Meet Ashley Smith | Record Executive

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my career as a professional creative has taught me is the value of self-care. In a fast-paced industry where deadlines are constant and creativity is always in demand, it’s easy to burn out if you don’t take time to rest, reflect, and recharge—just like an athlete. Athletes don’t just train endlessly; they prioritize recovery because they know that rest is essential for peak performance. The same applies to creatives.

When I prioritize self-care, I give myself the space to reflect on my work, refine my vision, and find inspiration. It’s in those quiet moments of rest that I often have my best ideas. Taking care of my mental, emotional, and physical well-being not only helps me avoid burnout, but it also fuels my creativity and allows me to show up as my best self for every project. Self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity that helps me grow, stay passionate about my work, and sustain a long-term creative career.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Talented10th is more than just a brand—it’s a community rooted in excellence, creativity, and culture. What sets us apart is our commitment to blending the arts and sports within the unique experience of a Historically Black University setting. We celebrate Black culture through storytelling, content creation, and authentic engagement, all while staying grounded in the values of service, leadership, and innovation.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve created a platform that not only entertains but also inspires. Seeing our work resonate with people, spark conversations, and build connections is what keeps me excited every day. Getting to where we are today hasn’t been easy. Like any creative journey, there have been challenges—tight budgets, long hours, and moments of doubt. But what got me through is resilience, community, and a clear vision. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from every setback.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you have to stay true to your story while being open to growth. I want the world to know that Talented10th is here to uplift, innovate, and leave a lasting impact through creativity and culture. Our story is one of passion, hard work, and a deep love for the community we represent.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whenever I take friends or associates out, there are a few places that we always visit. Slim & Husky’s for some of the best pizza in the city with that unmistakable vibe, and Coneheads for a unique twist on chicken and waffles that never disappoints. Of course, we have to check out live music at night.

I usually kick things off with a celebratory bottle of Uncle Nearest, paying homage to the rich history and legacy behind the brand.

The whole experience is to showcase the often overlooked African American community that fuels the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course. Shoutout to the homie Renaldo for always understanding the vision and sonically bringing it to life. His talent and dedication have elevated so many of my projects, and I’m grateful for his consistency and creativity.

Also, shoutout to anyone who has supported in any way—whether it’s through collaboration, purchasing merch, streaming our content, or simply sharing words of encouragement. Every bit of support matters.

Support is so important because no one achieves success alone. Every creative journey is built on community, and knowing that people believe in what you’re doing keeps you going during the tough times. Support fuels creativity, builds momentum, and reminds us that our work has an impact. It’s the backbone of any artist’s journey, and I’m thankful for everyone who has played a part in mine.

Website: https://Talented10thent.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyautumn03?igsh=MWNxMG1zb2tjZGF5Mw==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talented10thent