Meet Ashley Holt | Chief Operations Officers West Village Entertainment

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Holt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, how does your business help the community?
As COO of West Village Entertainment, social impact is at the core of what we do. We’re transforming the industry by creating real opportunities for independent artists to build sustainable careers. We’re not just helping them make music; we’re ensuring they have the strategy, resources, and industry connections to generate revenue and grow their brands on a national level. But beyond the business, it’s about authenticity—giving artists the space to tell their stories, stay true to who they are, and make an impact through their music.

Through Nashville’s Music Scene Magazine, we give rising artists the media presence they need to stand out in a competitive industry. We’re bridging the gap between independent talent and mainstream recognition, ensuring that the next wave of artists has the exposure and credibility to thrive.

With She Means Business Magazine, it’s not just about highlighting female entrepreneurs—it’s about building a community where women grow faster together. Success isn’t a solo journey, and real impact happens when we empower, connect, and support each other. We’re creating a space where women in business can thrive with confidence and clarity. That same mission inspired my upcoming book, She Means Business: 10 No B.S. Tips for Unshakeable Confidence, because true success starts with owning your worth and stepping into your power—unapolegetically.
At the heart of it all, my work is about creating new pathways, gaining momentum, and redefining what’s possible for artists and entrepreneurs alike.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Getting here wasn’t easy. Being a female executive in a male-dominated space comes with challenges. In fact, my entire career—including my background in the Fortune 500 world—has been in male-dominated industries within leadership. I’ve had to do a lot of personal development around confidence, self-worth, and giving myself permission to take up space.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Success doesn’t come from following the rules—it comes from knowing when to break them. You don’t have to shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s version of success. Whether in business or music, real power comes from owning your voice, stepping into your purpose, and showing up unapologetically with a greater purpose.
At the end of the day, I want the world to know that West Village Entertainment is here to redefine what’s possible for independent artists. We’re not just here to watch the industry evolve—we’re disruptors of positive change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, the first stop—and probably the main event—would be the West Village Entertainment office in Hillsboro Village. There’s no better introduction to Nashville than diving straight into the energy of what we call “West Village Row”. Our office is a creative hub, full of high energy, music, and unpredictable fun—you never know who might stop by, what song might be in the works, or which radio stations we are thanking for support.

We’re bringing the Music Row energy straight into Hillsboro Village, creating a space where creativity, collaboration, and the excitement of the music industry all collide. It’s where our team, artists and producers come together to make things happen. The energy is high and no two days are ever the same.

So honestly, I wouldn’t need to plan a full itinerary—just stepping into West Village Entertainment guarantees an experience of its own.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Success is never a solo journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the mentors, partners, and community that have shaped my path. First, I have to shout out the incredible team at West Village Entertainment—a leadership team of industry veterans behind multiple #1 hits. Together we are opening up new and exciting opportunities for our artists to break traditions and disrupt the norm. I’m especially grateful to industry icons like CEO Christy DiNapoli and A&R Consultant Shalom ‘J.Storm’ Miller, whose expertise and leadership continue to elevate our work. And of course, the incredible artists I have the privilege of working with—Young Grey, M.C.D, Nixed, and Noah Curtis—who bring raw talent, authenticity, and passion to everything they create.

I also have deep appreciation for the female entrepreneurs I’ve met through She Means Business Magazine. These women prove that collaboration beats competition every time. Seeing them rise, support one another, and create lasting impact reminds me why I do what I do.

Most importantly, I want to recognize my mother, Victoria Holt—my biggest supporter and best friend. She has been by my side as I have done my best to transmute pain into personal power and success, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Website: https://www.westvillageent.com/

Instagram: @westvillage_entertainment

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestVillageEntertainment