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
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine.
Maxine Ashley:
If I invest in anything it is in my skincare. Nothing fancy but the facials I do are lol.
I make sure I have very thick moisturizers for night and thin for the morning that don’t clog my pores or have too much fragrance in it, since I do have very sensitive skin. I ALWAYS put on sunscreen, I make sure to exfoliate with acids and never those exfoliates with the beads in it, it’s so bad for your skin. I use rational only at night and I love African Shea butter. I also make sure the soaps I use in the shower aren’t too stripping and you can use as a shampoo, body wash, face wash, all in one for sensitive skin. I SCRUBBBBB my skin at least once a week, like I make sure I’m pink when I’m out the shower ahaha, dry brushing is also great for the skin and circulation.
Now onto the facials I get once a month (When I can afford it) I don’t get those fancy facials that are over the 1,000, I keep it cute and stay in the $100’s and a little over. I also don’t pay for Netflix, Spotify, Hulu or any other streaming platforms so I can afford this lol but that’s a whole other topic.
I get PRP micro needling. Probably my favorite facial right now (Not so great for people who are squeamish) They take out your blood and spin it in this machine that separate the red blood cells and the liquid gold aka the PRP. They will then take a machine that has very little needles (They don’t go in so deep, its very surface level) use it all over your face and spread the PRP on top. It basically causes the body to heal itself and produces more collagen and heals scars in the process.
Namita Nayyar:
You began to take on the music industry by writing songs for Ariana Grande, Pharrell Williams, Clean Bandit, Alex Guadino, The Cool Kids, and others. Tell us more about your songwriting talent and who is your role model as a songwriter and your inspiration?
Maxine Ashley:
All these songs were once mine as an artist. I’ve never written a song for anyone else but myself. It just so happen that they like what I did and used it which I am so happy and blessed to have been able to be seen and heard by such amazing talent.
My inspiration is the world around me. Bronx culture, Caribbean culture but also internet culture is a very big influence for me. What grew up listening vs what I started to find myself on the internet that developed my personality. I got into a lot of rock, indie pop, screamo, heavy metal, hyper pop, Jpop, punk, uk pop. I grew up with my mom loving and listening to Beyonce, India Arie, Lauren Hill, and Motown. My parents are also musicians themselves, so I grew up watching them perform in a salsa band. I have a very big family as well all Puerto Rican, Dominican, black, even some Japanese nephews in the mix too so we will throw a lot of baby showers and you will hear a lot of hip hop, bachata, salsa, meregnue, reggae ton, dancehall, reggae.
Namita Nayyar:
As a model you have walked the runways for the world’s finest fashion designers, brands, and also magazines namely Fenty, MAC, Pat McGrath, Adidas, Vogue, and more. Tell us more about your experience working for them and how these professional achievements have acted as a motivator to further your professional career as a supermodel and also as a catalyst to achieve spectacular heights in modeling?
Maxine Ashley:
You calling me a supermodel makes me feel so amazing. Thank you!! Ahah I never thought I will hear those words in correlation to me. But it feels unreal, when I think of a model I think, very tall, very thin, very uniquely beautiful so to see big brands higher more girls like me is a beautiful look into the future. A more realistic and relatable approach. Hopefully can help little girls look at and think “If she can do it I DEF can do it too”. Not only little girls but all women.
I don’t come from money or famous parents. I am a girl from The Bronx, sound view who sang on YouTube and got discovered. The internet is an amazing place where more and more people like me are being discovered and getting to live out their dreams. I hope I can make this a long lasting career for myself. I never thought I would fall in love with modeling but I really genuinely enjoy it and it motivates me to stay healthy as well.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding fashion model girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of modeling?
Maxine Ashley:
I will say, make sure to make yourself a priority. Focus on little goals each day that’ll eventually take you to the greater goal. Try to enjoy the climb although it can be very stressful but just remember what you’re doing it for. Take care of your health and your mental; learn something new each day, keep motivating people around you that also want better for themselves.
Namita Nayyar:
You have done bold photo shoots with Vogue and other magazines. How you are so body confident and advice to your compatriots?
Maxine Ashley:
I will not lie; I am not very body positive at times. I am a woman that gets her period and has endometriosis. IT SUCKS I always feel bloated and in pain. BUT I make it my priority to do something each day to make myself feel better. I have this thing called mental health Sundays where I DO NOOOOOTHING and don’t feel bad for it, which makes me love Mondays. Every day is a new day and I might not know how I will feel that day but, I try my best to not be my own worst enemy and to be good to myself no matter what size I am. A healthy mind is a healthy body.
Namita Nayyar:
You have released your own music and sound with your single ‘You Need Me’ on Billboard Charting Black Coffee’s New Album – ‘Subconsciously’. Tell us more about this milestone in your career?
Maxine Ashley:
Well that album is up for a Grammy so FINGERS CROSSED!!!! When I got the opportunity to be on Black coffees album I was so excited! Especially since I haven’t released music in a while. Every new accomplishment just brings me closer to my bigger goal. I am currently working on a new project with some amazing talents and I really can’t wait to share with the world. We really put our whole heart and foot in this project with very little to no money. Just pure love and support from people who believe in me as an artist and I them as artist.
Namita Nayyar:
Elaborate about your Single released “Runaway”.
Maxine Ashley:
That was some hard times for me lol. That song was written with honesty, every bit of it is true. It’s almost embarrassing but I want people to be able to feel my honesty and hopefully relate.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Maxine Ashley:
I WORK on them. Every workout I do has to have some kind of abs work out to it. But UNFORTUNATELY the gym doesn’t create abs the kitchen does……. So if you want some abs move your body, drinks that water, shove those greens in your mouth and keep it pushing lol.
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Maxine Ashley:
French fries, Ramen, Green apples, Pita chips and hummus, Pickles
French fries, Ramen, chips, any sweets (Im not a big fan of anyway), Alcohol (It’s not a food but it’s so high in calories might as well be lol)
Namita Nayyar:
Five skincare myths.
Maxine Ashley:
- You need a million products to have healthy skin
- The more expensive the product the better
- Collagen works
- You need to by skin care that influencers are promoting
- Scrubbing your face with a towel is okay
Namita Nayyar:
Five athletic leisure brands you love to wear.
Maxine Ashley:
- The no name brands you find in the street
- Anything made from cotton
- Adidas
- Nike
- Santee ally
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Maxine Ashley:
- Japan
- Puerto Rico to visit family
- Spain
- Dubai
- Anywhere warm with a lot of water, I honestly want to see it all.
Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and the message for its visitors?
Maxine Ashley:
Stay strong, beautiful and work on that BODDDD for yourself and your health.
Namita Nayyar:
Your idea of a perfect date?
Maxine Ashley:
Korean bbq, Karaoke, Picnic, anything with food and wine. Something adventurous….. Like flying me out to Hawaii or some shit lol!
Namita Nayyar:
Today social media plays a vital role in putting your message across to your followers and fans. What is your message for the 13k followers on Instagram?
Maxine Ashley:
If you got through this whole interview thank you so much for taking the time to read my rambles and I hope I gained some cool new supporters to the community!! Reach out I reply 🙂
Maxine Ashley Social Media Presence
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maxineashley/?hl=en
Twitter https://twitter.com/maxineashley
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/maxineofficial
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2022 Women Fitness