Ashley grew up in the mountains of Boone, NC At a young age she began enjoying dance and hasn’t stopped! All of her primary education years, she spent dancing, both performing and competing. After graduating high school, she attended Appalachian State University. During that time she opened her own dance studio, Appalachian Rhythm. She continues to share her love of dance with others and would tell you she couldn’t imagine her life any other way!

In addition to dance, she owns and operates Payne’s Advertising, a company her dad began when she was small. Ashley has a Bachelor of Science in Communication from ASU and a Certificate in Digital Marketing from UNC.

At home, Ashley is a wife and mother; family time is her most cherished time!  Other things she enjoys are: running, working out, and writing. Anything outdoors make her happy, but her most happy place is at the beach.

Recently, Ashley turned a long awaited dream into reality. Writing a children’s book has been something she has wanted to do ever since her now teenage daughter was a toddler, and it finally happened. Her debut book, Nacho House Cat, was released in July 2024. This book is part of a larger conservation effort in conjunction with Inspire EdVentures and The Belize Zoo. Ashley has two new books coming this Spring and Summer.