Simone Ashley: “Self-Belief Changed My Life”

Simone Ashley describes her "single era" as an important, intentional period of self-discovery and self-prioritization. With a life consumed by work—traveling, filming, doing press, releasing music—she finds it vital to spend time alone, get comfortable with discomfort, and become confident within the quiet. This time allows her to clarify her values, work priorities, and friendships, strengthening her self-belief and making her more at ease with herself.

Wanting Vs. Pursuing With Joy and Abundance

Simone distinguishes between desiring love as a pressure versus approaching it as a joyful pursuit. She explains that while wanting a relationship is natural, it’s important not to let that desire become a source of stress or desperation. Instead, she seeks to approach love with excitement, joy, and abundance, reminding herself that wanting partnership is okay and can be done from a place of fullness rather than lack. She expresses a wish to meet a partner who finds it easy and uncomplicated to build a life together, with an emphasis on genuine connection and friendship free of unnecessary complication.

Self-Belief and Fulfillment In Attracting the Right Partnership

For Simone, attracting the right partnership begins with finding joy, excitement, and fulfillment within herself. Manifesting love is linked to being healthy, happy, and self-assured—feeling her cup is full and her batteries charged. This state of self-belief and inner glow naturally draws compatible, positive romantic energy. Simone highlights the difference between her professional and personal selves. Relationships soften her in ways that work cannot, letting her rest, be held, and embraced, in contrast to the confidence and drive she maintains professionally. Love, for her, is a haven from life’s pressures.

Processing Rejection and Disappointment in Relationships vs. Career

Simone finds professional rejection much less personal; it touches the surface but doesn’t shake her core. In relationships, however, she invests deeply, sharing her self-belief and vulnerability. When that isn’t reciprocated, the pain is profound. She likens it to offering someone the “best piece of cake,” only to have them refuse it, and admits she still struggles not to equate others’ inability to accept her self-belief with her own worth. Learning that others’ emotional readiness is not a reflection of her value is an ongoing lesson and a “muscle” she’s still building.

Recognizing Patterns for Potential vs. Healthy Partnerships

Reflecting on past relationships, Simone noticed a pattern of valuing charm and humor, which sometimes masked deeper insecurity or anxiety in partners. She now seeks self-aware individuals who can sit with discomfort, embrace self-expansion, and are focused on growth. Her own decision to understand and improve herself made her realize that partners who do the same are those she connects with most deeply.

Manifesting Love Through Values While Open to Surprise

Simone’s vision of an ideal partnership centers on kindness, zest for life, mutual creativity, progress, ambition, curiosity, and excitement for shared growth. She wants a partner who dreams alongside her and is unafraid to build something meaningful together. However, she also acknowledges that perfect scenarios rarely unfold exactly as imagined. Whether in work or romance, Simone values s ...

Cultivating Early Career Self-Belief to Overcome Rejection

Simone Ashley illustrates how unwavering self-belief since childhood protected her from the sting of early professional rejection. She recalls always feeling it was “written” that her dreams would have the opportunity to come true and never letting doubt enter her mind. This inner conviction, rather than external validation, fortified her confidence. As a result, when agencies or casting directors rejected her in her early twenties, she dismissed the rejections, attributing them to others' inability to see her potential. Simone viewed doubters as “dumb to not see” what she was capable of and remained unshaken, trusting that eventually the right collaborators would recognize her vision. This persistent self-assurance gave her a sense of being “bad-ass and confident,” a core internal resource that no one could take away from her.

Understanding "Nearlys" As Redirections to Better Opportunities

Simone reveals that her “nearlys”—roles and opportunities that were close but never materialized—initially caused disappointment but later revealed themselves as critical redirections. She describes the many times in her early twenties she made it to the final rounds, such as screen tests and chemistry reads, yet didn’t get the part. These near-misses, in hindsight, proved fortunate: if she had secured those roles, she would have missed out on the projects that truly transformed her career. In a pivotal example, her commitment to “The Little Mermaid” almost cost her a leading role in “Bridgerton.” Because of scheduling conflicts, she was nearly unable to accept the transformative opportunity of playing Kate Sharma in “Bridgerton.” Her team fought for her release from a minor commitment on “The Little Mermaid,” eventually succeeding and dramatically changing the trajectory of her career. Simone frames these moments as an affirmation that sometimes not getting what you want is a way for something better to come along.

Ambition vs. Desperate Decision-Making Driven by Hunger

Simone normalizes feelings of hunger and desperation in creative pursuits but cautions against making choices out of desperation. She acknowledges frequently feeling desperate and hungry for opportunities, particularly during challenging periods like the uncertainty following the COVID lockdown. While there is no shame in feeling this way, she notes that decisions based on desperation rarely serve one's long-term best interests. Instead, Simone advocates discernment when evaluating career opportunities and stresses that the options appearing biggest in the moment may not be the best strategically or for personal fulfillment. She describes the importance of intentionality—recognizing that seemingly smaller opportunities can better align with and advance a person’s true goals.

