Exploring Life & Business with Ashley Smith of Talented10th Entertainment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Smith.

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I fell in love with music at a very early age. My mom was always singing and playing music around the house, so the music bug caught me young. I vividly remember buying my first CD at a yard sale when I was in 7th grade. I’d listen to it over and over while reading the credits from front to back. That’s when I knew I wanted to work in music.

Being from a small town where sports were often valued more than the arts—and sometimes even education—pursuing a career in entertainment wasn’t exactly encouraged. Back then, breaking into the industry felt nearly impossible, but the rise of popular hip-hop labels at the time inspired many of us. For a lot of young people, the “cool” thing to do was to form a group of friends and try to start your own label. My friends and I were no different.

That early experience led me into management, which I quickly learned was something I was good at—but also something I never wanted to do again. Over time, I discovered my real strength was in putting things together, whether it was music, visual content, or live events. I thrived in production.

As the industry shifted into a more digital space, it became easier to navigate, especially as a woman. I could decline opportunities that didn’t align with my goals without feeling like there was only one path to success. Working independently allowed me to meet the right people, which eventually led to landing a job with a major publishing company. That’s where I really learned how the game works.

All of that experience inspired me to start Talented10th Entertainment. I wanted to create a platform to help develop and showcase indie talent—people who might not otherwise have the resources or connections to get their foot in the door.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ha! Anyone looking to work in entertainment and expecting a smooth, easy process should probably do anything else. This industry is not for the faint of heart.

The two biggest challenges I’ve faced are being a woman in a male-dominated industry and, on top of that, being Black. There are moments when you feel like you’re fighting twice as hard just to be taken seriously or to access opportunities that come more easily to others.

Another big challenge is raising funding. A lot of people passively enjoy entertainment without realizing the costs involved in producing quality work. Whether it’s music, events, or visual content, everything takes resources, and getting people to invest in that can be a struggle.

Then there’s the challenge of working with artists and creatives. Managing so many personalities and egos, while also checking your own, can be exhausting. It’s incredibly rewarding when things come together, but there are definitely days when you question if it’s worth it.

Finally, the industry itself is constantly evolving. Keeping up with those shifts—and trying to stay ahead of them—can feel like running on a treadmill that never slows down. It’s a lot of pressure, but it also keeps you sharp and pushes you to grow.

Despite all of that, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The challenges have made the victories that much sweeter.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started Talented10th as an indie label with the goal of giving artists a platform to showcase their talents and helping them grow and develop their craft. Initially, we focused on artist development, but as the industry evolved, so did we.

Major record labels have quietly shifted towards a “distribution” model, prioritizing getting music onto streaming platforms and other digital outlets rather than managing the full recording and promotion process for artists like they used to. This change is largely due to the rise of independent artists and digital distribution platforms that allow creators to maintain more control over their work.

Recognizing this shift, last year we decided to rebrand and pivot our focus. Now, we focus on producing high-quality content of all types. Whether it’s music, visuals, or live events, we’re committed to curating work that’s not just good—it’s unforgettable.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ve started working with R&B group Khemistry under this new model. While the partnership is still in its infancy, we can already see how effective this approach is for all parties involved. Readers can check out our first two collaborative tracks, “Deep Waters” and the “Fall Back” (remix), which showcase the quality and creativity we aim to bring to every project.

In addition to our work with artists, we launched the Talented10th Shop last summer, where fans can purchase official Talented10th merchandise. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported us so far with their purchases—you’re truly helping us build something special.

Beyond music and merch, I’m excited to launch a podcast where I’ll have conversations with interesting people from all walks of life about how Black culture has shaped their field of expertise.

We also have some other really exciting projects in pre-production that I can’t talk about just yet—but trust me, I can’t wait to share them with the world!

What sets us apart is our emphasis on individuality. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions or generic approaches. Our goal is to amplify what makes each artist unique and position them for long-term success.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is our ability to adapt and stay ahead of industry trends while staying true to our mission of supporting creatives. For our readers, if you’re looking for a team that understands the balance between creativity and strategy, Talented10th is here to bring your vision to life.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I personally believe that the most successful people are the ones willing to take risks and fail. That’s where the real growth happens. Failure is just part of the process, and it teaches you lessons you’d never learn playing it safe.

I’m an incredibly spiritual person, so my faith plays a huge role in how I approach risks. I believe that no matter what mountains I climb or valleys I find myself in, the Most High is always there to guide me. There’s nothing I can’t bounce back from with His help. God has blessed me with a talent that allows me to help others develop and enhance their own gifts. Why would I squander that blessing by staying in my comfort zone?

If you’re reading this and you’re afraid to take a leap, my advice is simple: DO IT SCARED. Your gifts and talents could create a ripple effect that changes the world. And let’s be honest, with all the chaos in the world, we need more courageous risk-takers who are willing to create, inspire, and share the stories that need to be told. Whether it’s music, film, fashion, photography, or any form of art, your work has the power to make a difference.

Most importantly, stay humble and be grateful. Your talent is a gift, and it can easily be taken from you. When you approach your craft with gratitude and humility, it not only helps you grow but also inspires others to do the same.

So take the risk. Fail, learn, grow, and keep going. You never know how far your boldness—and your humility—might take you or who it might inspire along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: Talented10ent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talented10thent/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talented10thent
• Other: Talented10thshop.com