Ha*Ash is an American Latin pop duo from Lake Charles, Louisiana. The band was formed in 2002 by sisters Hanna Nicole (born 1985) and Ashley Grace (born 1987). The group's name is an portmanteau of letters from their first names. They have released five studio albums, with the most recent, 30 de Febrero, being released in 2017. From 2014 to 2017, all of their singles received at least a gold certification from the Mexican Association of Producers of Phonograms and Videograms. In addition to Latin pop, Ha*Ash incorporates country pop, pop rock, and singer-songwriter styles into their music, and they have cited artists such as Shania Twain, Loretta Lynn, and The Chicks as influences. They are also known for their philanthropy and social activism, including their work on behalf of children. In 2007, Ha*Ash founded the nonprofit organization Fondo Ha*Ash, which supports immigrants and children suffering from HIV/AIDS, among other causes. Ha*Ash has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. Early lives Hanna Nicole Pérez (June 25, 1985) and Ashley Grace Pérez (January 27, 1987), were born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States, to Antonio and Mathilda Pérez (). Their grandfather is of Mexican descent, originally from San Luis Potosí, and their grandmothers were of German and Spanish ancestry. The family had been living in Lake Charles for generations. Hanna and Ashley have two siblings and two half-siblings, but due to their proximity in age, the two sisters grew up closer to one another than to any of their siblings. They began performing in church (Pine Grove Baptist Church of DeQuincy) at the ages of 5 and 4. Because their father worked outside the United States, Hanna and Ashley spent half of each year in Mexico City and half in Lake Charles. Around 2001, they sang in the music festivals "Railroad Festival" and "The Louisiana Music Cavalcade". Career 2002–2004: Formation and self-titled album In April 2002, the sisters adopted the name Ha*Ash and signed to Sony Music Latin when they were 16 and 15. The same year, they signed a management deal with Seitrack Management (OCESA Seitrack). In April 2002 they released their first single, "Odio Amarte", which was a hit on Mexican radio stations, TV channels, and festivals. They recorded their self-titled debut album Ha*Ash with the Mexican producer Áureo Baqueiro. The album was released on May 11, 2003, and peaked at No. 3 in the Mexican album charts