Ashley Kahsaklahwee interview with IGN babes
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Ashley Kahsaklahwee,
Interview
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IGN Babes: Kahsaklahwee - what a very interesting last name. Could you tell a little bit about your ethnicity?
Ashley: My ethnicity is Native American on my father's side and German on my mother's. I am a member of both The Cherokee Nation & Creek Nation. I am one-half Native and one-half Caucasian so I am a bit of a mutt. I come from two opposing cultures but I am a mix of both in various aspects of my daily life and I derive my personality and lifestyle from both. I am definitely a city girl but there is that part of me that is at home while riding horses and picking blackberries on my father's land. I participate in my cultural events and model for several Native owned companies. My grandmother, a full-blooded Cherokee was a very traditional Native woman. Very strong, opinionated and outspoken and I definitely inherited these traits. Natives, regardless of their tribal affiliation, are some of the most kind and giving people I know. It is about helping one another out, progress, and giving back to the community.
IGN Babes: It would seem you have much pride in your Native American blood. Do you have an Indian name?
Ashley: Usdi Guque Kahsaklahwee which in English translates to Little Quail Kahsaklahwee. I received the Little Quail name later in life which was based on my personality, that of a Quail. The bird that never stops moving and is very petite, much like myself. My father just calls me Quail, as do the majority of my close friends and family- rarely do they call me Ashley.
IGN Babes: Can you tell us a little about your childhood growing up?
Ashley: Very typical family. My parents are still married which is rare in this day and age. I have a sister and two brothers. We grew up in Eastern Oklahoma in a rural area with lots of wide-open spaces, land, and horses. My grandparents' land is Indian land where it is like a different country. Different rules apply and the lifestyle is one with the earth, not a materialistic life in any sense. I developed my love for nature and animals through my grandmother's appreciation and dependence upon the land. She lived a very traditional Cherokee life and her strong principles and beliefs have stayed with me today.
IGN Babes: Who are your heroes - person(s) you look up to?
Ashley: One of my heroes would have to be Leonard Peltier, a Native American Political prisoner who was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. He is a true warrior and most likely will never see the light of day due to our lack of a true justice system. His book My Life is My Sundance is a must read for those who are not familiar with the American Indian Movement and the failure of the system at large.
Ashley: My ethnicity is Native American on my father's side and German on my mother's. I am a member of both The Cherokee Nation & Creek Nation. I am one-half Native and one-half Caucasian so I am a bit of a mutt. I come from two opposing cultures but I am a mix of both in various aspects of my daily life and I derive my personality and lifestyle from both. I am definitely a city girl but there is that part of me that is at home while riding horses and picking blackberries on my father's land. I participate in my cultural events and model for several Native owned companies. My grandmother, a full-blooded Cherokee was a very traditional Native woman. Very strong, opinionated and outspoken and I definitely inherited these traits. Natives, regardless of their tribal affiliation, are some of the most kind and giving people I know. It is about helping one another out, progress, and giving back to the community.
IGN Babes: It would seem you have much pride in your Native American blood. Do you have an Indian name?
Ashley: Usdi Guque Kahsaklahwee which in English translates to Little Quail Kahsaklahwee. I received the Little Quail name later in life which was based on my personality, that of a Quail. The bird that never stops moving and is very petite, much like myself. My father just calls me Quail, as do the majority of my close friends and family- rarely do they call me Ashley.
IGN Babes: Can you tell us a little about your childhood growing up?
Ashley: Very typical family. My parents are still married which is rare in this day and age. I have a sister and two brothers. We grew up in Eastern Oklahoma in a rural area with lots of wide-open spaces, land, and horses. My grandparents' land is Indian land where it is like a different country. Different rules apply and the lifestyle is one with the earth, not a materialistic life in any sense. I developed my love for nature and animals through my grandmother's appreciation and dependence upon the land. She lived a very traditional Cherokee life and her strong principles and beliefs have stayed with me today.
IGN Babes: Who are your heroes - person(s) you look up to?
Ashley: One of my heroes would have to be Leonard Peltier, a Native American Political prisoner who was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. He is a true warrior and most likely will never see the light of day due to our lack of a true justice system. His book My Life is My Sundance is a must read for those who are not familiar with the American Indian Movement and the failure of the system at large.
