Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonita Smithers.
Hi Bonita, 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 was getting callbacks from model call for fashion shows first. So I’ve traveled Back-and-forth to do the shows. Then I decided to move to Atlanta to continue to do just that. I up and moved from my hometown Richmond VA with nothing, no place just me, my clothes and bougotti (my car). It was a struggle at first but I’m a hustler, I know how to get things done. Went from homelessness to roommate, now to my own! However, I’ve continued doing shows, photoshoots and etc. Fast forward, I’ve got a job in the nightlife. Wayy different from Applebees, but I could handle it right. So months at this job, I got FIRED for many reasons. When that happened, I came back to my old job better and focus, so my boss told me I can come back as a “hookah girl” since I liked smoking hookahs lol (main reason why I got fired). From there, I perfected my craft in hookahs, and a light went off like I needed my own hookah company! So my boo at that time who supported me in whatever help me with the branding of the company which is now Heelsandhookahs. I’ve started doing pop-up shops, events, catering, building partnerships, selling hookahs and just doing it… I’m where I’m at today because I kept pushing, whether it was walking in New York Fashion week or getting my own place, being an entrepreneur. I’m here and GOD stayed by my side the whole time! That’s how I know I’ve made the right decision and this is for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t, like I previously stated, I was homeless when I first moved to Atlanta, living out of my car and working at restaurant with really no traffic to make real money. When I did get some money, I used it for a motel 6 for the night. I’ve also had “friends” out here I knew from college and I would stay with them from time to time. Then I decided to move in with some models girls at met at shows. It was good till it wasn’t anymore but y’all know how that goes. Struggling financially for a while was my biggest concern, I was more focused on getting money then chasing my dreams and doing what I loved and I got sidetracked. Dealing with different photographers, promoters, jobs, etc. it’s hard trying to break into industry where you would have to meet the certain standards or look. I wouldn’t get picked for certain things because I just didn’t have the look, not because I’m good at what I do, but what I look like.
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 do waitressing and bartending as my side and modeling has my passion. I love taking photos, walking the runways and just getting dolled up. I specialize in Hookahs. Anybody can make a hookah but CANT MAKE A HOOKAH if you know what I mean. It takes perfection, you want your customers to not only enjoy the vibe of the spot there in but also the vibe and tentatives of the hookahs. I’m mostly known for my personality. I’m fun, outgoing, OUTSPOKEN, friendly and just overall I dope person with dope vibes. The thing that sets me apart from most people would be talents, meaning for the most part, I’m pretty good at anything i.e.: hair – you can come to me to get slayed and you would have thought it was my profession, I can cook (just like your grandma) FACTS! Basically, I just don’t put myself in 1 category, I’m versatile.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
This is a hard one. I have a lot of memories I enjoyed, I think my favorite one would be field day at school.
Pricing:
- 35$ LED PORTABLE HOOKAHS
Contact Info:
- Email: Bookdjnitaa@gmail.com or heelsandhookahs@gmail.com
- Website: Heelsandhookahs.com
- Instagram: @_editorial and @Heelsandhookahs
Image Credits
P6Brand Agency
