Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Smith.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m 25 years young from Jackson, MS, raised some time there and raised also in Hinesville, GA. As a result of my mom battling a drug addiction since the birth of me and my sisters we were given to the state and spent time being raised with other family members and the DFAC (department family and children services )system. In 2003 a great aunt in GA agreed to take temporary custody of me and two other siblings; I was six years old. During the time my Great aunt was going through tough times with her life and still agreed to give us a chance in life but it all went into a downward spiral. I endured mental and physical abuse which drove me to depression.
During those years I was sent back to Mississippi with a grandmother at times my aunt could not care for me and my grandmother dealt with drug abuse herself and I was exposed to a rough survival, and more trauma. I walked to school some days, signed myself up for sports and kept myself involved with jrotc. At the age of 14 or 15, I ran away, walked the streets and highways with my journal for about 12 hrs until someone I will never forget stopped and gave me the most peace I’ve ever felt; a mother’s Love. She was a mother and told me that she stopped because she saw a lost child and wanted to help and I am so grateful; (a beautiful story if I would love to elaborate on one day). I was tired of crying, started writing to myself and realized that writing was a gift of mine. I kept a journal and documented my feelings, made God my BestFriend and always reminded told myself I would survive. I told myself I would show my family that pain and trauma did not have to be our only way. I wanted to bring the family back together and shine the light on our generation. I ended back with my great Aunt in GA, and got my first job at 16 worked every chance I could, I kept my grades up in school and started to build the confidence to speak up for myself.
At 17 my aunt struck again and this time took me and my sister to a pretend counseling appt. and dropped us off and never returned and that mysterious location was back into the defac system; Foster care. At the age of 17, I was even more torn but wanted to make sure me and my sister did not have to keep up with this life. I found out all my options and as soon as I hit 18 I was able to emancipate myself from the system and was declared by the state to be my own Guardian. Not knowing anything about life I got overwhelmed really fast, started to abuse alcohol and went through a crisis which led to me battling a darker depression. I had to upgrade my job because I had bills, loans, etc. I started working at a Prison with only fast food experience as a Food supervisor at 19 and during that employment broke the law and ended up being the one facing charges. I was sentenced to two years, after three months of time served made bail and started experiencing homelessness for the following two years while my case was pending and sadly after I was finally sentenced to finishing a two years prison sentence. After being released I began to go into over dive to be where I am today. I forgave my Aunt and she has become my number one supporter today!
Summarizing my story after being released from prison I decided to give counseling a chance, understand my mental health and how it could affect my relationships, and work mindset. I endured homelessness, diagnosed with PTSD, severe depression and anxiety but I did not want to let that stop me, or be my ever be my excuse not to make it. I’ve spent time in a mental hospital once many suicide attempts but I have continued to press through and allow God to show my value through my many gifts. God blessed me with life so I chose to stay alive and fight for a chance every second I’m alive in order to tell my story and become that exact person I wanted and needed to have in my life in order to make a positive impact on others. I know I am gifted and I know I am not a mistake so I kept that close to my heart and allowing God to continue to direct my path.
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?
I’m the road for me has never been smooth to the point where I don’t believe smooth roads exist. Even though I have a business I’ve not been able to save, have permanent housing in my name because all I know is surviving. I haven’t gained enough attention and revenue to lift me out of survival mode. I’m currently living in a rooming house with no room to feel comfortable. I’m still sacrificing things to eat and even sleep. God has been my sole provider and living on Faith has been my only escape from my reality. I’ve registered my business after serving two years in prison. While incarcerated I made a promise to myself at 19 that I will never allow myself to become a product of my environment and Give up. I didn’t want to be labeled, judged or even want others that I met inside to feel hopeless and I also didn’t want those with criminal records to feel like there are no other options for them. I wanted to be a motivator and stay true to my story by showing others what overcoming and being driven looks like. I’ve always had a really rough life and my story is a never-ending cycle of abuse and past trauma. The pandemic halted lots of my community involvement, I had to stop walking around visiting companies pitching my ideas, just Battling my story and mental health while having a good heart helped geared me to the creation of V.V.S.Innovation LLC. Being an innovator is my passion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
– Under my business, I’ve started an eCommerce website dropshipping my clothing line. I initially started making, and designing t-shirts for my clothing brand and making and designing personalized masks during the pandemic.
– I’ve created many product sell sheets of products/ inventions I’ve designed and started building relationships with companies seeking royalty deals. I have yet to be blessed with a deal but the experience has shown me patience and endurance.
– I participated in a ten weeks program that aims towards ending recidivism called Project Restart led by one of my favorite mentors Tiffany Kirk that caters to those who have been formerly incarcerated and pitched for capital towards a vending machine business that I wanted to start placing branded masks in for companies. Even though I wasn’t able to get that business off the ground, the experience was phenomenal. I began to network, learned to be a more confident presenter, understood the steps it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. I was able to learn in real-time that as long as I want to make it happen and put in the work, it will become successful.
– I then began to collect all my writings, (Poems, novels, etc.) and began constructing books that I hope to have published and I successfully became a published author on Amazon with publishing Journals with titles that send a message to regain your focus called
(1)Stop bullsh*tting the journey you deserve better & (2) Write it down
Also, two kid sketch books catered for children to express their creativity through art.
– I’ve Contacted church groups and many other transitional groups to be a speaker to motivate and give hope to those who are ready to make a change. I was able to speak with my first women’s group and was so excited because I was actually able to capitalize from it. But the pandemic stopped me from being able to continue.
– Finally, I realized I didn’t like working for anyone anymore because I was feeling I’ve reached my peak, I invested my last work check on snow cone equipment and started running a snow cone business called VVS Snow Zone during the summers. Vending at grand openings, birthday parties, festivals, etc. and have received the most money I’ve ever seen in my life around 12,000 in one month while still being homeless living out of many hotels and renting cars from car share apps!
Yes, I know it sounds like after I started V.V.S.Innovation LLC I’ve been all over the place and I have which I am so proud of. I believe I’ve shown that Innovation is being able to innovate and act on anything I set my mind to. Every business, and production I’ve done under my registered business all ties together to motivate others by projecting growth and endurance during whatever storm you are in with keeping the Faith and uplifting God.
I’m known for being one to never give up, a motivator who finds time to motivate anyone I come into contact with. A great resource for ideas, creativity and always being ready to share free games to help others embark on any journey in their vision, or even to just start writing and pick themselves up out of depression with confidence in knowing not to give up because they can hold on and I’m the perfect example.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was the light that shined in everyone’s world. known for being giving and humble. I was always known for working 100 jobs no matter what, maid cleaning, construction, cooking, machine operator but still kept my dreams and goals in every conversation. I’ve always been quick on my feet, inspiring and also known for bringing the excitement to any party. At times I’m quiet but as soon as I hear someone struggling or questioning their self-worth I step in. I’ve always been interested in being a traveling motivational speaker and product developer or inventor And anyone who has met me can tell you I always stick out because I am a daydreamer meaning I’ve always spoken my dreams and claimed they will happen even when it seems far away and uncommon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/vvsinnovationllc/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100001481270732/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/home
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Juf3jZEbQZDtVirZ5Aktf?si=gUJpBZT8R6CdgHbBj252dw
Image Credits
@ Zyphotography_ @Tylerstudios
