We recently connected with Cindy Smartt and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Cindy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents did EVERYTHING right! Their work ethic is unpresidented and I grew up seeing their actions, honesty and extremely hard work. My Mother was a high school teacher….but so much more. I accompanied her as she spoke at the Waldorff Astoria in NYC representing school systems nationwide, attended business leaders conventions where she was inducted as one of the first women on their Board of Directors, sat in the back of the room to watch her conduct meetings as the president of the Chattanooga Education Association and surprised her in the audience as she was awarded Teacher of the Year for three years in a row. It was the first and last time this happened in our city.
My father had an excellent office job at TVA, sitting behind a desk with a great future ahead of him. One day as he and a co-worker were going to lunch, his friend dropped dead of a heart attack. He knew that this could be him one day and resigned the “cushy” job to take a chance and started his own business and persue his love of workworking.
When it was time for me to go to college, they let me follow my heart and major in dance! What faith and love they had in me. It certainly didn’t seem like a logical choice…..but they were wise and let me persue my passion. I eventually decided that corporate America was where I wanted to be, but first I followed their footsteps and got a Master’s Degree. I worked hard to climb the corporate ladder, then started my own business….doing what I loved.
Watching them follow their dreams gave me the courage and passion to do the same. They helped others and blessed so many! I will continue to strive to do the same.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
After 10 years of being successful in corporate sales and marketing jobs across the US, I decided to move back to be close to family in Tennessee and networked my way through Nashville’s Music Row. I met with top industry leaders including the President of Capital Records, Garth Brooks manager, the Judds organization and finally found my DREAM JOB….that I didn’t even know existed. I began to produce huge musical and comedy acts for corporate meetings and events.
This allowed me to stay in the corporate areana AND work in my passion of live performances. My sales and marketing experience was key in bringing in new business and my leadership experiences in college was helpful in overseeing productions with as many as 10,000 guests in the audience. Budget oversight and contract negotiations with the top talent agents in the country was acutally fun! But the best part of all of this was just before the show would start. The feeling of gratitude that God had blessed me with this honor. Doing what I loved. Living a life above and beyond what I ever dreamed of. My job not only brought joy to me, but the music, the comedy….being in the same room for a private show with some of biggest names in the world, brought joy to the audience.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Yes. One word. COVID. As a produer of live events the immediate effects of Covid seemed devistating. After two weeks of binge watching Netflix, I knew I had to do something. So I went old school and starting calling every key player in the entertainment business to find out what they were doing. What is the thing called virtual events…who’s doing it? After each call with the top agents, managers and some of my celebrity friends I became more excited and extremely hopeful about moving forward during the very trying circumstances. Singers were performing out of their homes, Matthew McConaughey was hosting corporate on-line meetings!! This was incredible news. For the first time EVER, every movie star, actor and celebrity was “available”. All tours, tv shows and movies were on hold. This was unpresidented and I needed to tell “my world” all about it.
At this point, less than 20% of my event company contacts had jobs. When I found a person or company that was still hanging on and trying to move forward I would ask for a Zoom meeting to teach them how to do virtual events and just as important…how use it as a postive way to stay in touch with their top clients. They all said YES. Everyone was available. Our approach was to bring them GOOD news. We could let clients know that when the world around them seemed be falling apart, we found a way to move forward. We were here for them.
My first virtual show was with John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls. When he was approached with our offer, it had to be explained to him how it would even work! I recently produced a live show with the Goo Goo Dolls and we talked about the experience. It was the first for both of us. The only disappointing part about producing virtual shows was not being on site to meet the bands and to enjoy the live experience. I would’ve loved to have met some of our on-line acts. Daryl Hall with his full band (flown in Covid friendly) Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Payton Manning were just a few that were tough to miss.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Honestly….living life to it’s fullest. Incorporatinng joy into my life. Being a blessing to others. I love what I do. The highest compliment I receive is when a client comments after my presentation that they can feel the passion in what I do. What an honor to hear those words! I’m so happy that it still shines through.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GetSmartt.com
- Instagram: SmarttEntertainment
- Facebook: SmarttEntertainment
- Linkedin: CindySmartt
- Youtube: SmarttEntertainment