Embracing a Multi-Hyphenate Identity: Pursuing Music and Acting Without Fear Of Losing Credibility

Simone Ashley started singing at age six, driven by the fear she would later regret not exploring her musical side. She did not want to look back and feel she had missed ...

Community's Role in Feeling Grounded During Major Life Transitions

Simone Finds Her New York Friends Among the Best Things Since Moving

Simone Ashley shares that one of the best things that happened to her since moving to New York is the community of friends she has built. Looking back to 2021, she says she would have been overjoyed to know how supportive and expansive her social circle would become. Her group of girlfriends has grown significantly and become a vital source of support and joy as she navigates adult life in a new city. The maturing she experiences deepens her connection with her family as well.

She Credits Her Friend Savannah For Introducing Her To a Supportive Community of Like-Minded Women

Simone credits her friend Savannah, who is particularly social and well-connected, with introducing her to many people in New York. Savannah helped her get out, meet new people, and ultimately find a welcoming community made up of like-minded women, which Simone describes as "open-armed." Simone emphasizes that she just got lucky by "falling" into this group, highlighting the importance of being receptive to introductions and new social circles.

How Envy Destroys Friendships and Childhood Lessons On Non-materialism

Values of Kindness and Sharing Over Materialism

Simone’s mother instilled in her and her brother strong values based on kindness and non-materialism. Growing up in a small Indian village where status wasn’t determined by possessions, Simone’s mother emphasized that “your currency was your kindness and just who you were as a person.” Stories from her mother—such as reminding her children that fighting over food is meaningless once it is eaten—taught Simone not to be possessive or materialistic.

Believes Genuine Friendships Require Celebrating Friends' Wins Without Envy

These early lessons evolved into Simone’s view that true friendships cannot thrive when tainted by envy. She finds it difficult to relate to envy and believes it's destructive in friendships. Jay Shetty agrees, pointing out that envy—be it over relationships, money, or careers—has ended many friendships he’s observed. Simone feels envy is the opposite of true friendship; genuine friends want to see each other win and are able to celebrate each other's achievements without jealousy.

True Friendship: Unconditional Presence and Mutual Celebration in Difficulties and Success

A Good Friend Supports and Accepts Simone, Even At Her Worst

Simone values friends who are honest and remain present, even when it’s uncomfortable. She believes that friendship is an “ongoing heartbeat,” persisting through both good times and hardships. Even when Simone is not at her best—struggling with difficulties or being repetitive or annoying—her friends stand by her, accepting her completely.

True Friendship Means Being There for Wins, Wanting Friends to Have Their Moments in Love, Career, or Smaller Victories

Equally important to Simone is having friends who show up to celebrate her successes. She describes true friendship as wanting others to “have their moment,” whether it’s finding love, reaching a career milestone, or achieving something small. Feeling authentic pride and joy for a friend’s accomplishments, without envy, defines real connection for her.

Female Friendships in New York: Growth and Encouragement Dynamics

Simone's NYC Girlfriends Embrace a "Sex and the City" Mindset: Support Each Other In Fitness, Taking Risks, Living Fully, and Navigating Dating

Simone notices a special dynamic among her New York girlfriends, many of whom are in their late 20s and early 30s. She likens their spirit to the “Sex and the City” narrative—supporting one another in dating, health, and living fully. They encourage each other to exercise, explore, take risks, and enjoy life in the city.

Friendships Thrive On Cathartic Connections, Uniting Women Across Backgrounds To Validate Insecurities and Awkwardness

Simone finds that female friendship in N ...

Building Confidence in Her Skin Color and Cultural Identity Over Internalizing Bullying or Racism

Simone Ashley describes always having loved the color of her skin, never doubting her own beauty or worth because of her heritage. Even when she experienced bullying or racism, she refused to let those experiences define her identity or self-perception. She says, "As a kid, I just always loved the color of my skin. It wasn’t anything that I second guessed at all." Despite sometimes facing bullying, nothing anyone said made her believe their criticisms were true. Simone also shares fond memories of spending summers in California, openly embracing her skin by wearing summer dresses and never hiding from the sun, choosing instead to celebrate her skin color rather than feel shame. She reiterates her belief that brown skin is beautiful and that this sense of pride took up more space in her mind than any negativity from others.

Jay Shetty, reflecting on his own similar experiences, remarks that although he was bullied for his skin color in primary school, he didn’t internalize it or view his skin color as an advantage or disadvantage. He, too, grew up believing he could do anything, reinforcing this narrative of resilience and confidence in cultural identity.

Influence of Mother's Example on Self-Love and Pride Despite Lighter Skin Tone

Simone highlights the vital impact her mother had on her confidence and self-acceptance. Although her mother has a much lighter skin tone, Simone describes her as "so beautiful," serving as a powerful model of self-love, self-embrace, and pride. This maternal example helped Simone see beauty beyond color comparisons, giving her a standard to look up to independent of societal or cultural narratives around skin color. Her mother’s unconditional self-pride surpassed the constraints of cultural identity debates, and, as Simone notes, set a strong example of loving and celebrating oneself.

