Life & Work with Dr. Ma’Sha Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Ma’Sha Smith. 

Hi Dr. Smith, 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 backstories with our readers?
I grew up in Compton California. I started my first real job working with the County of Los Angeles right out of high school. I was a full-time student at Cal State Northridge, pursuing a degree in psychology while working part-time as a Recreation Service Leader. During this time, decorating and balloon artistry were just a hobby. After being introduced to balloons by my fellow coworkers, I immediately knew that this was something that I would truly enjoy. I use to assist in decorating work events. Throughout my years of completing several college degrees, and working a full-time job, I took to decorating and finding ways to master the art of balloons. During this time, decorating helped reduce stress and allow me to always get my thoughts together when it came to my academics. Family and friends have always reached out to me to decorate events because over the years I slowly began to perfect the craft. I’ve always had ideas to share, as well as expressing that I wanted to decorate any upcoming events that people would have. The fact that I enjoyed crafts in general, I utilized this tool when it came to my education and current career path. I conducted counseling and taught classes during my graduate study, in which I utilized my crafting skills to help reduce stress and anxiety in youth. 

While completing my doctoral degree in Educational Psychology, I decided to take decorating to a new level by starting a business. As some may know, gaining a doctoral degree can be very stressful, so whenever my mind would go blank and I needed a break, I would venture off into the world of event planning. This truly helped clear my mind and refocus me. After completing one of my many goals, my doctoral degree and becoming a psychologist, I was then able to focus more on event planning. My support system is just truly amazing. I sometimes doubted myself because at times it could be demanding and there were so many people out there that are competing to be the best. I decided to take a leap of faith and just push through. 

I am an African American woman who wears many hats and I am proud of it. I seem to dib and dab into several different things, but I am not a quitter. I have and will always put my all into everything that I do. I am here to inspire others and let other young women know that they can do anything that they put their minds to. It’s important to follow your heart and allow what you enjoy to lead you to adventures and soon, a great future. 

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?
Honestly, everything was a struggle. I wanted to do so much as well as please others at the same time, that some things did not work out for me. I found myself stressing out about completing school, working a full-time job, and starting a business at the same time while worrying about what others had to say about me. I had to find myself as well as put myself first in order to accomplish my goals. I knew that there are many competitors in this business but I just had to push myself to continue to do what I love. I can definitely say that my journey is not over and I know that new obstacles may arise. It may sound crazy but as a therapist, we don’t always use our own advice, but for the journey that I am on, I had to stop doubting myself, letting others think for me, and yes take my own advice. I had to understand that this is my journey and that when something knocks me down, get back up. Believe in yourself and know that every struggle will come with a success story. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have an event planning business. MRS Kreative Vibez. “MRS” is who I am, my initials. I began this business starting with balloons. I then ventured out into event planning and allowed my clients to come to me as a one-stop shop. I have 3 friends who started working with me and who will provide support when needed. I call them the KV Ladies; Jeaniya, Jasemyn, and Dawnita. Love, love, love them. As events arise, they take on the lead and execute every time. We provide full event planning services, marquee numbers, draping canopy tents, photobooth, license bartender, and more. We work closely with other vendors and event planners to ensure our clients get everything they need. 

I am very proud of how far we have come. Though we have not been up and running for a long time, we are making progress. The KV ladies are perfecting different crafts to ensure clients are satisfied. We work hard at making our clients happy. If we have more than one event on the same day, we definitely try to communicate with our clients and will stay at some events if we are needed. Our goal is to keep them happy and make them a part of the Kreative Vibez family. In all, we will ALWAYS KEEP IT KREATIVE! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram: @mrs_kreative_vibez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.mrs.kreative.vibez0/
• Other: Inquire about an event: https://form.jotform.com/221427172545150