Before becoming the big winner of Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11, Ashley Sofia Smith, popularly known as "Fyang", had already established herself as a social media influencer.

At a young age, Fyang built a significant following on her TikTok account, where she has more than nine million followers as of this writing. She is known for her dance trends, skin care routines, clothing hauls, outfit-of-the-day posts and other content.

Fyang was born in Laguna but currently resides with her family in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila.

The eldest daughter to Myrna and Joshua Smith (her dad works in Hong Kong), she has a younger sibling, Hayden, who previously entered the PBB house to support her during her final challenges before the Big Night.

Fyang was born in May 2006, the same year the first Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition aired. She was one of the nine teen housemates in the Gen 11 edition.

In an interview with ABS-CBN Entertainment, Fyang shared she loves watching movies in her free time and admiring the serenity of sunrises and sunsets. She also loves collecting perfumes and a certain brand of shoes. The Anakabogerang Influencer of Mandaluyong describes herself as an ambivert, enjoying both "non-stop talking" with friends and quiet time for herself.

Fyang is also a certified "Lola’s girl," having spent much of her younger days with her grandmother. She aspires to provide a better life for her family, which motivated her to become a content creator.

As a social media star, Fyang has received mixed feedback from netizens due to her strong personality and fiery attitude. During her first days inside the iconic yellow house, she encountered misunderstandings with fellow housemates, resulting to her being nominated for eviction.

She currently holds the record for the most nomination points, garnering 56 total votes across all eleven seasons of the show.

“Unang araw ko palang dito, pinakita ko na agad si Fyang na sobrang insensitive, hindi marunong mag-adjust at walang pakialam kung nakakasakit ng ibang tao,” Fyang said in a letter she wrote to Big Brother during their last days in the house.

Despite facing nominations, her determination to reach the final stage and her positive outlook with tasks helped her reveal a different side of herself. As weeks passed, and with the influence of her fellow housemates, Fyang began to change and improve.

“Hanggang sa may housemates na nakapansin sa ugali ko at sila nagparealize na hindi lahat maiintindihan kung anong ugali ang mayroon ako.  Ang laki ng pinagbago ko. Mas lumawak ako magisip, from being insensitive, maarte, walang respeto to being mindful and considerate, to better version ni Fyang galing sa bahay mo,” she added.

Fyang’s personal growth during her more than three months in the house captivated viewers and earned her a solid fanbase that supported her throughout her journey. In one episode, while she and her fellow finalists asked each other questions, Fyang addressed concerns about her being "disrespectful and stubborn."

She admitted that she was once stubborn during her initial weeks inside the house. However, she started to become more cautious and aware of her actions.

“Siguro noong una first, second, third, week, matigas ulo ko. Siguro may kaunting katigasan pa rin ng ulo ko pero ngayon medyo nabawasan na... Sometimes nalilimutan ko na nasa PBB pala ako. Hindi ko rin naman sinasadya na magkamali.”

She emphasized that she still respects all her fellow housemates in her own way.

“Sa tingin ko the way na sinasabi ng iba na disrespectful ako, is hindi lang kayo sanay na ganun ako magsalita. Iba iba tayo ng kinalakihan. It’s just me. Hindi siya disrespectful talaga. May respect ako sa kanila (other housemates),” she expressed.

Fyang also addressed accusations of being "too clingy and close" to her male housemates. She explained that her behavior is just her natural way of interacting with close friends.

Prior to becoming an official housemate, Fyang shared with PUSH what she looked forward to when she entered the house. She also mentioned her desire to meet Pamilya Sagrado actor Kyle Echarri, who is her celebrity crush.

“I want to hang out in Kuya’s living area. I hope my housemates have a good sense of humor because it’s tough without it,” she said.

Fyang swept the final vote tally against her fellow Big Four housemates with 30.66% making her the Big Winner of Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11.

READ: Fyang Smith of Mandaluyong is hailed as the Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11 big winner