Representation and Responsibility as an Indian Actress

As she matured, Simone became increasingly aware of the responsibility and opportunity that came with her visibility as an Indian actress. She frequently hears from young women who thank her for her representation and for inspiring them to believe their dreams are possible. Simone feels proud and fulfilled knowing her work empowers others. She now consciously chooses roles that inspire young women and demonstrate what is possible, understanding that representation matters deeply.

Simone is adamant that neither her skin color nor her cultural heritage should stereotype or limit her; instead, she makes career choices that celebrate her identity without confining her to a box. She expresses a desire to "spread good in the world, and especially help women feel like their dreams are possible." Simone emphasizes that she follows her heart and doesn't overthink this responsibility, treating it as a natural extension of who she is.

From Naive Childhood View of Career to Nuanced Adult Awareness of Her Role

As a child, Simone says she had a naive but freeing perspective—she was largely uninhibited by the restrictions others might have perceived in the career she wanted to pursue. Her focus was on her dreams, not the doubts or limitations her environment might have posed.

Now as an adult, Simone has greater clarity about her values and intentions, understanding more deeply what she represents. She can now articulate what she wants to do with her influence, how she wants to present herself, and how she wishes to impact others. Yet, she maintains a spirit of openness and authenticity, following her heart without overanalyzing her every move, seeking above all to shed positivity and opportunity for others.

Navigating Awkwardness and Isolation in All-girls Schools While Recognizing Their Role In Shaping ...

Simone Ashley’s creative career expands far beyond acting, grounded by her passion for music and commitment to multi-hyphenate artistry. With the support of dedicated collaborators and the creative charge of New York City, Simone’s journey showcases the vulnerability of releasing personal music, her intentions behind key songs, and her pursuit of artistic freedom and authenticity.

Building Her Music Career and Voice With Supportive Collaborators

Simone Developed For Three Years as a Songwriter and Artist With Fraser T. Smith, Who Guided Her Exploration and Discovery of Her Authentic Sound

Simone Ashley’s music career has been years in the making, rooted in her long-standing devotion to singing. For about three years, she developed as a songwriter and artist under the mentorship of Fraser T. Smith, who guided her through the exploration of styles, narrative approaches, and sonic identities. Fraser’s belief and patience enabled Simone to gradually move past her initial attempts to be bombastic, edgy, or overtly poetic in her lyricism. This supportive environment helped her discover her true sound—a voice grounded in honesty and simplicity that emerged over time.

Her New York Songwriting Evolved Into Simple, Heart-Driven, and Relatable Storytelling

As her songwriting matured, particularly after moving to New York, Simone’s lyrics shifted toward genuine, emotionally driven stories. No longer striving for complexity, her words became more straightforward and narrative, expressing feelings and experiences that could resonate with listeners broadly. She felt proud to share narratives drawn straight from her heart, connecting with relatable emotions and everyday truths.

How Nyc Energy & Summer Fueled Her True Musical Creativity

Moving To New York: A Turning Point For Simone's Confidence and Creative Freedom

Relocating to New York marked a major turning point in Simone’s life. The city exposed her to new people and experiences that profoundly impacted her confidence and creative approach. Living in New York helped her find a larger sense of self-assurance, and she credits the unique pulse of the city for pulling her out of her head and fostering her instinctual creativity.

City's Pace Sparks Creativity

Simone describes New York, especially in the summertime, as the perfect musical setting—fast-paced and inspiring. She worked with musicians like Dan and Tulu in studio sessions that felt creatively invigorating. The city’s non-stop rhythm kept her active and engaged, allowing her songwriting to become more instinctual and less overthought.

Vulnerability In Releasing Personal Music vs. Acting Performances

Unlike Film Work Where Studios Provide Protection and Share Failure, Simone's Music Is Her Own, Making It Her Most Vulnerable Professional Work

Unlike her acting career, where she is protected by studios and the collaborative nature of film, Simone finds releasing music a singularly vulnerable experience. With music, she is responsible for all creative outcomes—successes and failures are hers alone, amplifying the sense of exposure.

Experiences Intense Nerves Releasing Music Due to Personal Emotions Embedded, Unlike Acting Buffered by Character/Storyline

Releasing her own music brings intense nerves and vulnerability for Simone compared to acting, where she can take shelter behind a character or storyline. Music conveys her personal emotions and stories, making public reception and critique more personally impactful.

Creative Intentions Behind Songs "Free" and "Tragic Romantic."

"Free" Was Born From a Joyful Studio Session With Simone, Capturing Her Happiness and Gratitude in a Soulful Narrative

The song “Free” emerged from a joyful day in the studio. Simone describes it as capturing her happiness and gratitude, resulting in a soulful and uplifting narrative. She sees the track as reflecting her state of bliss and creative contentment during the recording process.

"Tragic Romantic," by Diane Warren, Humorously Addresses Falling In Love Despite Red Flags, While Simone Ensured It Conveys a Positive Message as Part of a Larger Story

“Tragic Romantic,” written by Diane Warren, plays with the idea of falling in love despite obvious red flags. Simone appreciates the tongue-in-cheek, almost humo ...