Ainsley Ross has proven to be a an absolute treat of a human being, thanks, in part, to her extensive resume and talent. Actress, model, martial artist, singer, writer, and more, the Texas native began her career in entertainment at an early age. She began writing music and acting in a community theater when she was only nine, and had written over 80 songs by 14. Combining her love for martial arts (Taekwondo) and performing, Ainsley has honed her skill to compliment her stunt work. Her work in the entertainment industry also includes her role as a composer for “The Reins Maker” soundtrack. In her spare time, Ainsley is a mentor and public speaker, and volunteers at the Academy of Music for the Blind, teaching music theory. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Ainsley Ross.

Where are you based?
I am currently Texas-based. I can work as an Atlanta and New York local as well.

You definitely caught the acting bug early, participating in a community theater when you were nine, along with writing music. How did you develop your mind for performing?
Adaptability is a key factor in developing the mind and mindset for performing. It is all about training and learning as much as you can about your craft. You develop the skillset of performing by experience and practice. The more you are on stage performing, the more connected you are with the audience!

Do you remember some of your early influences (film, art, music, etc.)? Who or what inspires you now?
I have always been very inspired by music. The artists who inspired me are completely opposite of the genre that I perform. Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton are artists who have inspired me. The stories in each one of their iconic songs truly taught me what a song is about. It's about telling a story! Film, you could say, captured my heart for that very reason as well. Film is the art of story-telling, and Audrey Hepburn, The Andy Griffith Show, and Hugh Jackman inspired my love for acting.

You are a natural for strong female roles with your martial arts background. How did you get into martial arts? Do you get to do a lot of your own stunts?
I got involved and invested in martial arts when I was nine years old. From that point on, I trained in Taekwondo until I earned my first-degree black belt. A few of my many skill sets eventually included class leader, instructor, national champion, and tactical weapons training. Due to moving to Los Angeles for industry purposes, I wanted to further my knowledge and love for martial arts. That's when I found X.M.A. World Headquarters (Extreme Martial Arts World Headquarters), trained by the one and only blue power ranger Mike Chat himself! In X.M.A., I learned a variety of stunts for film! This was truly a whole new world for me because stunts are so different than traditional fighting. I learned aspects of close-range military combatives, Krav Maga, Jiu-Jitsu, and elements of many other defense mechanisms. When I started learning stunts for film, it opened my heart to a whole new world, and it has had my heart and soul ever since."

It is so important to me. Martial arts have taught me many different things, such as self-love, respect for myself, respect for others, teamwork, and the art of giving back in your community. Martial arts prepared me for life, and it's such a massive piece of who I am. I like to say "Sometimes people only see one side to fighting, and that is the actual fight. However, what they do not see are the opponents shaking hands and hugging after a fight, fighters volunteering for charities, and teaching kids and people to know their worth and build their confidence." This is why the martial arts and stunts are always, and will always remain, huge impacts in my life. My soul feels whole because of it! This is one of my many outlets of self-expression for me.

Do you feel that martial arts has empowered you as a woman?
I do, in the stunt community we build each other up. I have been blessed to feel nothing but support, love, and respect from the stunt world. Like any industry, you have to prove and demonstrate your skillset to earn your peers' respect. Being a stuntwoman and martial artist has always been a foundational part of who I am. It is so empowering to be surrounded and encouraged by the X.M.A. World Headquarter Community. In stunts, it is really about encouraging each other and propelling each other to be the best you can be. We fight hard but train harder. It is a niche market filled with respect and hard work.