IGN Babes: What was your favorite cartoon as a child?
Ashley: Scooby-Doo! I still watch cartoons to this day and as a matter of fact, it is my favorite thing to do first thing on a Saturday morning. Lay in bed with Starbucks and watching Cartoon Network. The cartoons today are amazing compared to what we grew up with but I still love the classics like Scooby-Doo - if it wasn't for those damn kids!
IGN Babes: G.I Joes or Barbies? [Laughs]
Ashley: Well I was a Barbie girl. I had the Barbie Mansion, Corvette, and even the Jacuzzi. I had the entire wardrobe… very telling for my future I guess. Although I was a bit disappointed that she was blond so I did color her hair and braid it - I customized my Barbie!
IGN Babes: Where do you come home now?
Ashley: Oklahoma will always be home. Everyone has a distorted view of the state and when I am back in LA I am continually defending the fact that not all Oklahomans are rednecks or missing teeth. It is a beautiful state rich in culture and we have the largest Native population in the Nation. I love going home and being with my family, going to Pow Wows and just having my space. I have a place there and a place in LA as I work mainly in LA, Chicago, Dallas, and New York.
IGN Babes: What made you want to become a model?
Ashley: I was born wearing heels. From the age of five I had a large collection of lip glosses and jewelry. I was all girl at such a young age and a total prissy thing. I never intended to "become a model", I focused on my education and took a few modeling jobs to pay the bills but the creative aspect of the job is what keeps me involved. I have a love of photography, fashion, and makeup so it was only a natural step into the industry. Plus, I am not cut out for a 9-5 job, I love my freedom, and the ability to travel at a moments notice to an amazing location & have a blast shooting great images. The paycheck is just a bonus.
In college it afforded me the opportunity to pay my tuition and rent. Now that I have completed my education I have come to the conclusion that this field is not just about standing in front of a camera and looking pretty to pay the bills. I love this work which is very athletic and artistic in nature. At a young age I was trained in ballet and gymnastics and now I am able to utilize those skills along with my love of fashion and makeup to create what I hope are unique and uncommon images. I also attempt to produce photographs that tell a story, push the envelope, and question the stereotypical beliefs of my culture and that go beyond a nude body. It is an exceptional thing, the female form in and of itself but I strive to combine that with other elements and at time the nudity is secondary to the other elements of the image.
IGN Babes: How did you get into modeling?
Ashley: My older sister was a runway and editorial print model. Unlike myself, she inherited the height for fashion- I am only 5'5" so fashion was out for me. I would tag along with her on Go-Sees and fell in love with the entire process, makeup, clothes, photography, etc. I signed with her agency and started doing commercials and print work during high school. I continued to do a few print jobs during college and once I graduated, I focused all my efforts into my current career and I am happy I did so.
IGN Babes: What would you consider your big break?
Ashley: Honestly I think the opportunity I was given to work with Mystique Magazine is by far my proudest moment in this business. I believe in the work they produce, the images are artist in nature and not obvious like the majority of major publications you see today. The nudity is almost secondary to the story that the image tells the viewer. Mark Daughn, the photographer for Mystique is truly an amazing and talented artist so I feel privileged to work with such a great group of people. They are one of the most choosey publications and it is not easy to become a Mystique Model- they have extremely high standards and are highly respected for their Coffee Table Books, online magazines, and DVDs.
IGN Babes: What type of modeling work have you done in the past?
Ashley: I have done mainly print and a bit of runway. Prior to my website, I modeled for a variety of Native owned clothing companies, swimsuit calendars, posters, and the like. Now that my website is my focus, along with other commercial jobs, I prefer to do artistic work that is gallery quality and if the shoot is for my website, I have total control over each and every aspect of the image from the clothing to the makeup. I am a bit of a perfectionist and if I am going to create an image it is going to be right- I do not half ass anything I do.
IGN Babes: What do you like most about modeling?
Ashley: Well the travel is fantastic and I love the transformation that takes place when you shoot. You can become so many different people, similar to acting, you become the character you are dressed as. I love the entire process and have no problem working a 15 hour day.
IGN Babes: What do you dislike the most about modeling?
