Happy New Year, Retracers! We're starting off the year with another 2-Parter!! *cue air horn*  On this first episode of the year, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Ashley L. Jones! Talk about a renaissance woman...this chick has really taken over the cockpit and steered her life in the direction she saw fit. Conversations with her are always fascinating due to her sense of conviction, unapologetic ambition, and strong policy on not taking "No" for an answer. In this first part we talk about her early negotiations with her parents to put her in Dance classes, her strong connection to the Nutcracker, and her rendezvous with an R&B artist. You're gonna enjoy hearing her stories and opinions, and if you don't...she won't be phased. Are you ready? Cuz Ashley is and she's probably rehearsed harder than you!