Today we’d like to introduce you to Hattie Smith.
Hi Hattie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, immersed in the world of crafting, creating, and the arts. My mom co-owned a hands-on art studio, where I began working at a young age, further fueling my creative drive. I also discovered a love for film early on, which led me to acting and eventually to earn my BFA in Film & Screen Acting from Chapman University. Since graduating, I’ve worked on a range of notable films and independent shorts and recently launched my own production company, Chattie Productions. In the past two years, we’ve written and produced three short films, with our latest currently in post-production.
Like many creatives, I’m a multi-hyphenate. To support my artistic path, I’ve worked a variety of jobs—many of which helped me blend my crafty instincts with a love for hospitality and hosting. This led to a new passion: event design and production. In August, I officially launched my own event coordination business, specializing in intimate gatherings.
All of these pursuits flow together in a rhythm that keeps life dynamic and creatively fulfilling. I’m a creative entrepreneur through and through—and there’s rarely a dull moment.
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?
The path of an actor—or any creative, really—is rarely a smooth one. I’ve had countless moments of deep self-reflection, wondering if I’m truly capable of continuing on. Acting is one of the most unpredictable careers out there. One day, you land a win that feels like the start of something steady, and the next, you’re met with months of silence. Sometimes, you even book a job only to have it fall through at the last minute. If nothing else, being an actress and artist in Los Angeles has made me an expert in resilience and empathy. I’ve learned not to rely on expectations, but instead to lean on hope and fierce determination. My life is often unpredictable—but that very unpredictability is what pushed me to take control where I can. I stopped waiting for creative opportunities to find me, and started building spaces where I could create them for myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Los Angeles-based actress and filmmaker, as well as the founder of a small event coordination business. I earned my BFA from CH and have since led several independent feature films and acclaimed short films, including The Axiom and Parallax (Amazon Prime) and Sam & Emma (YouTube). In 2023, my cousin and I launched our production company, Chattie Productions, where we write and produce female-driven stories that spotlight the beautiful and sometimes under appreciated chaos of everyday life. My creative journey has also made me a passionate advocate for small businesses and local artisans. Whether I’m promoting independent filmmakers on social media or supporting local makers at community markets, championing creatives is central to everything I do.
Over the past few years, I’ve been honing my skills as an event coordinator—a role that allows me to blend creativity, hospitality, and community support. I recently launched MadHat Creative, where I specialize in heartfelt, intimate gatherings. My events are for everyone, with customizable, à la carte services designed to accommodate a variety of budgets. As a one-woman one-stop-shop, I handle everything from florals and décor to party favors and logistics, all with a handmade, thoughtful aesthetic.
Sustainability is at the core of my process. I prioritize reclaimed and recycled materials in every event design, always with an emphasis on intentional, mindful creativity. As a small business owner, I deeply value community and do my best to collaborate with and support fellow local vendors and artisans.
How do you think about happiness?
Not to sound like a broken record, but—creating truly brings me joy. Whether I’m spending a day on set, diving deep into a script, or winding down by handcrafting paper and greeting cards, the act of creating leaves me feeling fulfilled and inspired. In my “off hours,” I LOVE exploring local markets or discovering new restaurants with my husband and friends. I’m a big foodie and always enjoy experiencing new atmospheres with the people I love. I’m also a huge fitness enthusiast and take classes all over LA—it’s my favorite way to unwind and release the week’s stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eventsbymadhat.com
- Instagram: @hattiekpsmith
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hattiekpsmith/
- Other: imdb.me/hattiekpsmith
Image Credits
Kristen Wright Photography
