We get up close and personal with the stunning Aussie model, YouTuber, Vlogger, Influencer and social media sensation you should be following…
Amazing photo shoot, Ashton, and congrats on making your MAXIM debut. How do you feel?
Thank you! I am so excited and it still feels surreal! I’m SO happy to be a part of the MAXIM fam! This shoot was so much fun. I love the beach, so it felt fitting to shoot at one of my favourite beaches in Australia and also have an old school Walkman, vintage Esky and sodas as props, to give it an ’80s feel.
Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest?
Thanks! I feel the most sexy when I have been in the sun, and kind of have a glow to me, with beachy-wavy hair, because I feel I’m most myself. I feel true sexiness comes from confidence.
What is your best asset? I would say my eyes and my energy.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
I guess a lot of people wouldn’t know I danced for 12 years and I am actually a make-up artist by trade.
For those who don’t know much about you, give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far.
Well, I’m 28, I am from the Gold Coast and I studied journalism at university, but started to take off on social media about four or five years ago. I fell in love with creating content and using my platform to help others. I recently got back into modelling and really enjoy the creative side of shooting and meeting like-minded and inspiring people along the way. I also have a podcast with my best friend called Common Chaos which has been so much fun to co-host.
Tell us more about this podcast you do with your BFF Cartia Mallan.
Cartia and I started Common Chaos late last year to create a space to talk about topics that our listeners can relate to, learn from and be inspired by. We are both passionate about mental health and we also want to spread the message about overcoming fear and stepping into the life you dream of. We have so many exciting guests lined up for this season and we are so excited for the Common Chaos community to keep growing.
What can punpters expect from Common Chaos?
Our listeners can expect a lot of laughs, some insight into our lives and experiences, so far, some helpful tools we have learnt along our journey and, of course, some dating stories and advice. We plan to profile a lot of people in the music/creative industry as we are both passionate about it and be able to have our guests share their tips on how they calm the chaos in their lives.
Sounds good. Probably why it’s already been a huge hit, peaking at No. 1 on Australia’s Apple podcast chart. Why do you think it’s so popular?
Ahhhh! That was so exciting when it happened! We are so lucky to have supportive followers from both our social media profiles and, of course, supportive friends in and out of the industry who shared and posted our podcast to help create hype and awareness around it. Our listeners seem to love what we have to say which is great because Carts and I loooove to chat and really enjoy sharing a more personal side to us through this platform.
When you’re not posing for MAXIM, podcasting or on modelling jobs, what would we find you doing?
I’m a sucker for a beach day or day out on a boat. I love being near the water and in the sun, eating seafood and sipping on some rosè. I also love adventuring and going for picnics or exploring beautiful restaurants to dine at.
You have close to half a million Instagram followers — what’s the best thing about being a model and Influencer?
It’s so crazy that many people follow me and my life! The best thing would be connecting with people all over the world and creating content for brands I only dreamt of working with. The opportunity this job has created is mind blowing and I can’t wait for what’s to come in the future.
Besides the trolls and haters, what do you dislike about social media?
I dislike the amount of time I spend on it and sometimes I can fall into comparing myself to others, which upsets me because I know so many girls and boys struggle with this. It is important to remember there is only one you and that is your power!
What’s the weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media?
Besides the creeps who send unwanted nudes or sugar daddy proposals, I would say the weirdest was when I was in Positano, Italy, and someone sent a photo of me tanning on the beach and said, “I see you” and nothing else. I was like, “Hmm… this makes me feel uncomfortable.”
Would you ever date one of your social media followers?
Yes for sure! I love a confident man who respectfully slides into my DMs.
What have you learnt about men over the years?
Oh gosh… that if a man really wants you he will do whatever it takes to get you.
What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Men think once they have you they don’t have to keep doing whatever it takes to keep you. Not true.
What do you look for in a man?
Confidence, humbleness, kindness, sense of humour, vulnerability, nice eyes and smile and being authentic to himself.
Describe your ideal date.
I’m super low-key/low-maintenance. I’m all about quality time and connection, so I would love to order takeaway, eat-in and drink wine, listen to John Mayer and talk about life.
What’s next for you?
Common Chaos is my priority right now and we have a lot planned for the future of the podcast, as a brand, with many branches off of it. I also would love to get into hosting roles, which is what I have wanted to do since I was a kid, and even dabble in acting. Who knows?! I’m open to wherever life takes me! ■
FULL NAME: Ashton Renee Wood
BORN: July 1, 1993
HOMETOWN: Gold Coast, Qld
CURRENTLY LIVES: Sydney, NSW
FIVE WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Bubbly, kind, weird, emotional and giving!”
BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “Tap dancing?”
PHOBIAS: “People bending back their nails!”
GO-TO DRINK: “A Tommy Margarita.”
BEDTIME ATTIRE: “A baggy T-shirt.”
LIFE MOTTO: “You are your own destiny.”
INSTAGRAM: @ashtonwood
TIKITOK: @_ashtonwood
AGENCY: Que Models (quemodels.com)
Photographed by NEIL DIXON
Interview by SANTI PINTADO
Styling by HAYLEY CANNON
For the full article grab the March 2022 issue of MAXIM New Zealand from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
