Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Lashay Garland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Elizabeth Lashay, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been the creation and development of Slay the Mic (STM) Multimedia and Tha Creative Playground, a dynamic creative content studio. These ventures are more than just businesses; they are extensions of my passion for empowering others, fostering creativity, and creating safe spaces for expression and innovation.
The backstory begins with my imagination, deep love for storytelling, artistry, and the belief that everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard.
As a child, my imagination was the foundation of my ability to create worlds that existed purely in my mind. The swingset became an airplane, and a cardboard box in the creek transformed into my yacht. Growing up in Asheville, NC—a small city with the spirit of a big town—there were, and still are, limited resources available for Black creatives.
Early in my career, I noticed how difficult it was for creatives and entrepreneurs to find platforms that nurtured their growth while celebrating their individuality. Many talented people had stories, music, or ideas that were stifled by limited access to resources or environments that didn’t resonate with their vision. This realization planted the seed for Slay the Mic, the first hip-hop and RnB radio show in Asheville, NC, and has since expanded into STM Multimedia.
Slay the Mic was initially conceptualized as a hip-hop radio show, helping people amplify their voices and tell their stories authentically. Slay the Mic has conducted over 400 interviews, collaborated with over 200 organizations/community members, curated over 150 events, generated 50 workshops. Watching individuals grow into confident communicators sparked something powerful within me. I realized that the same principles could be applied to other forms of creative expression, and that’s where STM Multimedia was born. It became a hub that not only celebrated diversity in creativity but also offered the tools and mentorship needed for people to thrive in their respective crafts.
Building Tha Creative Playground was a natural extension of these efforts. I wanted to create a physical space that felt like home for creators. It’s more than a studio—it’s a sanctuary where people can experiment, collaborate, and bring their dreams to life. Whether it’s through recording music, filming content, hosting workshops, or brainstorming the next big idea, Tha Creative Playground is a testament to what can happen when people are given the freedom to create without limitations.
This project is meaningful to me because it’s a direct reflection of my journey and values. It represents resilience, community, and the belief that creativity can transform lives. Watching people walk into Tha Creative Playground—some unsure of their potential—and then leave with confidence and tangible results has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. To witness my imagination manifest into a world beyond my wildest dreams is profoundly humbling.
The blueprint of Tha Creative Playground began as a sketch on the back of an old piece of mail. STM Multimedia was once just a concept, and Slay the Mic was born out of my deep love for hip hop and storytelling. My imagination has always guided me into a life that feels like a dream turned into reality.
It reminds me why I started this journey and inspires me to continue expanding these spaces for others.
Elizabeth Lashay, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have spent over 15 years immersed in the world of media, working with incredible companies such as iHeartMedia San Francisco, Saga Communications, and BET Networks. These experiences have shaped my passion for storytelling, creativity, and finding connection through media.
My career began with a love for sports broadcasting, producing, directing, and storytelling, which naturally led me to radio and television. At 106 KMEL, one of the Bay Area’s most iconic hip-hop stations, I honed my skills in broadcasting, content creation, and audience engagement. Transitioning to BET Networks expanded my expertise into television and event production. These opportunities not only refined my technical abilities but also instilled a commitment to excellence, authenticity, and creativity.
Building on these foundations, I established my own multimedia company. STM Multimedia offers an array of products and services, including videography, photography, podcast production, an event space, creative content studio, DJ lab, recording studio, and podcast studio. Our goal is to provide clients with the tools and environment to illuminate ideas and bring their visions to life through media.
We don’t just offer services; we create immersive experiences. We’re not just a studio—we’re a community hub where ideas flourish and to build connections.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Slay the Mic, STM Multimedia, and Tha Creative Playground Content Studio are more than businesses—they’re reflections of our dedication to uplift others through creativity, collaboration, and edutainment. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, we’re here to empower your vision and help tell your story.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Chasing a dream often feels like walking an uncharted path—a mix of excitement, uncertainty, self-doubt, and perseverance. For the longest time, I clung to the belief that meaningful work had to be hard, grueling, and all-consuming. Success, I thought, could only be earned through constant sacrifice and relentless effort. But the truth is, that mindset was limiting, and unlearning it became a pivotal moment in my journey.
Like many, I grew up surrounded by the narrative that “hard work pays off”—a mantra drilled into me by society.
While there’s value in dedication and discipline, I realized that I had taken it too far. I equated struggle with worthiness and believed that if I wasn’t exhausted, I wasn’t doing enough. This belief turned work into a battleground rather than a place of creativity and joy.
As I embarked on building my own business, I found myself at a crossroads. My passion for creating spaces where people could feel safe, inspired, and supported was at odds with my unsustainable work habits. I was burning out, and it became clear that something had to change. I needed to reimagine what work could look like—not just for me but for the community I was building.
The shift started with a mindset change. I began to embrace the idea that work could be fulfilling without being draining, that productivity could coexist with ease, and that joy didn’t have to wait until the finish line. I learned to celebrate small wins, delegate tasks, and honor rest as a crucial part of the process. Most importantly, I gave myself permission to enjoy the journey rather than fixating solely on the destination.
Redefining my relationship with work transformed everything. It allowed me to create with intention and build a business that reflects my values. The experience taught me that success isn’t just about reaching a goal—it’s about the person you become along the way. I am consistently becoming, learning, unlearning, reminding, and refining myself.
By unlearning the idea that work has to be hard, I’ve found freedom, fulfillment, and a deeper sense of purpose. And now, I get to share that perspective with others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with a spirit of curiosity, resilience, and joy.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Growing up, I often felt invisible—unheard and unseen. I navigated a childhood shaped by trauma, suppressing my emotions and only expressing them on college-ruled paper during creative writing class. While those challenges could have defined me, they instead sparked a determination to create spaces where voices like mine could be valued.
One defining moment came when I experienced trauma within my own family. At the time, mental health wasn’t openly discussed—especially in my family and among peers. In that silence, I made a quiet promise to myself: I would survive and, one day, create the support system I so desperately needed back then.
That promise became the foundation of my resilience. Each step forward—learning healthier coping mechanisms and embracing self-expression—was fueled by the belief that I was worthy of being seen and heard. Today, I strive to be the advocate I needed as a teenager, working to empower others through media, mentorship, and the development of edutainment programs.
This journey of survival and self-discovery ultimately shaped my purpose. My vision is to offer others what I once longed for—a platform where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered. My childhood struggles taught me that resilience isn’t about pretending everything is okay; it’s about facing challenges head-on and transforming them into catalysts for growth and change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stmmultimedia.com
- Instagram: @slaythemic @stmmultimedia @thacreativeplayground
- Facebook: @slaythemic
- Linkedin: Elizabeth Lashay Garland
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@slaythemic/videos
Image Credits
Silver Moon Photography
Alladream Photography
STM Multimedia