Meet Ashley Smith | Author & Motivational Speaker

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

Hi Ashley, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want my legacy to be an inspiration to young black children. In my first children’s book, Makayla’s Blues: Hip-Hop You Never Stop, I left a dedication to the children in my family that stated, “Your name and your legacy are what you own. Leave something meaningful and powerful behind.” I left that message because I want them to hold themselves accountable for having a purpose. No matter what they may face, their goal should be to leave something that makes this world better. Each of my books tells a story of a black child on a magical journey that challenges them to believe in themselves and be confident that they can do whatever they want in life. We live in a world where we have to explain to ‘our’ children why there’s so much hate towards them. I don’t want that to be their focus. I want them to focus on being the best version they can be. Therefore, I use my art and creativity to convey stories that give them examples of how to believe in themselves, face their fears, and never give up. My legacy is my effort to build my community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets my art apart from other creators is my ability to embody my books’ character experience and execution style. I knew that I wanted to dress up as a ninja for my second book, Makayla’s Blues: Hip-Hop Ninja Crew. I want to allow black children to see black people in a fun and unusual way. Therefore, I thought, what better way to promote healthy imagery and imagination than dressing up and being side by side with my character on a flyer. I could’ve hired a model to be the ninja. However, I feel I can illustrate what I want to say best. I got where I am today professionally by educating myself on how to complete tasks independently to limit the time I spend outsourcing. I wrote my children’s book series in 2019. Since then, I have been releasing a book each year. It’s not an easy process. The biggest challenge I faced was deciding to be my editor. I didn’t have the money to hire an editor and illustrator, so I told myself that wouldn’t be what would end my journey; I would do it myself. I am most proud of how I pushed myself to be the powerhouse I am today. I am the writer, the editor, the designer, the promoter, the website builder, the speaker, you name it. I am my brand. Yet, the hardest lesson I learned through this experience is the definition of success. I used to think that success was similar to the feeling you get when you win a race. Like a grand finale. When actuality, success is the journey that leads people to win the race. Once I redefine success, reaching a goal seems more like progress instead of the end. In other words, as entrepreneurs, we all want to reach the height of our success. So we must enjoy the process and remember that success is everything we are enduring to get there. I want the world to know my brand and story reflect my passion for children and my willingness to be a great influence to others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever my friends visit from Mississippi, I typically start with a day of relaxation. First, I would take them to one of my favorite spa’s Buckhead Grand Spa. I would follow that up with brunch at the Atlanta Breakfast Club. After that, we may do some shopping at Lennox mall and go site seeing. I would plan a kickback and invite other close friends to have a game night and I would cook. Also, my friends usually are into fitness, so I would book a couple of group sessions with my personal trainer, Shemiko McInnis, to get a good workout in. I am a foodie, and I love great music, so festivals are normally high on my to-do list as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I want to give a shoutout to my mother, Lavonda McGlothian. Watching her be a single mother taught me what it takes to be successful has everything to do with self-discipline. I cannot remember a time where she allowed me to quit. Everything I signed up to do, she made me see it through the end. Quitting was never an option. EVER. And for that experience, I am genuinely thankful. Throughout my life, there were a few mentors, and I thank them as well. I also want to shout out my circle of friends and family. They’re very supportive of my endeavors. Next, I want to shout out my childhood friend and assistant, Jalissa Farmer. She’s so awesome. Lastly, I want to shout out my best friend, Certified Personal Trainer, Shemiko McInnis. I want to thank her for recommending me for this opportunity. It’s such a blessing to have friends who believe in me and my goals. Having all these positive women around me keeps me going. I love you all.

Website: www.makaylasbookworld.com

Instagram: makaylasbookworld

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