Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashton Charles.
Hi Ashton, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ashton, and I’m known as The Sunflower King.
People call me Sunflower.
You can call me whichever you like. As long as it’s spoken in Love, I will respond to it.
I grew up as a “gifted” kid, and all the tropes that come with it.
I was looked at as smart, nerdy, sickly, awkward, obedient, just doing as I was told ever since I was young.
That includes just about every aspect of my life. I felt that my journey was chosen for me, and I had to follow it.
I was also kinda sheltered.
In 6th grade, i was introduced to the concept of being a musician, and i followed suit because i didn’t think i had a choice. (I missed the first few days of school, and i didn’t get to choose my elective, so they threw me in band class).
As i developed my skill, i realized that this was the first thing in my life that i actually WANTED to do, not just because i was told to.
I continued on through grade school and high school, playing in city and state wide honor bands, symphonies, competitions, etc. i quit for some time during my college years, but artistic expression found its way back to me again in adulthood, and i’ve been going strong ever since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was bred to be a perfectionist. So any time i wasn’t immediately the best at something, i was significantly discouraged.
This followed me into adulthood, and even caused me to quit what i thought was my “passion” and step into the corporate world, since (in my eyes) i was not good enough to cut it.
I truly thought i was supposed to work my way up the corporate ladder, since my art wasn’t good enough. Since i was not as “skilled” as other creators.
It took me being well into my adulthood to realize that (for me) it was never about being the most skilled.
The most important part of my journey was learning that people can enjoy skill level, but people NEED to FEEL. And artistic expression is unique in how it inspires the spectrum of feeling.
Ever since, i worry less about being the best, and focus on just being felt.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
If you have ever seen me (in person or online), then you know that I am always ADORNED in Sunflowers.
And for no other reason than “I just love Sunflowers.”
I recently learned that it inspires authentic expression in others, so that’s quite the bonus!
I believe that we are worthy of doing things that we love just because we love them.
I am a Premier Destination Event Saxophonist.
I primarily play the saxophone, but in other settings i am also a Rap/Rock vocalist.
I used to do both in my old band, but now i am on my own solo journey, and i am grateful to find success in this light.
I have performed in front of roaring crowds of thousands of people, as well as performing for intimate 2-person audiences, and everything in between, including luxury events, weddings, corporate events, concerts, and all of this spanning across any genre of music.
I have toured internationally, and i still am asked to travel to perform often.
As much as i am grateful for the perceived success that i have achieved, i am truly most proud and grateful for my gift for inviting and encouraging true vulnerability, and leading by example.
Music is not my passion. Love is. Music is the tool i use to convey that.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Anyone can find me all over social media under @SunflowerKinggg
For anyone interested in Booking me, I can be found on my website, SunflowerKinggg.com
Pricing:
- All pricing is discussed after we connect to see if we are aligned energetically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SunflowerKinggg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflowerkinggg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SunflowerKinggg
