Today we’d like to introduce you to Davina Smith

Hi Davina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

From as early as I can remember, I always loved books. My earliest memories are filled with visiting the library, the excitement of learning new words and ideas, and letting my imagination run wild. This passion for reading sparked a love for all things creative, setting the foundation for who I am today.

Despite my creative inclinations, my career path initially took me in a different direction. After high school, I joined the military. This experience changed me profoundly, for both good and not so good. The discipline, structure, and camaraderie of military life shaped me, but the intense and often challenging situations caused me to lose parts of myself along the way.

Years later, I began to find those missing parts of myself. This rediscovery was like a creative explosion, reigniting my passion for creativity. I started a podcast that combined motivation and music as a modality for mental wellness, helping others navigate their journeys just as I was navigating mine.

My creativity didn’t stop there. I launched a design business focused on designing products including relaxing art sets that help people unwind and unleash their creativity through art. I also began writing books that encompassed life lessons gleaned from the most mundane situations and moments, discovering how extraordinary wisdom can be uncovered in some of the most ordinary moments and situations of life.

All of my experiences as a soldier, a civilian in corporate America, a student in academia, a wife, a mother, and a friend have contributed to where I am today. Each role has provided unique insights and strengths, helping me to build a life I love.

My story is about finding and nurturing the creative spirit within, no matter where life takes you. I am grateful for every experience that has shaped me, and I look forward to continuing to share my creative journey with others.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

No, the road has not been smooth or straight. Many of my struggles have revolved around my quest for education and knowledge. Joining the military posed a unique challenge, as I found myself taking classes during lunch breaks, in the evenings, and even while deployed. Balancing the demands of military life with my educational dreams required immense dedication and resilience.

Later, the challenges evolved as I worked a full-time job and raised a family while pursuing two master’s degrees and a PhD. Juggling these responsibilities was a constant test of my time management skills and perseverance. Each degree represented not just an academic achievement, but a testament to my determination and hard work.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was the internal transformation that came with investing in my personal and professional growth. I often felt like I was pregnant—not with a child, but with big dreams and goals. The growth and changes within me were huge; but like a pregnant woman, sometimes I experienced a lot of growing on the inside before it was evident to others on the outside. While I could feel and see the changes my growth wasn’t always evident to those around me.

Some people do not want to see you change and it can be difficult to ignore the voices of people who do not recognize or acknowledge your growth.

Building my confidence and changing my mindset has been an ongoing challenge. Every day, I work on believing in myself and affirming my worth and capabilities.

So no, my path has been anything but smooth. The struggles I’ve faced have shaped me into who I am today. They’ve taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of believing in myself even when others don’t.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a creative. I am not defined by one job or career, but rather what I do is create. I thrive on bringing ideas to life and inspiring others through various forms of expression.

As the CEO of Design Doc one of my most popular creations is my relaxing art sets that provide an escape from the busyness of life. My custom sets allow people to find peace and creativity from the comfort of home. As an author I write books that draw life lessons from everyday moments. My goal is to offer readers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

As the Producer and Host of Dr. Davina’s Dots radio show, I create engaging and motivational content that resonates with listeners, providing them with inspiration and encouragement to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges. As a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certified educator, I create opportunities for individuals to gain what I believe to one of the most powerful gifts; communication and language. My lessons are designed to empower students to express themselves and connect with others.

Everything I do is aimed at enriching lives and making a positive impact. In essence, what I do is, I create to inspire, to educate, and to uplift. My work is a reflection of my dedication to making the world a better place, one creation at a time.

I am most proud of setting an example for my children, showing them the importance of not settling for what’s easy and being okay with taking a different path. I take great pride when something I say or do makes a positive difference.

One thing that sets me apart is my extreme passion for learning. It took me a lifetime to realize that the traits I once considered weird are actually my unique gifts. I’ve always had an insatiable desire to learn, to uncover lessons, meanings, purposes, ideas, and values in every aspect of life.

My curiosity drives me to explore and understand the world in depth, but what truly distinguishes me is my unique ability to break down complex ideas in a way that even children can understand and appreciate. This gift allows me to bridge gaps in knowledge and make difficult concepts understandable to a diverse audience.

As I’ve grown I’ve learned to embrace this talent and used it to inspire others.

How do you think about happiness?

Growth and progress make me happy. I can only give what I have, and the more I grow, the more I have to give. The more I progress, the greater my capacity to make a difference.

Making a difference is what truly makes me happy. Knowing that my actions, my words, and my efforts are positively impacting others fills me with joy. When I grow, I know I have more to offer my children. I can help them become better versions of themselves, and that thought brings me great happiness.

Growth is not just about personal achievement; it’s about expanding my ability to contribute to the well-being of those around me. It’s about equipping myself with the tools to spread kindness, impart wisdom, and support others in their journeys. This continuous cycle of growth and giving is what fuels my happiness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://designdocllc.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davinathedesigndoc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davina.b.smith