Some of You May Know Me as “Ashley” From Jerseylicous
Exactly two weeks ago, the first episode of a new reality show called, “Jerseylicious” premiered on the Style Network.
The show takes place primarily at The Gatsby Salon in Green Brook, New Jersey. It features a cast of hairstylists and make-up artists that work at the salon along with all the crazy drama that lies there.
I’m excited to share my experience as “Ashley” on the show and to answer some frequently asked questions that I have been getting on a regular basis.
There’s a girl on the new reality show, “Jerseylicious” that is also a make-up artist and looks just like you, except her name is Ashley…is that you?
First and foremost, YES everyone…that’s me!
Okay, so why did your name change to Ashley?
I literally got casted two days before they started filming the first episode. Although you watch the show and it all flows as one continous day or scene of events, things are very much filmed out of sequence and this show was no exception. I never realized this but after experiencing this, I see that things are not always filmed in order.
The day I got to the salon to film my scenes, they explained that they already shot a scene (the part where the owner and the daughter are talking in the office after the interviews and they’re like, “There’s something special about Ashley”) where they threw the name Ashley as the girl applying for the other make-up artist position so I’m now Ashley on the show. It was too late for them to go back and re-film that scene so I had to just go with the flow.
Did you know going into the show that you were not getting the job?
YES, don’t worry people…I was well aware of the scenario and the character I had to play. It’s funny because in real life, I am familiar with the salon being that it’s only a town away and I’ve also done a bride’s make-up at the salon BEFORE the renovation back in February of 2008!
Another ironic fact, I’ve actually done make-up on the client they gave me on the show! We recognized each other right away and were so excited to experience that scene together!
How did you even get on the show then?
I know The Glam Fairy in real life and she had mentioned that she was one of the main characters of the reality show “Jerseylicious.” She told me that they were in need of extras for the first episode and asked if I was interested at all. I thought it would a cool experience so she gave me the phone number of the casting director.
After a never ending game of phone tag, we finally spoke on the phone and she interviewed me to see how I can be a part of the show. Once she found out I am also a professional make-up artist, she asked if I could bring my make-up kit to the set and do a make-up scene up against the main character.
The make-up you did looked amazing, why didn’t you get the job?
I’ve gotten so many compliments on the make-up I did on the show and I’m so thankful for all the kind words and support. As mentioned, I was assigned to play this character and I’m pretty much a glorified extra that got to do a make-up scene on national TV. It’s crazy to think how many people got to see me on TV!
Do you get recognized in public?
Surprisingly, YESSS!!! It’s really shocking because I’m barely on the show, I’m on it for no more than 10 minutes.
Plus, I had NO IDEA going into this how much exposure this show was going to get. I mean I realize it’s national TV but still. I guess with the whole Jersey Shore phenomenon, there’s now this obsession with Jersey.
The very next day after this aired, I went into work and 3 random people went up to me and said they saw me on TV.
The best is when I was walking back to work after my lunch break, this woman goes, “OMG ASHLEY?!?!” I laughed and said, “Yes…my name is Melissa actually…good to meet you! Oh and I am a make-up artist in real life.”
She then went on to share, “I woke up to your face on TV this morning! I Tivoed the show and watched it this morning and still have your face fresh in my mind. I recognized you right away!” Then she stalked me back to my work with a load of questions regarding the show. (HOW FUNNY IS THAT?!?!)
People will either approach me in one of two ways…
“You look like this girl I just saw on TV….”
OR
“Hey, you’re Ashley from Jerseylicious!!”
I’m still amazed by it!
Will you be in any upcoming episodes?
Nope, I’m just featured in the very first episode.
As much as I’d like to say there’s a surprise twist where I make another appearance on the show, that’s it folks! :)
Have you been watching the show?
Of course! I like to stay Jerseylicious like that! :-p
I don’t always get to see it live so I either DVR it or just catch it at a later time since the reruns are repeated throughout the week. It’s especially cool to watch since I got to meet all the people from the show.
Thanks for watching everyone! Hope everyone enjoyed my moment of fame! Don’t forget to stay Jerseylicious! 8-)
August 10, 2010 at 9:23 PM
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