Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Smith.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Honestly, my story’s been a mix of purpose, pivoting, and a little bit of divine timing. I started out just loving music and storytelling — I’ve always had an ear for how things feel, not just how they sound. Over time, that evolved into producing, curating, and building creative spaces where art, culture, and community could live together.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t just chasing projects — I was building worlds. That’s how Talented10th Entertainment was born. It started small — just me creating shows, podcasts, and events — but it’s grown into a full creative ecosystem that celebrates Black excellence, storytelling, and authenticity.
Career-wise, I’ve worn a lot of hats — marketing coordinator, producer, strategist — and all of that sharpened my vision. I learned how to balance creativity with structure, so whether I’m launching a national campaign or curating a cultural conversation, it all connects back to the same goal: creating impact through creativity.
I didn’t take the straight path, but every twist shaped me. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be — still learning, still building, still telling stories that matter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth? Nah, not even close. It’s been beautiful, but definitely not smooth. I’ve had to learn everything the long way — building with limited resources, figuring out the business side while still trying to protect the creative side, and honestly, dealing with people who see your light but don’t always want to help you carry it.
There were seasons where I felt unseen, overworked, and under-resourced. Times when I knew I had the vision, but not the funding or the right team yet. It’s humbling when you know you’re capable, but the doors don’t open right away. But that’s also what sharpened me. It forced me to get clearer on who I am, what I’m building, and who I want around me while doing it.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth — but it’s been real. And every rough patch built a muscle I still use today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a creative architect — I build worlds through storytelling, music, and culture. My work lives at the intersection of creativity, strategy, and impact. Through Talented10th Entertainment, I’ve created a space that blends art, media, and conversation — from podcasts and live shows to digital storytelling and brand partnerships. Everything I touch has one goal: to celebrate Black creativity, legacy, and truth in a way that feels both current and timeless.
I specialize in developing ideas that move — campaigns that feel like culture, stories that stick with you, and creative ecosystems that actually build community. People know me for having vision — for seeing the bigger picture when others are still trying to piece it together.
What I’m most proud of is that everything I’ve built, I built from the ground up — no blueprint, no big investors, just faith, consistency, and the ability to see possibility in the middle of chaos.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect art and purpose without watering either one down. I can talk business with executives in the morning and be in the studio or on set that night — and both worlds make sense to me.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t really call it luck — I call it alignment. Some people would look at parts of my story and call it bad luck: missed opportunities, people flaking, doors closing that I thought were meant for me. But every single one of those moments ended up protecting me from something I didn’t need or preparing me for something better.
So yeah, I’ve had “bad luck” on paper, but it taught me resilience. It taught me how to build when nobody’s clapping and pivot when plans fall apart. And when things do line up — when timing, people, and opportunity meet — that’s not luck, that’s grace and preparation finally shaking hands.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Talented10thent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyautumn03?igsh=MWNxMG1zb2tjZGF5Mw==
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyasmith03?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
