We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Smith . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I feel that I may get mischaracterized because people usually assume that women in the entertainment industry cannot be multifaceted when that is very untrue. While working as a model in the early stages I was obtaining my undergraduate and master’s degree in Political Science from Georgia State University. Now as a working actress I have been filming for Tyler Perry’s new series for Beauty in Black and for Kevin Hart’s series for Netflix Fight Night all while working as a legal assistant. I am also a full time mom with a son in the entertainment industry as well.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the entrainment industry as a child I did an episode of Cartoon Network’s show Fridays. When I got to college I met my first management team at a casting call for a fashion show at Georgia State. I am now an independent artist but they were great in giving me a start in the industry by doing photo shoots and giving me the opportunity to network. I did fashion shows for the stars from Married to Medicine on the Bravo channel. I have always had a desire to be in the spotlight. My family has been very supportive and a driving force behind my career. My brand is always evolving but centered on women’s empowerment. As an entertainer and mother and professional I want to show people that it is possible to do it all while not being limited on possibilities. I am most proud of getting my son in national ads for Target, Graco and Hibbet Sports. Walking in Hibbet Sports and seeing my son on the wall is my proudest moment.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

The biggest thing that non-creatives will struggle to understand about my journey is that I can be in entertainment and also have a professional career. There is a preconceived notion that you have to pick between being a starving artist or having a career. Gigs in entertainment can be spread apart it can be difficult to have consistent bookings so for me it has always been important to be in school and working during the time when I’m not booked.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A story from my journey that illustrates my resilience is that when I was in my senior year of college getting my undergraduate degree I got pregnant with my son. I graduated with an A average six months pregnant and went on to obtain my masters while a toddler on my lap. There was many sleepless nights of writing essays and changing diapers but it was all worth it. Giving up was never an option for me. It was difficult but preserving through obstacles is apart of the journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/theashleydawnsmith

Image Credits

@photosbychampion
@hibbetsports
@target