Maxine Ashley was born and raised in The Bronx NYC, to salsero parents. She is Grammy Award winning Singer and Songwriter. After being discovered on YouTube, she moved to London alone at the age of 13 to achieve her dreams. She began to take on the music industry by writing for songs for Ariana Grande, Pharrell Williams, Clean Bandit, Alex Guadino, The Cool Kids and others. Along with Music, Maxine has a face in the modeling industry, featuring Fenty, MAC, Pat McGrath, Adidas, Vogue, and more.
Maxine Ashley is ready to take on the world and release her own music and sound, kicking it off with her new single ‘You Need Me’ on Billboard Charting Black Coffee’s New Album – ‘Subconsciously’.
Women Fitness President Ms. Namita Nayyar catches up with exceptionally talented Maxine Ashley, a Grammy Award winning Singer and Songwriter to talk about her fitness routine, diet, skin care, hair care and her success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in The Bronx NYC US and later moved to the city of London alone at the age of thirteen. You have written Grammy-award-winning songs for Ariana Grande (Sweetener album) alongside Pharrell, who signed you when you were just 17 years old after discovering your talent via YouTube. This propelled your modeling career to the height where you have been at the top of the world of singing and modeling. Tell us more about your journey of hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Maxine Ashley:
At the age of 17 I was discovered by Pharrell Williams because of a YouTube video I posted singing Sweet Dreams by Beyonce. I was exposed to so many great things and got to see how legends worked while still developing as an artist and adult.
Modeling came out of the blue, I never expected to be modeling for these big brands and it was never something I thought I could ever do since I am only 5’7 and consider myself to be just an average looking girl. But modeling has been the only avenue to help me pay for my music, videos, etc.
It is also fun being able to meet so many talented makeup artists along the way and build a relationship with these big brands.
Namita Nayyar:
It is a dream for a singer to win Grammy. Elaborate more about this amazing and inspiring journey of winning the Grammy writing songs for Ariana Grande (Sweetener album)?
Maxine Ashley:
TBH I still feel like it isn’t real. I found out I got it sitting on my couch in The Bronx, wondering what I needed to do next, and then boom, I got the text “Congrats”. I was so confused and they told me I got a Grammy. It was very bitter sweet but most of all motivating to see that something I created so long ago is getting recognition. I can’t wait to receive a Grammy for something I sang and performed myself as an artist.
Namita Nayyar:
You are a world-leading singer, media personality, supermodel, influencer, and brand ambassador. How do you manage such a remarkable multi-dimensional lifestyle?
Maxine Ashley:
Thank you so much you make me sound so much better than I am ahaha. I have a regimen I like to stick by and a white board next to my bed where I mark off all the things I did that day. I wake up, drink water, take my vitamins, make coffee, fast for a few hours while answering emails, work out, make food (most of the time I will order it lol) and create music.
I recently challenged myself to stay sober (No alcohol) for a few months and it has been amazing for my skin and overall mental health. My lifestyle is very much a stay at home musician who barely sees sunlight but still tries their best to stay healthy and sane while creating art! Lol.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Maxine Ashley:
I recently got a treadmill during the pandemic. It was the best thing I ever invested in since I do sit down for a long time making music. Nothing expensive or fancy either. It was $150 and thin enough to hide under your bed. I make sure to workout at least 3-5 times a week for an hour or hour and a half depending on how hard the workout is.
I’m really into Hiit workouts, quick and high intensity workouts, running and recently got into jump roping (probably my favorite right now)
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Maxine Ashley:
I haven’t eaten meat in 14 years. Since I don’t move much I find that not having meat in my stomach makes me feel healthier and more energized. I also love fasting and drinking a lot of water. I know it sounds very simple but I think it should be simple. I don’t follow diets since sometimes I don’t know when my next meal will be. I just try to stay as healthy as possible since life can be very stressful at times.
But since cutting out meat I will say I love the taste of veggies and fruits!
A good trick I’ve learned when I don’t feel like eating healthy because I’m pushing or just to tired too think about my health, I would chug some water, shove some greens and/fruit down my mouth like a vitamin (Don’t even think of it like a meal lol) and then eat whatever I want after. It’s good to just get all that healthy stuff into your body first. Balance.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
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