We recently connected with Ayshia Scott and have shared our conversation below.
Ayshia , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
The story behind 2Smooth Visual Media LLC started as a journey of self-expression and connection. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, but it wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about showcasing the unseen side of athletes, entertainers, business owners and everyday people. Working with athletes gave me a window into their lives that most people don’t get to see—those raw, unfiltered moments beyond the game or the stage, where their true personalities shine. That’s where the spark for my business came from.
As a former athlete, being injured played a huge role in who I am now. I always wanted to stay around the game; during college, I pulled my hamstring twice, my quad once, and had a muscle chest injury, before being diagnosed with costochondritis, which is the inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). This condition typically causes chest pain that may feel like a heart attack, but it is not heart-related. The pain is usually sharp and occurs on the left side of the chest, but it can occur on either side. The pain worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or physical activity. At that point, I knew it was time to hang up my shoes and put the basketball down. I’ve always had a camera in my hand as a child, and as I grew up, I would take my dad’s cameras to record and take pictures.
After college, I took an internship for coaching and sports media, where I ran a team’s social media account and created content and graphics to post. At that time, I learned how to coach and specialize in media.
I remember being at games, watching these athletes perform, but more importantly, seeing how much more they had to offer off the field or court. There was this realization that the world only saw one side of their lives, but there was so much more to tell. I wanted to bridge that gap, bring their untold stories to the forefront, and show the world the human side behind the jerseys. The emotions were overwhelming because I knew these stories had depth, substance, and an audience hungry for authenticity. I wanted to create content that helped people tell whatever story they wanted to tell, whether it was basketball highlights or actual documentaries.
When I first started, I didn’t have it all figured out, but I knew I had the drive, the vision, and the passion for creating something unique in the visual media space. I had already been working with NBA, NFL, WNBA, high school, and college athletes. This gave me access to a network of people who believed in my work. But what really drove me was seeing how my visuals impacted the athletes and their fans. I watched these videos bring their stories to life, not just as athletes but as individuals with challenges, dreams, and personalities. It resonated with me because I wasn’t just creating content—I was curating experiences that inspired others.
I felt this was a worthwhile endeavor because of my name, “2Smooth,” which came from me being #2 on the court in high school. I took that and created a brand and business. I knew if I could create something that stuck and that people could relate to, it would be major. I knew that as long as I could continue to work on my craft and invest, my work would grow and continue to get better.
I had a niche that no one else was tapping into at the time, and my experience working with athletes gave me a competitive edge. I already had the relationships and trust, which I leveraged to secure my first few clients. I had this gut feeling that my work would not only tell stories but also build lasting connections between the athletes and their audience. I also understood that with social media’s rise, athletes, entertainers, and business owners were looking for more personalized ways to share their stories, and I knew I could be that bridge.
I knew I could succeed because I didn’t rush it. I tested my ideas with small projects, honed my skills, and took feedback seriously. When I started seeing engagement grow and clients returning for more, I knew I had hit on something that worked. It was less about making money in the beginning and more about seeing the impact my visuals had. Seeing the engagement, how people interacted with the content, and how athletes felt when their stories were shared pushed me even more.
The logic behind why I felt I could succeed came from two key factors: trust and authenticity. I knew I could build trust with clients because I wasn’t just capturing moments for the sake of it; I was invested in their stories, which made my work stand out.
Authenticity is something you can’t fake, and I believed that if I stayed true to my passion and vision, success would follow. It wasn’t just about creating great visuals; it was about storytelling with purpose, connecting with people, and leaving a lasting impact through my work. That’s why I knew 2Smooth Visual Media LLC had the potential to thrive.
Ayshia , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Ayshia Scott, the founder of 2Smooth Visual Media LLC, a visual media company dedicated to storytelling through the lens of athletes, entertainers, and everyday individuals. My journey into this industry has been deeply personal, rooted in my own experiences as a former athlete. Injuries during my college years, including a serious diagnosis of costochondritis, made me reevaluate my path and led me to embrace my passion for capturing the stories of others.
From a young age, I’ve always had a camera in my hands, documenting life’s moments and events. After college, I took an internship in coaching and sports media, where I ran a team’s social media account, created engaging content, and designed graphics. This experience allowed me to refine my skills in both coaching and media, providing a unique perspective on the sports world.
