March 11, 2024
In the vibrant tapestry of Cincinnati’s art scene, one name shines brightly – Asha Ama Bias-Daniels. Born and raised in the heart of Cincinnati, Asha’s journey from her childhood in Avondale to becoming a celebrated fashion icon is a testament to resilience and creativity.
Her relentless drive for excellence has propelled her to the top of the fashion world, while her unwavering determination has made strides in making the arts more inclusive and accessible to the community.
Asha’s upbringing was steeped in love, culture, and a deep appreciation for education instilled by her parents. From a young age, her father, Charles Daniels, imparted to her the importance of knowing one’s self and embracing one’s heritage. With an African name meaning “life” and “a girl born on Saturday,” Asha’s identity was firmly rooted in her rich ancestry.
Her childhood in Cincinnati was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. From academics to sports and performing arts, Asha’s innate talent and drive set her apart.
”I’ve always been highly aware of the sacrifices made by those who came before me for me to have the opportunities I have today, and I am forever grateful for my upbringing.”
“…it’s okay if people don’t understand my vision or the message behind my work because it’s not for everyone.“
– Asha ama Bias-daniels
Asha’s tenacity and self-assurance drove her into the world of fashion. Her experiences as a young Black woman navigating the world of fashion fueled her drive to carve out a space for herself in an industry that often overlooked voices like hers.
“The overarching challenge I have faced in my career as a Black woman is being underestimated, misunderstood, and the industry trying to change me to fit in a box that makes people comfortable…Luckily, at this age and with all of the experiences I’ve had, I know exactly who I am. These experiences made me realize that it’s okay if people don’t understand my vision or the message behind my work because it’s not for everyone.” says Ama.
Despite lacking formal exposure to the fashion world, Asha’s intuitive approach and original perspective set her apart. What some perceived as a weakness, Asha transformed into her greatest strength, infusing her designs with authenticity and cultural resonance. From her groundbreaking collections to her appearances on Project Runway, Asha fearlessly blazed her trail, inspiring countless aspiring artists along the way.
“I would like to see Cincinnati become a home for artists to start and cultivate meaningful full-time careers.”
Asha ama bias-daniel
Today, Asha stands as a beacon of creativity and empowerment, not just in Cincinnati but on a global stage. Her work is a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the unyielding spirit of Black excellence. From groundbreaking collections to collaborations with renowned artists and institutions like the Cincinnati Ballet, Asha continues to push boundaries and inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.
“I’m proud of the work ArtsWave does to support Black artists, I’m proud of our beautiful museums that are intentionally featuring the work of Black and brown artists, I’m proud of opportunities like this collaboration with the Cincinnati Ballet where I feel supported, respected, and seen as an artist,” added Ama whose work has adorned the halls of the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), the Cincinnati Art Museum (CAM), & the Taft Museum of Art.
She has also created pieces for Zendaya, Lizzo, and Little Big Town, and has even designed the showpiece of Marchesa’s couture bridal collection. “I think that Cincinnati is off to a great start, but has a lot of work to do to give more resources, funding, and opportunity to artists of color. I am blessed to be able to make a living doing what I love as an artist, but many of my peers struggle to find the proper support to be able to do this full-time. I would like to see Cincinnati become a home for artists to start and cultivate meaningful full-time careers.”
“I would like to see Cincinnati become a home for artists to start and cultivate meaningful full-time careers.”
Asha ama bias-daniels
As she reflects on her journey, Asha remains committed to uplifting her community and nurturing the next generation of artists. Now, as the costume designer for Rena Butler’s world premiere, Asha brings her unique blend of artistry, innovation, and cultural heritage to the stage. “Working with Rena has been love at first sight. Like myself, she breathes meaning into her work. We came up with the concept for this original piece over drinks, laughing and crying about our career journeys.” says Ama.
In a world where conformity often reigns supreme, Asha Ama stands as a beacon of authenticity, reminding us that true creativity knows no bounds. Her call to action, urging others to experience the transformative power of the arts, is a testament to her enduring legacy. “I want to encourage everyone to get tickets to see Mercurial Landscapes and challenge them to gift a ticket to a young person who might not have the means to see it. It could truly change a young person’s life and inspire the next generation of great artists.”