Ashley: The fact that there are individuals in the world who are so closed-minded and judge a person they know nothing about. I have received a few emails from one individual who stated I have disgraced my tribe by posing in the nude. My intent is not to piss off any group, especially those from my own tribe, but I will do the work I choose and my images are far from pornographic. The ideal that Native women are to be covered in buckskin and are nonsexual beings is ridiculous and outdated. We are modern, educated, powerful, beautiful and God-forbid sexual beings.
Additionally, there is a ton of jealousy and competition among models. I believe we should appreciate one another's differences and support one another as opposed to attempt to make ourselves out to be superior to another. We all bring different looks and abilities to the table and that variety is what makes for an interesting photograph and model.
IGN Babes: All right we know that you have the looks - what is your educational background?
Ashley: Well I have a Bachelors of Science in Business where I graduated Cum Laude. I then went onto Law School at private university and studied traditional law and also focused on Native American rights and Environmental Law. I intended to become an attorney and practice law within my tribe. I did my internship within The Cherokee Nation for sometime and decided that it was too taxing on me personally as I took home with me and internalized the disappointing aspects of the law. My skin is not quite thick enough to separate myself from my work and therefore I made a choice to work in my current field as opposed to fighting a system that will most likely never change. Law is a respectable and needed field and I will always have my education to fall back on when the time comes, however, I am a much more content person working in a creative field as opposed to one that is so rigid.
Ashley: Well the travel is fantastic and I love the transformation that takes place when you shoot. You can become so many different people, similar to acting, you become the character you are dressed as. I love the entire process and have no problem working a 15 hour day.
IGN Babes: What do you dislike the most about modeling?
Ashley: The fact that there are individuals in the world who are so closed-minded and judge a person they know nothing about. I have received a few emails from one individual who stated I have disgraced my tribe by posing in the nude. My intent is not to piss off any group, especially those from my own tribe, but I will do the work I choose and my images are far from pornographic. The ideal that Native women are to be covered in buckskin and are nonsexual beings is ridiculous and outdated. We are modern, educated, powerful, beautiful and God-forbid sexual beings.
Additionally, there is a ton of jealousy and competition among models. I believe we should appreciate one another's differences and support one another as opposed to attempt to make ourselves out to be superior to another. We all bring different looks and abilities to the table and that variety is what makes for an interesting photograph and model.
IGN Babes: All right we know that you have the looks - what is your educational background?
Ashley: Well I have a Bachelors of Science in Business where I graduated Cum Laude. I then went onto Law School at private university and studied traditional law and also focused on Native American rights and Environmental Law. I intended to become an attorney and practice law within my tribe. I did my internship within The Cherokee Nation for sometime and decided that it was too taxing on me personally as I took home with me and internalized the disappointing aspects of the law. My skin is not quite thick enough to separate myself from my work and therefore I made a choice to work in my current field as opposed to fighting a system that will most likely never change. Law is a respectable and needed field and I will always have my education to fall back on when the time comes, however, I am a much more content person working in a creative field as opposed to one that is so rigid.
IGN Babes: If you weren't modeling what would you be doing?
Ashley: Again, I would most likely work in the industry behind the scenes. Either in makeup and styling but I plan to start my own makeup line for ethnic women in the near future. I have a difficult time finding makeup that matches my skin and I am certain there are many women of mixed races with the same problem.
IGN Babes: Can you describe the last 24 hours?
Ashley: I have been working at home - no shooting for the last few days so I am attempting to catch up on email for AshleySkin.com and take it easy as well. I went to the pool for a few hours and flipped through Italian Vogue while catching a few rays!
IGN Babes: What are some of your hobbies/interests?
Ashley: I am involved in wildlife rehabilitation and have been for several years. At this time in my life I am away more than not so I field phone calls & send the animals to other rehabilitators. Also, I do traditional beadwork and attend Pow Wows as often as I can. My downtime is spent with my English Bulldog Rick and my friends & family. I am a bit of a homebody, I love to cook a huge dinner for everyone and watch a movie. It doesn't take much to make me content.
IGN Babes: Is there anything you would say that would classify you as a nerd?
Ashley: I wear librarian glasses when I take out my contacts so I look like a bit of a nerd. Also, I am a bit of a bookworm and constantly reading anything from issues with the Death Penalty to the History of Fashion.
IGN Babes: What do you do to relax?
