Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Harrington.
Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So basically, on my own, I’m a fan event coordinator. You found me through montxmintxus, under which I am what we call an “admint”. (Administration + Mint, Mint being the fandom name). I work with a kpop group called M.O.N.T. I help manage social media, fan events, concerts, etc… that take place here in America. Growing up I’ve always been interested in music and the industry, but more so the behind-the-scenes aspects, as I don’t like being in the spotlight. I’d have friends who were aspiring artists and I’d help with their shows and promote. For a little, while I was even on a street team run by Tyga’s camp when he was up and coming. So, I always was I guess adjacent? But never THERE you know?
Fast forward a few years and it’s 2019. I’ve just discovered this genre called kpop. I’m on YouTube and going through the recommendations and get a video that just came out, for a group called MONT. They look cute and energetic, so I click it. I love it. Its bubblegum music, makes you feel good. I read the description and it says that their company, FM Entertainment, is looking for “admints” in different countries to help the group. I thought I’d take the chance and fill it out.
About a week later I get an email saying they’d like me to join and how quickly can I enter the chat, as they’re preparing for a U.S tour. And I guess the rest is history haha.
Today I am more active than ever in the kpop community in Florida. Along with my best friend Victoria, we run many fan pages and events that are focused to bringing fans together, and make friends. Our most recent were the cup sleeve events for MONT. We did one in Atlanta for their debut anniversary, one of the members actually came, and the other one was in Orlando. So, I’m always busy haha, it’s like, are we doing a kpop event this month? Do I have admint work to get done?
Since covid we really took a hit, as we do a lot of free events, but also paid ones too- the money then goes back into more events. So honestly it has been hard getting back into the swing of things, but we’re hopeful that this year will be great for everyone.
I’m nowhere near where I want to be, but I’m so much farther than I was 4 years ago, so there’s always that silver lining.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Besides the obvious covid, there’s always hits, twists, and turns. In the beginning, it was so hard, you’d have an event and you’d be lucky to have 25 people show up. You get discouraged but you have to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Now though, it’s 50+ people depending on what artist the event is for. And keep in mind, this is for fans by fans. The artist is rarely involved. It’s amazing. There’s also always the money. We rent parks, venues, and give away goodies, and food. All of that comes from pocket. So, if it’s a paid event you pray you sell enough to at least break even. It’s stress at times, but seeing how happy it makes people, you feel fulfilled.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
This is going to sound crazy, but I’m graduating from college this year, for something that has absolutely nothing to do with the entertainment industry. I’m a criminology major haha. My mom is very old school. She’s so supportive of my events but she wants to know that if anything happens, I’ll be able to take care of myself. And the pandemic really opened my eyes. The event industry took a huge hit as no one could do anything for over a year, but alas, there was still crime. There’s always crime. So, I have that to fall back on, which is nice. I think I’m most proud of not so much even being able to work as close as I do with an actual entertainment company, but the work I do with my best friend. We met through kpop, so it’s so nice to have people message us or post in one of our groups about how they met their best friend or their significant other through one of our events or online communities. Our main goal isn’t just to bring more kpop to Florida but to bring people together, which is why we emphasize the fans. Another cool thing would be our ABC7 interview, for the events we do with BTS fans.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It was one of my birthdays actually. Had to be the year 2001? I would have been like 8. I was just getting into the Harry Potter craze. My family has always been the type to hide gifts. So, my mom told me to get my baby sister some cheerios. I took the chair, climbed onto the fridge, got the box, and just started yelling immediately. Behind it was all these Harry Potter toys and the book and I just remember feeling so happy because I thought everyone forgot me. Soon after that my parents split and my older siblings went into the military, so it’s just a moment we were all together and I just felt joy.
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