We recently connected with Lauren Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren , thanks for joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

My previous occupation was in the Army, where I enlisted at the age of 19. This marked the beginning of my professional journey. Over the span of a decade, I gained invaluable insights and experiences. I started as a novice private, unsure of my role, and eventually progressed to becoming a leader in special operations, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the safe return of my teams from deployments.

Throughout my military career, I encountered various leaders, both good and bad. The most profound lessons, however, stemmed from the negative experiences. The micromanagement and lack of trust exhibited by some leaders highlighted the crucial role that trust plays in a team’s performance. When individuals are not trusted and respected, it significantly impacts their productivity. I also grasped the significance of delegation; no mission can be accomplished without it, and teamwork is essential. Lastly, recognizing people as individuals, not just tools, became evident. In special operations, the mantra “humans, not hardware” prevails, underscoring the importance of treating people with dignity and empathy.

In summary, my time in the Army taught me essential leadership skills, emphasizing the value of trust, delegation, teamwork, and acknowledging the humanity of those I work with.

Lauren , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

A year ago, the thought of starting a business never crossed my mind. The military instills a drive for continuous development and growth. As my time in the military approached its end, the idea of merely relying on a retirement check was unsettling. Settling for another traditional job (W2) didn’t appeal to me either, especially after years of having multiple bosses. The notion of working for someone else, after being my own boss in the military, was even more unappealing. I wanted to create my own path.

My journey into entrepreneurship began inadvertently when my wife and I became real estate investors, holding onto properties we had purchased and turned into rental units. During one of my deployments, I Airbnb’d one of our homes to cover the mortgage, and I discovered my passion for short-term rentals. I found joy in every aspect, from designing the space to communicating with guests. Creating a memorable experience for visitors became my mission, a task I relished after a decade in the military.

I soon realized there were other homeowners eager to venture into the short and mid-term rental market but lacked the know-how. That’s when I saw an opportunity not only to set up rental properties for people but also to guide them in bringing their rental businesses to life. At its core, my venture is about helping people. I am passionate about assisting others in creating comfortable, enjoyable stays for their guests. Beyond this, my focus extends to making a difference in the affordable housing sector, particularly for veterans and the unhoused. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a place they can take pride in, whether it’s their personal home or a rental property.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

My wife, Lynzee, is not just my life partner but also my business collaborator. We crossed paths during a deployment in Bahrain, an unlikely meeting place considering we had both been part of the same unit in North Carolina and had attended unit events together without ever encountering each other. It was in this obscure corner of the Middle East that our paths finally converged. From the moment we met, there was an undeniable connection between us that grew stronger with time.

Despite enduring multiple deployments that kept us apart, our relationship persevered. Lynzee played a pivotal role in transforming my passions into a thriving business. She provided the motivation I needed to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Her organizational skills keep me focused on our projects; without her, I would easily be distracted by every little thing. Looking back to our chance meeting at an airport in Bahrain in 2018, I could never have imagined that we would be here today, embarking on multiple entrepreneurial ventures together.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Navigating a highly male-dominated professional sphere proved to be an immense challenge. Throughout my career, I encountered blatant sexism and sexual harassment, among other forms of discrimination. Being a woman in the military, and I suspect in other similarly male-dominated environments, meant that my achievements were often undermined. Whenever I excelled, disparaging comments insinuated that my success was solely attributed to personal relationships with supervisors. These experiences led me to doubt my capabilities and contributions significantly. It was incredibly hard not to internalize these negative perceptions, and there were moments when I questioned my self-worth, sinking into dark places of self-doubt.

However, these difficult encounters fueled a fierce determination within me to do more. They became the driving force behind my passion to create a work culture in my business where individuals are valued, respected, supported, and secure. Additionally, these experiences transformed me into a staunch advocate for those enduring similar challenges, spurring me to stand up and speak out for their rights.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://novationdesignllc.com/
• Instagram: ellenelledesign
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095311599396
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenElizabethSmith
• Other: I also welcome people to reach out to me via my personal Instagram page @thelaurensmithwithtattoos

Image Credits
Professional photos were taken by Kristin Marie Photography and Amy Jayne Photography.