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

Alright, Brittney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

This past Thanksgiving we were able to host our seasonal “Stuff the Bag” Clothing event at our community closet. It was amazing to see the amount of people that we were able to serve. We gave away 140 bags (2 bags per person) for guests to stuff with however many clothing items they wanted. Usually we have limits on our items when they shop, but during these events, we allow them to grab as many items as they can fit into the bag. It is truly a fun and engaging event. The team is always happy to have community member’s backs, treating them with kindness and love, while providing them with what they need.

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

My name is Brittney Alexandria Smith and I am the Founder of a really dope grassroots organization called Positively Empowering and Restoring Ladies Self-Esteem (PEARLS), Inc. A community-based organization that provides mentoring and social services to girls and women in the Cleveland community. In addition to mentoring, we provide pantry services as well. Providing clothing and hygiene to community at no cost.

I got into my industry as I have been serving since 5-years old and am a Cleveland native. With this, it is my goal to help youth within the city of Cleveland become the best version of their authentic selves. I love to help girls connect with their communities and most importantly themselves. I am most proud of being able to service over 1500 people with our Community Closet service and partnering with the Cleveland School District to replicate mini closets inside of three schools so far. I am also proud of being able to see my first cohort of mentees grow and watching them as High School students. I met them during their 8th grade year. I love giving back and bringing joy to people’s lives.

One thing to know about PEARLS is that we ARE the Community’s org! Meaning we provide more than just one service. We use a wraparound approach to meet the needs of our community.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I graduated from college a bit later than the traditional student. Mainly because I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do. I knew that I loved people and I loved to help to solve problems, but received so much backlash from others for going into education and social work. Because of that, I switched majors so many times which contributed to my lengthy time in school. I stopped attending because I was tired of myself. I would enroll and wouldn’t do well in majors that I thought were more worthy in other people’s eyes. I finally decided to go back and finish, receiving a degree in Social Work. I made the Dean’s List twice and graduated with a 3.4 GPA. and was also able to connect with lifelong friends as well. Going back and finishing really boosted my confidence and seeing that although I graduated late, that doesn’t determine my destiny. That specific journey helped me to see how mentally strong and determined I am when I want to accomplish something. To anyone struggling in school, don’t give up. And to those who aren’t sure if college is for you, that is OK! Follow your heart.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I really enjoyed reading “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a ….” by Mark Manson and am currently reading “The Power of Full Engagement” by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz. Both are really great reads that help me to keep my bottom line in perspective. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a…. “ I listened on audiobook in one sitting. It was funny to hear someone feel the same way as I do. In the past recent years, I had an epiphany and realized that at times we take life so, so seriously. If we don’t get a hold of life, adapt to it instead of always trying to control it, then it is less enjoyable. At this point in my life, I am not focused on trying to get to the top, because in my mind I already am as I’ve learned that peace is the greatest gift that I’ve ever received and that a PEACE of mind and contentment has me on top. God has blessed me with that so I try not to get caught up in the rat races or egotistical blur that blocks me from what I was put here to do. I believe my mission is to serve God’s people by providing resources and hope. “The Power of Full Engagement” is helping by reminding me that at times, energy trumps time. It taught me a lot about how to learn when my energy levels are up and down throughout the day and how to take advantage. For example: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. is like a really sluggish time for me, everyday. During that time, I know that I may not be motivated to perform. However, the night hours and mid-morning, my energy levels are higher. It is really a cool book to listen to or read!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clevelandpearls.org
• Instagram: @216_flypearls
• Youtube: PEARLS GIrls Mentoring Cleveland
• Other: Email: pearlempowered@gmail.com