It’s another glorious Friday! And it’s time for us to highlight more amazing black entrepreneurs! In Where You Should Be Spending Your Money, we showcase the various businesses available in our community that we can support to inspire you to cycle your very important and all-powerful dollar amongst people that look like you and have YOU in mind. This week, we feature Ask Ms. Smith!
IHTG: Tell us a little about yourself (hometown, family life, etc.).
I’m from Washington DC born and raised. I come from a large family, 2 sisters and 7 brothers and lots of cousins. It was definitely an experience growing up with such a large family, and we all are close as well.
IHTG: What motivated you to start this business?
After having a few adult relationships and my experiences with the lack of communication in them as well as not understanding the male thought process I decided to do a podcast that was geared towards His and Her perspectives on Dating, Relationships, Love and Life with one of my close guy friends who I would go to get the male insight and it pretty much took off from there. Men and women started reaching out to me for my perspective on their relationship issues and situations. I decided to get a certification in Relationship Consulting and to start my Relationship Consulting service.
IHTG: Tell us about your business (what product or service do you offer, your typical customer, etc.).
I am in the process of revamping Concrete Conversations to Conversations with Ms Smith which is a consulting service that provides couples and singles skills to communicate effectively, honestly and openly with their partner. My purpose is to help people develop, and maintain happy, loving long-lasting relationships and it starts with honest, open communication.
IHTG: How does your business give back to the community?
We do an Annual Feed a Family for the holidays drive, where we raise money for a family in need in the DC area during the holidays. We also do a hat/glove/coat/scarf drive for students at a local DC elementary school that are in need as well.
IHTG: What advice would you give to someone considering starting a business?
Do research first! Make sure there is a NEED for your business, find who your competitors are and go from there.
IHTG: What is the best advice you’ve received since starting your business?
Never stop doing what God has placed in your heart to do, even when it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, push thru it!
You can learn more about Maria and her services by visiting her on YouTube @AskMsSmith.
