Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria V. Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I never had any plans to go into business, nor did I think it was possible for someone like me. Being a teen mom and two-time college dropout, I felt a corporate job was my only option to make decent money. My then-boyfriend/now-husband encouraged me to think about my abilities a little differently. I gave it a try and did well for years. Then in 2010, I was forced to close my south GA clothing boutique I co-owned. It was devastating to have to close the business. After the closure, I was severely depressed and trying to prove that I wasn’t a failure. I was really over the idea of being a business owner, so I did what was comfortable at the time, and I took a corporate job. A few years later, I was presented with an opportunity to partner with another business owner. It was successful quickly and give me the confidence to try entrepreneurship again. I would go on to do well with a few different businesses in different industries. In 2016 my husband and I decided to combine our business experience and professional expertise to launch the creative company Thinknue. I’m so thankful for all the lessons I learned early on in my journey. When I talk to people about entrepreneurship’s journey, I can speak from experience; it is not easy but worth it.
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 have been through a lot to get to this current position. I was a teen mom and dropped out of college. I poured thousands of dollars into my first business only to have to close that down. I have been homeless and had to overcome mental health challenges. Simply put, I have lost people, places, and a whole lot of money but I keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Thinknue is a full-service creative company that offers graphic design, web design, and business strategy—headquartered in Jacksonville, FL, servicing clients in Atlanta and throughout the country. We work with companies of various sizes, but we are passionate about working with small product-based and food brands. I believe our work speaks for itself with us. We work really hard to make sure we are the best fit for every inquiry before taking on new clients. I think most importantly when working with us you get a team.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Being a person of faith, God is always due credit. I am reminded that we have to find strength bigger than our own to move forward after setbacks. Al Smith, my partner in life and business. I didn’t even think I could be in business, so there is no Bria V. Smith without him. My husband keeps me going and is the most disciplined person ever. He will work on stuff for days to get it done right for our clients. I am always encouraged and inspired by his work ethic. I have some amazing friends! My girls keep me encouraged and remind me often that I can sleep but not on myself. Last but not least, my amazing clients and team. It’s something special and connecting when people trust you with their vision or idea.
Contact Info:
- Email: bsmith@thinknue.com
- Website: thinknue.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/bria_thinknue
- Facebook: facebook.com/bria_thinknue
- Other: instagram.com/thinknue
Image Credits
THINKNUE
