Monroe County native and Strawberry Plains resident Ronda Smalling has always been passionate about the arts, but coming from a small town made the obstacles on the way to accomplish her dream a little harder to climb.

"I was born with the desire to act, entertain and write," said Smalling, who grew up in the Ball Play area of Tellico Plains. "When I was a child, I would put on a show for anyone who came to our house. I had a dream that one day I could do this. I just had to take the first step."

Smalling created Thundering Hoofs Productions in 1992. She has continued to be involved in roles and extras for several movies including Tyler Perry's "Family That Preys," "Country Strong," "Stand Like a Mountain," and "The Intensive Care."

"I love the idea and art of creating something from the ground up that will bring enjoyment to others for a long time," said Smalling, who creates her talent as coming from the Matoy family's Cherokee blood line.

See full story in the Wednesday, July 4, edition of The Advocate & Democrat.