Toledo Idol - Leigh Ashley

TOLEDO, Ohio - Leigh Ashley has a lot on her plate. Not only is she an accomplished singer, she's a single mother and is in college working toward her master's degree.

Leigh started singing at church and school when she was young, but she quickly realized that she wanted to make it her career.

She calls her sound, quilted soul - a mixture of pop, R&B and soul.

Ashley said nothing is more thrilling than making an album. Right now she's collaborating with producers on her label, Under God's Entertainment (UGE).

'We're just working really hard in studio," she said. "I don't write about things that I don't know about. I try to keep it real, so the audience can understand what I've been through, and maybe help them in the future."

Ashley admits, she has gone through plenty of life's dramas herself.

"I'm getting my master's degree at Eastern Michigan University in Arts Administration."

The Glass City soul singer also focuses on being a mother to her 4-year-old. It's a balancing act, but has a lot of support at home. The help makes her dreams possible.

"It's definitely a family effort."

But Ashley couldn't get to where she is today without confidence. For any musician, it's key.

"You have to believe in yourself, because the industry is very very difficult and if you don't believe in yourself, no one is going to believe in you."