In the spring of 2018, Ashli would meet the man who would change her life forever. As she slowly sauntered into her place of work, she came across Mashaun and looked curiously and eagerly into his eyes. She didn’t know it then, but standing before her was the man who would become her greatest challenge and unexpected blessing! From that moment on, things would never be the same. From that moment on, they would both embark upon a journey that would birth dream fulfilling opportunities. In that moment, B4Nine was born. 

We like to say that B4Nine is all the things! What does that mean? It’s pretty simple. We are both complicated, but not so complicated, creatives with opinions and perspectives that are unique and often shared by others afraid to express their points-of-view. We are both unapologetically Black and are not afraid to share our opinions and perspectives about all things Blackness, popular culture, relationships, sex, and identity. 

About Ashli: I'm a recovering procrastinator, a sometimey blogger, a fashion designer, AND a child of God. I make creative stuff, usually things that come to me randomly. I feel like it’s the creator's way of saying 'Trust me sis, do this.' I’m an extroverted introvert. This guy I connected with on Bumble once told me there’s an actual word for that, but I can’t remember the term for it or his name. Oh well. I love all things Black—people, culture, colleges, clothing—you get the picture. I could have used this space to talk about all the things I’ve accomplished, but that’s not my style and besides, would that make you any more inclined to listen to what I have to say? I will say I graduated from the illustrious Hampton University and I credit that institution -- and my dope, amazingly supportive parents -- for shaping me into the woman I am today. I love being a millennial because the world is obsessed with trying to figure us out, yet wonder why we're all narcissists. Oh, I almost forgot, I talk to myself, like a lot, so a podcast just kind of makes sense for me. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I ain't a killer, but don't push me. I couldn't think of another place to put that quote so I decided to just tack it on the end. Consider yourself warned.

About Mashaun: First things first, I can talk for hours if you let me. But here is the thing, when it comes to putting together words about me in written form, I always struggle. In the simplest of terms, I am a lover of words, think all of the time, and I love to read. I am an advocate of fairness, I believe that we all are children of the Divine, and I have figured out that time is valuable. I like people, but not really. I feel all the time and am curious most of the time. I am terribly impatient, but I also hate having regrets, so I try my best to not make decisions hastily. I profess to be a fan of the teachings of Jesus (as we know them), but hesitate to call myself Christian (it's complicated). I have been known to overshare -- I can’t help it -- but am also very private. I am slow to trust, terribly loyal, but also highly critical. I have worked pretty hard to be the person I am today, but still feel as though there is so much more for me to accomplish. I am a son, a brother, and an uncle. I am someone’s husband, someone’s cousin, someone’s confidant, and someone’s friend. At the end of the day, I am really just me, trying to find my place in the world and committed to ensuring that those I love are their very best. Oh, and before I forget, I'm with you Lizzo, “Why are men great until they gotta be great?”

Special thanks to Johnnie “Jay Ray” Kornegay, B4Nine’s creative consultant and sound technician. B4Nine’s theme music is produced by Anisha J. King and San. Graphic art by DJ ArtistX