Ashley: I am not a morning person at all!! So if I get an opportunity to sleep in I take it. I love to lie in bed and watch movies- typically Breakfast at Tiffany's, which is one of my favorite movies. I also love to hang out at the pool or the beach with my friends. I am a mermaid and love all things involving the water from skiing to surfing.
IGN Babes: Any guilty pleasures?
Ashley: Hate to admit it but I love the reality shows on VH1. It's like a train wreck you can't look away from. Also, not sure this qualifies, but I am a true Mt. Dew addict! It is my only requirement to be on set- but it must be chilled in the can! (weird I know)
IGN Babes: What makes you smile and laugh?
Ashley: I love the movie Anchorman and regardless of what's going on in my day- a line from that movie is quoted and I lose it… the more you watch it the more you pick up on the subtle and not-so-subtle random lines.
Also, my dog Rick… he is a huge, slobbering, snoring, guy's dog who thinks he is a human. He is unconditional and always happy to see me.
IGN Babes: What is one thing you want people to know about you?
Ashley: That I am very down to earth and work my ass off. I love my family, friends, and the things in life that really matter. Money, cars, or titles do not easily impress me. As a matter of fact I appreciate a person for being genuine as opposed to some LA-acting jerk. People have a tendency to judge others based on looks and I am often labeled "high maintenance"- not true. Okay, I can be a little high maintenance, but overall I am easily entertained and very social. I talk to everyone and find that I meet the most interesting people in the oddest places.
Ashley: I wear librarian glasses when I take out my contacts so I look like a bit of a nerd. Also, I am a bit of a bookworm and constantly reading anything from issues with the Death Penalty to the History of Fashion.
IGN Babes: What do you do to relax?
Ashley: I am not a morning person at all!! So if I get an opportunity to sleep in I take it. I love to lie in bed and watch movies- typically Breakfast at Tiffany's, which is one of my favorite movies. I also love to hang out at the pool or the beach with my friends. I am a mermaid and love all things involving the water from skiing to surfing.
IGN Babes: Any guilty pleasures?
Ashley: Hate to admit it but I love the reality shows on VH1. It's like a train wreck you can't look away from. Also, not sure this qualifies, but I am a true Mt. Dew addict! It is my only requirement to be on set- but it must be chilled in the can! (weird I know)
IGN Babes: What makes you smile and laugh?
Ashley: I love the movie Anchorman and regardless of what's going on in my day- a line from that movie is quoted and I lose it… the more you watch it the more you pick up on the subtle and not-so-subtle random lines.
Also, my dog Rick… he is a huge, slobbering, snoring, guy's dog who thinks he is a human. He is unconditional and always happy to see me.
IGN Babes: What is one thing you want people to know about you?
Ashley: That I am very down to earth and work my ass off. I love my family, friends, and the things in life that really matter. Money, cars, or titles do not easily impress me. As a matter of fact I appreciate a person for being genuine as opposed to some LA-acting jerk. People have a tendency to judge others based on looks and I am often labeled "high maintenance"- not true. Okay, I can be a little high maintenance, but overall I am easily entertained and very social. I talk to everyone and find that I meet the most interesting people in the oddest places.
IGN Babes: Now its your chance to plug or give any shout outs!
Ashley: First, thanks to you guys at IGN for being such a cool group to work with. Second, to Jason Erskine of Gold Coast Interactive, my manager and web designer. He is an amazing person who has worked countless hours and had to put up with my occasional rants (perfectionist here)- thanks for all you have done & continue to do.
Also, to Ken Wagnon of KStudios in Dallas. We have created the most amazing images and without Ken I would not know what it is like to have my ass kicked for 16 hours straight while shooting amazing pictures! Also, LOJO Studios in NY- you rock & you know it. Lastly, to Mark Daughn of Mystique Magazine, thank you for the amazing opportunity and it is an honor to be a Mystique Model! (I feel like I'm accepting an award here - kidding).
IGN Babes: And finally closing thoughts?
Ashley: It is important to remember that we all have choices and options in this life and to respect the choices of others, even if we disagree, illustrates intellect and open- mindedness. Art is found in many forms and it is my goal to show a style of modeling that is just that- art, a form of art that causes one to think, to experience an array of emotions, and to find diversity and beauty captured in a photograph.
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