Today we’d like to introduce you to Lashay Smith
Hi LaShay, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from Florida A&M University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, and shortly after, my daughter, Kymari, was born. It was a transformative time in my life. In 2000, I moved to Atlanta and began working in managed care with Magellan Health Services, stepping into the world of mental health and case management. During this time, I also pursued my MBA in Healthcare Management at the University of Phoenix. Balancing motherhood, work, and studies was challenging, but I stayed determined and graduated with my MBA, while pregnant with my second child, Kaiden.
In 2004, my life changed when I met my husband, Daryl Young, on August 5. Two years later, we married, and he has been my best friend, my partner in everything, and my biggest supporter. Together, we welcomed two incredible sons, Kaiden and Koi, who, along with Kymari, complete our family and motivate me daily to keep pushing forward.
As my family grew, so did my career. When I learned I was expecting again, I felt inspired to pursue a path that would give me more autonomy. I decided to become a real estate agent, motivated by the legacy of my mother. However, the market took a downturn shortly afterward, so I returned to healthcare, where I continued to learn and develop. I spent years in public health, serving communities at places like Mercy Care and Grady Hospital.
In 2012, I went back to school to pursue my BSN in Nursing at Chamberlain College, graduating in December 2014. Soon after, I began my career as a NICU nurse, a role I have proudly served in for over nine years. Travel nursing has allowed me to see parts of the country I’d never seen—New Orleans, California, New Jersey, New York, and Alaska where I had my favorite assignment in NICU.
In 2017, I had a dream of creating the Young and Striving Foundation to give back to my community.
Then, in 2020, COVID changed everything. Working through the pandemic was intense, but it deepened my understanding of resilience and purpose. I witnessed the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit, and though it was challenging, I felt called to be there.
In June 2021, I faced another life-changing moment. My mother, who bravely battled cancer using naturopathic treatments, passed away. She was my inspiration, my anchor, and her passing left an immense void. I felt a strong pull to return to real estate, as a way to stay close to her memory. My mom always believed in me, and her faith in me continues to be my guiding light. I even have a tattoo in her honor that says, “Keep the Faith”—a phrase she lived by and one that grounds me. Now, as I work with Young Realty International LLC, powered by Coldwell Banker Realty, I wear her favorite perfume, J’adore, during every transaction and keep her phone number for my business—a small way of keeping her presence with me.
Today, I’m proud to bring to life the Young and Striving Foundation, a dream that started in 2017. This year, I’m finally taking the steps to make it a reality, to give back and support the community in ways that reflect my mother’s legacy and values. I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with like-minded women through “Ladies Who Golf,” a social community where I continue to learn, grow, and support others while learning the game of golf.
In addition to my work in healthcare and real estate, I am excited to announce the launch of my own clothing brand. This marks a new chapter in my life, as I prepare to make my appearance in the fashion industry. I never thought I would be here, but my drive and determination to win in life have led me down paths I hadn’t anticipated. I’m grateful and excited for what’s to come.
As the owner of Young Realty International LLC powered by Coldwell Banker Realty, my goal is to become a top income earner by selling $5 million this year, and I’m over halfway there. I’m committed to reaching this milestone, driven by my mother’s legacy and my commitment to providing my clients with the highest level of service and dedication.
Looking to the future, I have dreams of leaving the country within the next few years and pursuing a life of philanthropy, striving to make an impact while achieving financial success through my business ventures. I envision myself as a millionaire, using those resources to help others. Another dream I hold close is to open my own coffee shop and establish a memorial wall in my mother’s honor in Chicago, where I’m originally from. It would be a space where people could gather, reflect, and celebrate life.
For anyone balancing personal loss with the pursuit of their dreams, I want to share what has helped me: keep the faith, know that those we love are cheering us on, and believe in yourself fiercely. We can endure and thrive in ways we never thought possible. My journey isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about honoring my mother’s legacy and holding onto the faith she instilled in me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
1. Balancing Motherhood and Career: Early in your journey, you navigated the challenges of being a single mother while advancing your education and establishing a career in healthcare. Managing these responsibilities required resilience and resourcefulness.
2. Career Shifts and Economic Downturn: When you transitioned to real estate, the market downturn forced you to step back and return to healthcare. This challenge underscored the uncertainty that can come with career shifts and economic factors beyond your control.
3. Demanding Healthcare Roles: Working in high-stress healthcare environments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, presented unique emotional and physical challenges. You faced the pressures of a travel nurse’s life, especially during an unprecedented global health crisis, which demanded immense adaptability and courage.
4. Loss of my Mother: The passing of your mother, who was a guiding force in your life, was a deeply personal and emotional obstacle. This loss not only impacted you personally but also reignited your connection to real estate as a way to honor her legacy, adding an emotional layer to your professional pursuits.
5. Starting the Young and Striving Foundation: Launching this foundation while balancing multiple career responsibilities represents another challenge, as it requires time, commitment, and resources. Bringing this dream to life amid other priorities speaks to your drive but also presents the challenge of finding balance and focus.
6. Emotional Resilience and Maintaining Faith: Throughout these experiences, staying resilient and holding onto faith, especially in moments of personal and professional difficulty, has been both a challenge and a source of strength for you. It requires constant work to remain grounded and motivated in the face of hardships.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own Young Realty International LLC powered by Coldwell banker Realty. also, I have started my own brand of clothing and will be making my appearance in the fashion industry in the near future.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love to travel and spend time with my family and close friends. One of my pet peeves is people not responding in a timely manner and disingenuous people.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashayyoung_/profilecard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lsmithyoung
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/youngrealty_international/profilecard/?
