Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Smith.
Hi Melinda, 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?
Thank you so much for this opportunity. My name is Melinda Smith aka Bella, and I am the Founder of Mansa House Project, Inc. This is an organization similar to a fraternity but only for young men ages 5-18. Our responsibility is to build relationships with community leaders and mentors. We will use that relationship to help develop the training of our young men. Each mentor will have a particular strength that will be passed along to each Mansa Man. We provide classes in etiquette, fashion, automotive care and self-care. We also will acknowledge the strength of each Mansa man and provide them the resources to excel in their passion. If they come to us and want to be a NFL player, we will have connections with Atlanta Falcons and OTE of Atlantic Station to guide him in the right direction. Lawyer? Have the top firms give him insight on schooling…Music Industry? He will spend time with prestigious studios in Atlanta.
Mansa House will empower and educate young men and send them out into the world as articulate, well-rounded, courtesy community pillars.
I was inspired by the story of Mansa Musa. This 9th Mansa (King) of the Mali Empire who took the pilgrimage to Mecca with over 60 thousand in his caravan. On this pilgrimage, he hired scholars and experts to teach his flock so that when they settled, they would be the richest, most powerful empire in West Africa. To this day, Mansa Musa is the wealthiest man in history.
~ Mansa men are strong, intelligent, diligent and true, now tell me…who’s in your house?
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Because this is such a sought-after organization, I have received a lot of contribution interest as well as willing mentors for the cause.
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 am the lead talent agent for PureFlare Talent Agency here in Atlanta. I have placed actors and actresses in movies, commercials and print. I love being able to help people achieve their dreams of being on the big screen. I also have over 20 years in the healthcare industry.
I am most proud of my children Alaya 17, Neveah (GodChild) 9 and Ayden 3. They are the smartest most loving children ever. Alaya will graduate in May and is on the way to Italy to become an Aupair before she attends Georgia State in the fall. Neveah, my future lawyer is a stand out student and Ayden is smart as a whip!
My passion is traveling, trying new restaurants, writing, and event planning. I feel like I am the one stop shop, I can just about help you with anything…if I can’t do it, I can find someone that can. Surround yourself with greatness 🙂
How do you think about luck?
Nothing but good luck, that is what I manifest. Everything happens for a reason and it’s what you make of it. Anything that seems unlucky…find the luck in it. My life has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions and events but I would not trade it for anything in the world. Mansa House will be a huge impact in our community. I know we will have contributions and help from powerful politicians, musicians, athletes and the entertainment industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mansahouseproject.org
- Email: info@mansahouseproject.org
- FB: Mansahouseproject
- IG: @Mansahouseproject
- Phone: 404.259.1389