You are also a captivating force when it comes to music. You even wrote many songs for the film The Rein Maker. What is the process behind recording a soundtrack for a film? How much info are you given before you begin composing songs?
It was an experience like no other. It was a blessing and honor to write songs for the film's soundtrack. The process was different, yet familiar. I read the script and scene sequences that I was writing the songs for, and took those emotions and applied it to the music. You can't create a sad song for a happy scene. With that being said, you really have to pay attention to the story in your lyrics and match the emotional sequence in the scene. I was blessed to be provided with the script and pages to read, etc., ahead of time. You are (usually) provided the name of the producer to seek out, which is doing the instrumentals for the film's soundtrack. This ensures that you lay down the vocals with ease, and all of the music will be appropriately placed in the movie.

Over your life, you have written over 80 songs. Is your main passion music? What inspires you to write?
Life. Moments, memories, and feelings inspire me. Music is all about the emotion and story you have to share with others and how you share it. The passion I have for music is very strong; however, my passion runs a variety of avenues. It's tough to narrow down which is my main passion because I am passionate about so many things.

When you were 13, you wrote the song "Just Be You". Can you tell us a little bit about this song and the movement that came out of it?
I wrote "Just Be You" to encourage others of all ages to not conform to what society thinks they should be! I wrote the song when I was 13, and it went worldwide. I started doing what I called the "Just Be You" movement tour! Wherever I would perform, I brought in the local cosmetologists, including (nail techs, thera-pets, hairstylists, and makeup artists), and local restaurants. This allowed all of these kids to have a day, just to be themselves! We gave all of the kids journals, and we all worked on "Just Be You" games and had discussions and exercises about how to "Just Be You." This was honestly my favorite part of everything! This Just Be You movement was about boosting the confidence In pre-teens and teens to help them build their foundation in life. It was an anti-bullying campaign as well, and it has changed my life! Just be You is a song and statement I truly believe in. It's about embracing and spreading the word about the conformity that occurs in our world today. It's about embracing what you stand for, and the person you are. To me, to "Just Be You" is being who you are, and not conforming to what others expect you to be. It's genuinely about being happy and comfortable and proud of who you are as a person. Be proud of your choices, no matter if that is the food you like, the music you enjoy, or the styles you wear.

You also have worked with the Academy of Music for the Blind. Can you please tell us a little bit about this experience and how you got involved with this organization?
I was visiting Dana Point for the weekend when a lovely woman, Khim Teoh Theo, was playing her ukelele in the gift shop! I went up to her in admiration, and we hit it off! She started telling me about what she does in A.M.B. and invited me out to be a part of it! I immediately fell in love and became an advocate. I assisted in teaching music theory, as well as on stage rhythm movements! I would serve as a guide and would assist in serving lunch, etc. It was an honor to help them prepare for their performances and the award ceremony!

Do you believe music can be healing? If so, have you seen this in action?
I believe music is a love language of hope and healing. Music heals people all the time, and I see it every day. Music mends the broken soul and gives purpose to the lives of many. After break-ups and hard days at school, I have witnessed how music lifts the broken, young and old alike. At the Academy of Music for the Blind, I witnessed hands-on healing properties that music brings to the soul.

How are you staying positive during shelter in place?
Taking it day by day is the key. Wake up and count five things you are grateful for every morning. This jumpstart’s and propels your mindset for the day ahead. That simple thing is how I stay positive. Playing games, watching movies, and spending quality family time is how I have been occupying my time with positivity. It is all about perspective. Even though we aren't out and about like normal, at least we have a roof over our heads.

What is your motto in life?
"Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today." You can be the change that you wish to see in the world. You make the world a better place by one smile at a time.

To learn more about Ainsley Ross, please follow her via the below platforms:
Instagram: @ainsley_ross
Facebook: @iamainsleyross
Website: www.ainsleyross.com
IMDB: imdb.me/ainsleyross
Twitter: @iamainsleyross

Photography by: Bene Wallace
Blue Dress: Kellie Duckett at Annie James Boutique
Coca Cola Shirt: Forever 21 and White Jeans: Fashion Nova
Floral Dress: @showmeyourmumu Kellie Duckett at Annie James Boutique

Ainsley Ross Advocates In Support Of Music Theory For The Blind