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

Hi Ava, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I may only be 14 years old, but I have experienced what it’s like to be shut down by people. It made me wonder about my value and worth, but it has also taught me many lessons and helped me see there is still so much good in the world. If there’s something you enjoy doing, don’t worry about the negative comments. I believe you should keep going if you believe it’s worth it. Do you love it? Does it make you a better person? What keeps me going? Academics, volunteering with a group my family started when I was 3 called Little Helpers, learning new things, reading, volleyball, music, cooking, faith, family and friends.

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.
I have always loved singing, yet I never thought about whether I was good or not. One day my mom’s friends told me I had a beautiful voice. Ever since then, I have thrown myself into music. Be it singing or playing instruments I love it all. It makes me happy, feel empowered and brings me peace. I was on percussion in my middle school band. Now, I actually play 11 instruments and even name my guitars after planets or galaxies. I’m usually practicing in my room, but I have performed in public. I was selected as a finalist in Halcyon’s Got Talent, will open for the Rock for Rescues charity concert this fall and perform at an event for nonprofit Be THE Voice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m part Vietnamese so I not only like to eat Asian food, but cook it. I enjoy exploring different Asian cultures. I would love to take them to Buford Highway in Atlanta. It’s full of Asian shops, restaurants, cafes and bakeries. I often make a day of it.

It looks something like this:
1st stop: Vietnamese, Korean or Japanese restaurant
2. Boba tea shop
3. Bakery for Asian treats
4. Grocery store or market to get snacks, spices, sauces, vegetables, fruits, meat and bones for broths
5. A “to-go” store for take home meals, Vietnamese sesame seed balls called Bánh Cam, steamed pork buns or bao & more

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my mom Tran, dad Scott and brother Jackson for always believing in me and following all of my whims.

Instagram: Ava_Huyen

Other: Istagram: @teenmissgeorgiaearth Facebook: Teen Miss Georgia Facebook: Little Helpers Little Helpers of Atlanta

Image Credits
Guitar photo & crown/sash photo: Kyle Gordon Photography Sitting on bridge, downtown Atlanta: Julia Daniel Photography Family photo with dog: Aaron March

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