We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Henry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.

Lisa, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Smart Girl Brand was something that felt deeply necessary for me. It was a calling within my spirit, driven by a desire for self-growth and healing. Reflecting on the many aspects of life I felt unprepared for—like finance, relationships, and self-care—I realized I needed a way to pour into myself. This journey of self-discovery and empowerment soon revealed a double benefit: not only was I nurturing my own growth, but I also found that I could extend this support to others. Thus, Smart Girl Brand was born, with the mission to empower women through knowledge and holistic wellness.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with my journey, I created Smart Girl Brand based on my personal and professional trajectory through life. I began my career in Journalism, which honed my skills in writing articles and crafting compelling stories. This background allowed me to understand the narratives I wanted to create for my brand.

I also ventured into the entertainment industry, maintaining my journalism and entertainment network. Later, I transitioned into project management and pursued an MBA. During this time, I managed million-dollar projects at Johns Hopkins Health System, the Urban Institute, and currently at a Fintech company. These experiences were instrumental in building my brand.

At each of these organizations, I led employee engagement initiatives, environmental social governance (ESG) initiatives, and collaborated with individuals company-wide. This allowed me to interact with people at all levels and understand that, at the end of the day, people just want to be heard and have a passion for learning and growth.

Smart Girl Brand offers a range of products and services focused on women’s wellness and workplace wellness. Our products include publications such as magazines and fiction and non-fiction books geared towards personal and professional growth. We aim to empower women through knowledge and holistic wellness, addressing issues related to finance, relationships, and self-care. What sets us apart is our commitment to personal growth and the double benefit of nurturing ourselves while extending support to others.

I am most proud of the positive impact we have made on women’s lives and the community we have built. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that Smart Girl Brand is dedicated to helping women create lives they love and align with their passions.

Any advice for managing a team?

To effectively manage a team and maintain high morale, I believe the most important starting point is a deep understanding of oneself. As a leader, it’s crucial to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, as this self-awareness provides valuable insights into building and nurturing your team’s strengths and addressing their weaknesses.

Currently, I manage a small team, and I’ve learned the importance of being understanding and acknowledging that each team member may think differently. It’s essential to understand their thought processes, motivations, and personal goals. By doing so, you can help them achieve their aspirations or connect them with a mentor if you don’t have the time to guide them personally.

Additionally, it’s important to recognize that your team has a job to do. Reward them for a job well done and provide constructive feedback when there are areas for improvement. Instead of simply criticizing, use constructive criticism by highlighting what they do well and offering suggestions for improvement. Frame your feedback in a way that they can receive it positively and use it as a tool for growth.

By fostering an environment of understanding, support, and constructive feedback, you can effectively manage your team and maintain high morale.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Currently, for our bi-annual magazine, everything is created in-house. I took it upon myself to figure out how to create a magazine, which was truly a labor of love. I had a specific vision for the design, wrote some of the stories, and hired contractors to write others. I also sought legal advice and hired an experienced editor from the magazine industry to help with the publication. While I distribute the magazine through my company, I have partnered with a print company to produce the physical copies.

For our books, some will be self-published, while others are through a publishing company that I have partnered with. This approach allows us to maintain creative control and ensure the highest quality for our publications.

The journey of manufacturing our products has taught me several valuable lessons. First, it’s essential to have a clear vision and be willing to invest time and effort into bringing that vision to life. Second, seeking expert advice is crucial for success. Finally, finding the right partners for production and distribution can make a significant difference in the quality and reach of your products.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smartgirlbrand.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartgirlbrand/ AND https://www.instagram.com/lisadhenry/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadhenry