It is Monday! That means it is time for this week’s GLAMoms Meet a Mom!
This week we are excited to share Bianca Ashby!
Bianca and her husband reside in the Greater Lansing area with their young boys! And she is all-in to #boymom life until she transforms into one of many princesses.
What…..? A princess? Yes, Bianca owns Princesses by Bianca! And not only does she own Princesses by Bianca, she is a professional singer, actress and violinist. She shares that she is, “…friends with over 14 Princesses, some Heeler Puppies you may have seen on TV and adding some Superheroes too.”
Yes, you read correctly, she works with 14 Princesses, Bluey friends and Superheroes!
Bianca – along with Rapunzel will be teaming up for the Sparrow Hair-a-Thon (University of Michigan – Sparrow) this weekend. You also can look forward to learning more about Bianca’s plans with some close friends of hers who really are fond of the cold (… Frozen), Santa along with a few other treats at their Christmas Ball!
ALSO – just for Greater Lansing Area Moms, Princesses by Bianca is offering a savings off your next celebration! Learn more below about this generous offer, Princesses by Bianca and more about her fairytale like story as a wife and a mom!
Below you will find “Almost There,” from Princess & the Frog performed by one of Bianca’s friends at Princesses by Bianca!
Welcome to Greater Lansing Area Moms! Bianca, please introduce yourself!
Hi Greater Lansing! My name is Bianca Ashby and I am a professional singer, actress, and violinist. My private voice lessons began when I was 11 years old and private violin lessons began around age 8. The stage never frightened me, even when I was a little girl my parents said they knew I’d be a performer.
I grew up in Clarkston, Michigan (yep even knew Kid Rock) and after graduating Clarkston High School I chose to pursue my dreams by attending Oakland University in Rochester Hills and obtained my Bachelors in Musical Theater Performance, class of 2015.
During college, I booked films (Real Steel with Hugh Jackman, Harold & Kumar 3, and Red Dawn Remake featuring Chris Hemsworth), voiceover commercials, TV commercials, and stage performances. I free-lanced with talent agencies in both New York City and Los Angeles getting auditions for both Off-Broadway and more opportunities. Although callbacks occured, jobs were not easy to come by. It was then I decided to settle in Michigan with my husband and we planned our dream wedding on Anna-Maria Island in beautiful Florida.
How did you and your husband meet?
My husband Daniel and I met in High School but we weren’t the typical “high school sweethearts” you hear of. We first became friends. He was always such a good listener, kind and a very loyal friend.
Eventually, we both experienced heartbreak that led us to consider “what if there’s something more here between us..” and in the winter of 2009 – he took me to the first spot we met and asked me to be his. We dated for 5 years, he gifted me a promise ring and then proposed in 2014 on Siesta Key Beach where we spent so much of our time together on vacations.
We were married in the Fall of 2015 and life has just been a fairytale.
How old are your children?
Daniel and I have been so blessed with two sons, one is four years old and the other just turned two years old. They are the greatest gifts I’ve ever received and they’re my purpose. I thank God every day and night for these two.
What do you think is one of the best parts about being a mom?
The best part of being a Mom is knowing how unconditional and pure a child’s love for their parent is. Mom guilt is prominent but I know even if I believe I have failed or fallen short, I’m still all that my littles want and reach for. That love is incomparable and just beautiful.
What is a piece of advice for new moms you wish you would have known when you were a new mom?
The best piece of advice I can give to any new momma is to remember to give yourself grace. The world will tell you you’re meant to do it all, social media will tell you to compare yourself to others, and some Mommas will make you question if you’re doing everything right – remember to focus on you and this beautiful journey with your little one(s). Just run your own race!
Now about the princesses…
Please tell us more about Princesses by Bianca and where did this idea come from?
In the spring of 2015, one of my talent agencies contacted me and asked if I would be interested in portraying Cinderella. Henry Ford Children’s Hospital Event was hosting a Princess and Superhero Ball for terminally ill children and specifically asked me to be their Cinderella for the event.
At the time, I didn’t even know being a “professional princess” was a thing other than knowing Princesses were at theme parks in Florida. I watched the movie over and over again to prep myself for the event, studied Cinderella’s mannerisms and even her speaking voice, and decided I would sing for all the guests I’d get to meet.
A horse-drawn carriage awaited me as I arrived in character and I was told to sit with guests in the carriage for pictures/portraits and quality time with the children in attendance. One family came and placed their beautiful daughter in my arms carefully and I noticed she must suffered some sort of brain damage. Her small little body just melted into my arms and as I cradled her, something told me to sing to her. I began singing “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” softly to her, and as I sang she made a yawn-like motion with her face.
I giggled in character and looked up at the parents saying “oh my, looks like I’ll get her to drift right off to sleep so she can keep dreaming…” and both her parents had tears coming down their faces. I instantly asked if everything was alright and they replied “she’s not yawning, that’s how she smiles.. and she doesn’t smile often so we are just so so happy to see her smiling for you.” I started to cry in the moment as I looked back down on her. It was in that moment, I knew I wanted to be a professional Princess performer so I could bring magic to children just like sweet Kinsley.
Do you travel for events? If so, how far?
We travel all over the state of Michigan! The other week we went all the way to Detroit for a Birthday Party and we also had some cast members heading the opposite direction to Grand Rapids. Anywhere we can provide magic, we will be there!
What princesses do you work with?
Currently we are friends with over 14 Princesses and just recently added some fun Heeler Puppies you may have seen on TV 😉 we are also adding some Superheroes too!
Will you be at the upcoming Sparrow/UM Hair-a-Thon 2024?
Yes we will be there! Princesses by Bianca LLC has been honored to have attended the Sparrow Hair-a-Thon since it began and we are so thrilled to see everyone! Being able to be a part of this community event and to see people come together for a great cause, it’s just magical. We have been doing Sparrow Hospital visits since 2017.
Any other big events coming up for you and the princesses?
I am very excited to be hosting a Christmas Ball this December 14th at The Hidden Gem Venue. It is a dining experience featuring live singing performances from 8 Princesses, Santa Claus will visit with gifts and your ticket includes a professional photo with him, Bluey & Bingo will do a little dance party for the children, and you’ll be able to take home some free items as well that your children will cherish. Tickets are live now at Eventbrite.com.
You are a boy-mom who works with princesses all day long 🙂 – what do your boys think about the princesses and mom’s “uniform”?
I think God has a sense of humor with this one 🙂 while I was pregnant with both boys, my family and friends would swear up & down that I was having a girl because they were hoping I’d get my very own little Princess.
As a boy Mom, they LOVE seeing the cast come over and they love even more seeing their Princess friends come to life. They’re VERY excited Spider-Man is joining the ranks soon!
Did you enjoy dressing up as a child?
Oh yes, I was that child that made Mom or Dad watch my fashion shows. and or stage performances with fun quick changes. If my parents were busy I’d just line my stuffies up to watch the shows instead.
Are you looking for others to join your team?
Yes! I am hiring for both female and male performers to join my cast! Send me a headshot and resume to [email protected]
Now a coupe more questions to get to know you a bit better!
What time are you up in the morning?
I’m an early riser! Normally I am up around 5:00 am to get started on my day.
Last book you read or favorite podcast?
I’m currently reading through the entire Bible and it’s been a good challenge!
What are you looking forward to this fall?
I cannot wait to take my family and go to orchards for apple picking, teaching them how to bake pies from scratch, and see them pick out pumpkins for carving!
If you watch television, what is your favorite show?
One of my favorite TV shows to watch is Big Bang Theory – my husband and I are basically Penny and Leonard haha!
What children’s book do you enjoy reading with your boys or their favorite?
My eldest son and youngest are thankfully able to agree on their favorite story is anything Winnie the Pooh or Octonauts!
Where are some of your favorite places locally to spend time with your family/family favorites – restaurants, attractions, events, etc?
Horrocks Farmers Market is special to my heart as well as one of our partners we team up with to do events at! Whether I’m shopping there or just enjoying their beautiful beer garden, it’s one of my favorite spots. We also love Ukai just down the road!
Mind sharing a mom trick another mom will be happy to learn?
Boy Mom hack – on high energy days, remember fresh air is your friend and let them get dirty and explore!
How do you prefer readers to connect with you if they would like more information?
Emailing [email protected] is the best way to reach us! We have a website you should check out (my husband is the web designer so I’m really proud!) princessesbybianca.com and we also have Facebook and Instagram accounts!
Would you like to share anything else with Greater Lansing Area Moms?
Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for all of our upcoming events! And December 14th we have our Christmas Ball that features Santa Claus, 8 Princesses, Bluey & Bingo, and Olaf coming together for a dining experience/celebration! Tickets are on sale at Eventbrite.com!
And, I would love to offer any Mom’s who’ve read this blog to send us a message and include a coupon code called “GLAMom” and I’ll take $30.00 off their first booking with us!
Bianca… What a treat! This has been lovely. Thank you so much for joining Greater Lansing Area Moms this week! We look forward to working with you again soon! Learn more about Bianca, Princesses by Bianca and how she and her team would love to join your upcoming parties, visit social media below or email Bianca at [email protected]
Visit princessesbybianca.com and, or email Bianca at [email protected] for additional information!
And… don’t forget to mention GLAMom for a $30 savings!
