Living a Creative Life That Makes Room for It All

I’m Ashlee Lynn Espinosa, an actress, mentor, and creative entrepreneur guiding artists to build careers that feel aligned, sustainable, and uniquely their own.

Every chapter led to this.

My Story as a Performer, Professor, and Creative Entrepreneur

I’ve spent my career moving between the stage and the studio performing in musicals, teaching, and building creative businesses. Each chapter has taught me something different about artistry, ambition, and what it really means to create a fulfilling life.

After earning my MFA and spending nearly a decade as a university professor in musical theatre, I saw how many artists were craving more than just performance opportunities. They wanted sustainable, balanced careers that still honored their craft. What began as helping a few performers strengthen their materials evolved into coaching creatives to build purposeful lives and businesses both onstage and online.

Today, I blend performance, entrepreneurship, and mindset work to help artists design careers that feel aligned and expansive. Whether I’m performing, filming, or coaching, my goal is the same — to show that success in the arts can be both creative and sustainable.

Explore My Creative Work →

The story behind the work.

How I Got Here

I grew up in Oklahoma, where creativity became my way of exploring what was possible beyond the familiar. From an early age, I found freedom in performance like movement, storytelling, and connection. That spark never left; it simply evolved as I did.

After earning my degree in musical theatre, I moved to New York City with two suitcases and a head full of dreams. Performing across the country and at sea taught me how to adapt, collaborate, and tell stories that connect. Later, graduate school gave me the academic depth I’d always craved, and nearly a decade as a university professor taught me the art of leadership, mentorship, and reinvention.

But what really shaped me wasn’t any single role or title, it was learning how to pivot when something no longer fit. Every chapter — from performer to professor to entrepreneur — has been about discovering new ways to merge creativity and freedom.

The mindset behind my work and life.

My Philosophy

I believe a creative life is meant to evolve, to hold art, work, rest, and reinvention all at once. Some days that looks like performing onstage or in front of the camera. Other days it’s mentoring artists, creating content, or building the next version of my business. But underneath it all, it’s about curiosity, courage, and connection.

Creativity isn’t linear. There are seasons of momentum and seasons of pause. My philosophy is to honor all of it, to create space for structure and flow, discipline and joy. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from chasing perfection but from staying present and aligned with what matters most.

At the heart of everything I do, whether performing, coaching, writing, or creating, is a belief that artistry and life aren’t separate. When your work and your well-being move in the same direction, that’s when things start to feel clear, purposeful, and fulfilling.

See What This Looks Like in My Work →

What it feels like to work together

My Approach

For me, everything starts with curiosity. Whether I’m performing, coaching, or building something new, I like to dig in, ask questions, and find what feels real.

I’m not a one size fits all creative. Every person and project is different, so I start by listening to what you’re trying to say, build, or become. From there, we shape the next step together.

I like things that are clear, doable, and human. I believe in mixing structure with ease and keeping the work grounded in joy and honesty. No pressure, no pretending, just real progress that feels aligned with who you are and what you want next.

Let’s Create Something Together →

Beyond the studio and the stage

How I live, create, and stay inspired

My home base is in Southern California, but my life moves between coasts — the energy of New York City, slow mornings at our cottage in Mexico, and everything in between. Each space reflects a part of who I am: creative, curious, and always evolving.

At home, you’ll usually find me cooking from scratch, blending simplicity with nourishment. I love creating meals that connect me back to wellness, creativity, and presence. My husband, Tim, is a professional violinist who performs for luxury weddings and events, and together we share a home studio that keeps our worlds closely connected. Most days include some mix of music, career coaching, and storytelling happening all in the same space.

For more than a decade, Tim and I both worked as professors of musical theatre at some of the top programs in the country, including UC Irvine and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. We loved teaching and mentoring emerging artists, but over time, the pace and structure of academia started to pull us away from our own creative work. Choosing to leave that chapter was difficult, but it opened the door for both of us to build something new. Today, we run our own creative businesses and perform full-time, and it feels exactly right for where we are now.

Our little dog Lola, a spirited Chiweenie, keeps us laughing and reminds us to slow down. She travels with us everywhere, from city sidewalks to farm paths.

Over the years, we’ve built and closed different chapters — from running a successful Airbnb business to flipping homes and designing creative spaces. Each one taught us something about balance, purpose, and how to build a life that feels deeply aligned with who we are.

These days, I’m focused on living intentionally and creating a rhythm that lets art, entrepreneurship, and well-being exist side by side.

What my clients are saying

"Working with Ashlee has helped me refocus as a performer, shifting my attention away from others’ expectations and toward my own strengths. I’ve rebuilt my book, recognized my unique presence in the audition room, and even rebuild my website.”
Katherine G. Tracy, NYC Based Performer
"Ashlee has helped me update my website, patiently guided me through tech overwhelm, and built a professional email campaign for my shows. I'm so grateful for her support—and plan to keep working with her!"
Laurie Roldan, Cabaret Show Performer
“Want to run your audition by an experienced director? Ashlee. Want advice from someone who is actively auditioning right now? Ashlee. Need help with the business side of MT from an experienced entrepreneur? Ashlee. I can honestly say that working with Ashlee has inspired me to pursue and do roles I never thought I'd be able to.”
Melissa Momboisse, CA Based Performer
"Ashlee is such a professional and simultaneously so caring and supportive of her clients. She has given me so much guidance in not only auditioning, but in other essential aspects to being a full-time performer. I have so much more clarity and confidence than I ever could have imagined!"
Mia Catalano, Bi-Coastal Actress
“Working with Ashlee is like enjoying a sunbath, with all the wisdom and positive energy naturally pouring on you. She continues to expand her knowledge and skillset to be the best educator and advocate for her students. If you are looking for a humble, kind, inspiring artist and educator, you are at the RIGHT place.”
Leo Chang, NYC Based Actor & Educator

See how we can work together →

Ways to Stay Connected

Keep learning, dreaming, and creating together.

For Inspiration

Join me on YouTube and through my weekly emails for insight, real-life conversations, and behind-the-scenes moments from my life as a performer, coach, and creative entrepreneur. Every week, I share tools, stories, and mindset shifts that help you stay inspired and aligned on your path.

→ Watch on YouTube
For Growth

Explore free guides and downloads to help you reset, refocus, and take action. Whether you’re navigating auditions, creative burnout, or building an online presence, you’ll find resources that meet you where you are and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

→ Browse Free Resources
For Support

When you’re ready for personalized guidance, my coaching sessions help you find clarity in your next steps, build confidence in your work, and create a career that fits your life. Together, we’ll design a path that feels aligned, sustainable, and fully yours.

→ Explore Coaching