and broke her silence late last year, confessing there wouldn’t be a wedding. The way society and social media are set-up these days, everyone wants the tea. Despite public scrutiny and humiliation, and instead of having others tell her story, she took back control of her narrative. Finding the courage from within to stand up for herself and walk away from a relationship that no longer served the greater good of who she is at the core. The journey of self-love is challenging, but she’s putting in that work! Learning from past love lessons, rediscovering her happiness, and developing a stronger sense of self. She fought to become her own best friend and protect the woman she is today and make peace with her past. Grab a pen and pad to take notes and get you a dose of these self-love gems that Ms. Ashley is dropping down below.
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