At 2Smooth Visual Media, I offer a range of services, including photography and videography for athletes, event coverage, social media management for businesses, and content creation to enhance their brands. My goal is to showcase the unseen side of individuals—their struggles, triumphs, and the authentic moments that go beyond the game or business. I believe every athlete and entertainer has a story worth telling, and I strive to bridge the gap between their public personas and their true selves.
What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the athlete’s journey. I have worked closely with NBA, NFL, and WNBA players, as well as high school and college athletes, giving me insight into their lives on and off the field. This experience allows me to create content that resonates with both the athletes and their audiences. I focus on authenticity, ensuring that the stories I tell reflect the real experiences of my clients.
I am also passionate about helping businesses grow through social media management and impactful content creation. By enhancing their online presence, I assist companies in telling their unique stories, engaging with their audiences, and driving success.
A pivotal moment in my journey was when I decided to leave my full-time job to pursue 2Smooth Visual Media LLC full-time. I put all my faith in God, trusting that He would guide me on this path. Where I am now is a testament to that faith, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Seeing how my visuals impact their careers and personal lives is incredibly rewarding. I have witnessed firsthand how these stories can inspire others, and I take pride in being a part of that journey.
For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my work is not just about creating beautiful images and videos; it’s about crafting meaningful narratives that connect people. My commitment to authenticity and passion for storytelling drives every project I undertake. I’m here to help you tell your story, whatever it may be, whether it’s basketball highlights, documentaries, or personal brand content.
At 2Smooth Visual Media LLC, I aim to elevate your narrative, showcase the human side behind the jerseys, and create lasting connections between you and your audience.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Yes, my side hustle in photography and videography turned into my main business and career. After graduating from college, my initial plan was to become a college basketball coach. I took an internship with a collegiate team and applied to various schools across the state. However, I was hesitant to move away, especially after my family faced the loss of my aunt, uncle, and great-grandmother at different times, and my mom was still unwell. To stay close to home, I applied for a full-time training position, where I focused on coaching basketball.
While working there, I noticed the absence of a social media manager or content creator, so I pitched myself for the role. At the time, my work wasn’t the best as I was just starting, but I had the confidence to sell it. After a year and a half, I experienced a hostile work environment, which led me to pray for guidance. I asked God if this was a sign to take a leap of faith and fully commit to my aspirations in media.
After much reflection and prayer, I decided to resign immediately, despite not knowing how I would manage the workload ahead. I began attending local high school games and colleges, networking and creating a demand for my highlight reels and social media content for athletes. As the importance of social media grew, I focused on perfecting my craft. I spent my last $1,000 on a camera while still in college, and once that camera paid off and I saved enough to upgrade, I realized that this was my calling.
This transition allowed me to pursue my passion fully, and now I’m doing everything I want to do and more. Some key milestones in this journey include:
Pitching myself for the social media role at my training job, which was my first step into the media world officially.
Leaving a hostile work environment to follow my passion, despite the uncertainty.
Networking at local games to create a demand for my services, which helped me build a client base.
Investing in my first camera and then upgrading, which enabled me to improve my production quality and expand my offerings.
This journey has been a testament to following one’s passion, putting faith in God and recognizing when it’s time to take risks.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience on social media by understanding that people want to be entertained, whether emotionally or mentally. People scroll through their feeds all day, so I realized the importance of posting something meaningful. However, I learned to post with a purpose. I always keep in mind the question: “What do I feel when watching this?” It’s crucial to identify the emotion you want to portray. Do you want people to cry, smile, get hyped, laugh, or feel bored?
As a storyteller in sports, entertainment, and media, I understand that I control what I put out. I always ask my clients about their current mood and what mood they want the audience to feel when watching their content. My biggest piece of advice is to start posting but to be intentional and find your specific audience. If people can relate to you, then they are your audience. So, who do you want to attract? For example, if I want to reach more athletes, I need to post content that resonates with them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://2smoothvisualmediallc.mypixieset.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZtaawkgqsK8_4qztnDyK-J9GT_MBudabsQ54mULy4rAG39zoC_l9FXMv0_aem_bwYySmCv6rN_y1VOP9dzOw
- Instagram: @2Smoothvm
- Facebook: 2Smooth Visual Media LLC
- Youtube: 2Smooth Visual Media
- Other: TikTok: 2Smoothvm
