Conversations with Ashlee Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlee Smith.

Hi Ashlee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
During my senior year in college, I was introduced into the modeling world by a classmate who went to Kennesaw State with me. She invited me to one of her photoshoots just to get a feel of things after I mentioned to her that I wanted to start modeling. I kept my focus on school and modeling because after that first shoot, I knew modeling was what I wanted to do and I was going to make a name for myself. This was also the same day I started my loc journey. I mention that because my hair is a part of my modeling journey as well because it has gotten me booked for Bronner Brothers hair show twice and it made me feel unique in all of my photos. Modeling became even more fun when I started coloring my hair because it brought “pop” to most of my photos.

I’ve successfully been in 4+ magazines and a brand ambassador for various clothing lines as well as a hair company. I am also a runway model. My first fashion show was a small show in Athens, Georgia. Standing tall at 5’1, I’ve been in many fashion shows since then and have never been scared to grace the runway with my walk. I kept up my modeling throughout college and started getting into background acting after I graduated. I found my way into background acting through research on Facebook, which led to networking with a lot of individuals on sets, which led me to learning about Forex. I’ve kept busy over the years and I still love everything I do, from modeling to background acting, to trading. I realize that everything I have done so far has gotten me to this point and now that I’m here, I love where I’m at.

As I continue to perfect my craft, I plan to be in more shows, magazines and more print work. One day, I will grace the runways and billboards of LA, New York, Paris and all over despite my size and height. I will continue to follow my dreams until I make my passion my career and start my own modeling agency for petite models that don’t fit the standard runway look but can still walk the walk.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothing you ever love is smooth. There will always be rough patches and I have run into many of those, haha. But the one thing I can always tell you is God will make a way out of no way and I’ve made it through 100%of my rough days. One of the main struggles, of course, is my height. I’m 5’1 and not the average height for a runway model so I have to stand out in different ways (i.e., my hair journey, my walk, my attitude).

I’ve definitely had some lessons in learning who to trust in the entertainment industry and those names I will not mention because they don’t deserve the attention but they have also shaped me to be who I’ve become and am becoming. I’ve had to learn that not everyone who smiles in your face is a friendly face and doesn’t always have your best interest at heart. That’s up for you to decide and my lessons were never losses when it came to that. Just because you started someone off does not mean you made them; it’s what they do after that that makes them who they are.

When it comes to the trading aspect of my life, everyone thinks new things are a scam so it’s difficult to gain reps with that because everyone is set in the 9-5 mindset. I may not be fully successful at it, but I’ve learned a great deal from it and continue to learn to the point where one day, trading will be my full-time job. I may have setbacks but I never give up. Sometimes things are just delayed gratification waiting to happen. Struggle is going to happen; nothing worth having is going to be easy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As far as modeling goes, I literally love everything about it including all the ups and downs and yes and no’s. I specialize in runway modeling and coaching mainly for smaller models like myself. I’d eventually like to get my own studio to host classes in but for now, I just do it when I have the time and space available.

On the runway however, I am known for my walk. Others are always complimenting me when I come to casting calls and they see me walk and then I get asked for pointers and if I coach. I believe after the 4th person asked me about pointers and tips and if I hosted classes, that’s when I really started to get into coaching for it.

I am definitely most proud of the very first shoot I did for a magazine. Which was about a few months after I started modeling. It was for a magazine called The Oasis and it was a vintage wedding photoshoot. I believe this was the moment I fell in love with photoshoots after seeing the way the photos came out in the magazine.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve had many people play a big role in where I am now. First, all thanks goes to God in which I wouldn’t be anywhere without Him. My mother and father groomed me into greatness after they were blessed with me. My first photoshoot coming from TherteeSeven (@therteeseven). My first magazine shoot coming from MJ Photography (@mjphotography93). Some of my favorite photographers that helped me build my portfolio continuously throughout the years: Tyrus Davis (@tdvisualarts), Daniel M Photography (@dvmproductions), BH Jackson (@bhjacksonmanagementllc), Focus The Art God (@focustheartgod), Ezra (@ezratheprofessional), Jabarii Williams (@flashwilliams.xx), & 1Glanceatl (@1glanceatl).

There has been major support from people I have met over the years, models, designers, MUA’s and more. I can’t name everyone because I would be here forever but I appreciate all of them through this journey in my modeling career. I am currently unsigned but I’m not stressing about it because my support system has given continuous life through boosting me up when I’ve felt down and being at or a part of the shows I’ve done and they’re still here today pushing me. Blu, Akella, Jabarii, Ant, Brie, Zay, Alex, Cydney, Kyle, Dom, Key, Juice, DC, Angela, Keji, Busta, Molly and so many more, I was blessed to have you all as a part of my life in and out of the industry.

Pricing:

• Photoshoot (Reg)- $65/hr
• Videoshoot (reg) -$80/hr
• Photoshoot (Lingerie)- $85/hr
• Videoshoot (Lingerie) -$90/hr
• 1 on 1 coaching- $25/hr

Contact Info:

• Email: s.ashlee505@gmail.com
• Website: www.kweenash.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kween.ash
• Other: https://www.modelmanagement.com/model/kween-ash/

Image Credits:
Thertee Seven Madesta Jackson Photography AntBear Photography TD Visual Arts Hasna Visuals Dr. Locs Joe Mapp Photography Focus The Art God