Entertainer and entrepreneur Vince Ashton is a man of many talents and skills and has not been afraid to utilize them. The Atlanta native is a musical artist, activist, host, photographer, and baker. Ashton has had many unforgettable moments through the years. His soulful voice has performed for former first lady Michelle Obama and opened for Grammy Award Winning R&B songstress Monica, Canton Jones, Karen Clark Sheard, Sammie, and Q. Parker of the R&B group 112. Ashton takes his passions and creates masterpieces. He is the owner of Blacktivity Activism, Everyday Ashton Photography, and It’s A Cheesecake by Vince Ashton. His cheesecake business launched in 2017 and has been booming since. His business success led him to his debut tv appearance on the Food Network Canada show, The Great Chocolate Showdown season 3, which premiered in March of this year. He is also now the official host of all College Park, Georgia festivities.
I had the pleasure of getting to know this rising star. Check out the interview with Vince Ashton.
You are an entertainer and entrepreneur. How did it all begin?
I began entertaining in my adolescent years… From high school talent shows, church concerts, recitals, and everything in between. It was definitely an essential time in my life and getting my foot in the entertainment industry. As far as being an entrepreneur, I’ve always had ideas/visions of owning businesses while in college, but it wasn’t until 2017 – 2018 that I started my cheesecake and photography businesses. I basically took passions, new traits, and ideas that I had then molded them into a business model, and here we are today.
Tell us more about your businesses: Blacktivity Activism, Everyday Ashton Photography, and It’s A Cheesecake by Vince Ashton.
Blacktivity is being ACTIVELY black for the culture. By making “black” a verb, I want to publicize black stories and social justice matters. I’ve actually hosted a virtual conference on social justice during the pandemic; the conversations are now being made into a podcast!
My photography business is definitely dear to my heart because I simply enjoy capturing everyday people in their most natural yet unique ways. Beyond portrait photography, I’ve done many events, weddings, award shows, red carpets, and international destinations. Thus far, my most prized moment is having some of the images I captured during the Atlanta protest (2020) be featured in the Quintessential Gentleman Magazine – Social Justice Issue in 2021.
It’s A Cheesecake has been a tremendous blessing. I have over 30 unique flavors; many of them were created around popular southern desserts such as Banana Pudding, Peach Cobbler & Sweet Potato Pie. I launched the business in 2018, have sold over 600 cheesecakes since then, have been featured in Lenox Mall, and it has afforded me the opportunity to be a part of a huge show on Food Network Canada.
What has your experience been like on The Great Chocolate Showdown?
It was a life-changing experience. Being on TV and competing in a baking show is incredibly intense, fun, bizarre, challenging, chaotic…all of the emotions. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I learned so much about the science of chocolate, baking, and even myself as an individual. How much strength, creativity, and patience do I have because they were all tested! In addition to that, my castmates were beyond amazing. The production team was great. All and all, a PHENOMENAL TIME!
How do you juggle the many hats that you wear?
I believe in planning quarterly; I’ve recognized which seasons are stronger than others through the years between entertainment, activism, photography, and dining. So with that info, I strategies and plan different initiatives/projects quarterly. However, I still give myself grace and fluidity in the event anything needs to be adjusted or stretched longer.
You have opened up for several artists and influential people. Tell us about your favorite performance.
Opening for Monica, hands down, has to be one of my favorite performances. Back in 2017, Greenville, South Carolina, was truly a career-changing moment for me. I’ve performed in Atlanta so much, and you get comfortable with that specific crowd, but to perform in another city that doesn’t know you from a can of paint and they received my original music so well. That moment just affirmed me in my abilities in being an artist. It was awesome.
With so many different talents, which one brings out the best in you?
Singing. All day, every day. It’s second nature for me; there’s a song for every type of emotion and occasion. It really is my joy, comfort, and escape.
How does it feel to be the official host of all College Park, Georgia festivities? Does hosting come naturally for you, or do you have to prepare yourself?
I am so honored and excited to host College Park, Georgia’s festivities. I am native to Atlanta, specifically East Point, which neighbors College Park, and I have family that resides in College Park to this day. So this is an area that I’ve grown up in and know by the back of my hand. Hosting definitely comes naturally to me. I’ve been told that I’m a pretty energetic and charismatic guy that’s relatable as well; in addition to that, I believe in “being what you want to see.” I try to host from a consumer’s angle and engage with them from that angle. It’s all about the experience.
What is your greatest inspiration?
My mother is my greatest inspiration. Her strength, sacrifice, grace, resilience, selflessness, and compassion for others is unmatched. Everything I do is for her!
What else can we expect from you in 2022?
In 2022 I plan to finally have my own original music available for streaming and release my very first project! Also, more hosting, and television opportunities are in the works too. Lastly, you can expect an impact. Giving back to others, being for the people, and leading with love.
To keep up with Vince Ashton and his journey, you can follow him on all social media platforms @Vince Ashton.
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