We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Orma Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Orma thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I went to school to become a corporate lawyer. My undergraduate degree is in Economics and Business Administration. My sophomore year in college I did an internship at a law firm and discovered that I did not want to be a lawyer. The following year, while studying abroad in West Africa, I did some soul searching. I made the decision to finish the degree, but I took a different path. My first “real” job out of college was as an English teacher at my alma mater. That started my 20-year career in education. During that time, I acquired a Master’s degree in Counseling and two counseling licenses-school and mental health.

Toward the end of my career in education, I worked in central office administration. The money was good, but I did not like the work. I was too far removed from what I enjoyed doing: helping people. I often felt like what I was doing was counterproductive. At one point, I was hospitalized for stress. It was that experience that prompted me to make some serious changes. I gave notice to my supervisors, helped them hire my replacement and started my journey as an entrepreneur. I started working part time as a therapist for a small private practice and started my own consulting company.

I left a 6 – figure job with benefits and my first check at the private practice was $35! I loved the work, but I quickly felt the shock of the change. Fortunately, I had money saved and my husband supported me throughout this transition. I have been on this journey for 7 years and it has been challenging, but rewarding. My therapy clients are consistent and the work in the area is life-changing. I am also developing a client base for my consulting that is profitable as well. The projects that I have taken on have been meaningful and fun. I have been able to leverage my skills in writing, speaking, and counseling to provide services to multiple organizations.

When I started as an undergrad, I imagined myself working for the “Big 3” (yes, I’m dating myself). Now, I have carved out a space for myself where I am able use my gifts in a variety of areas to facilitate change in the lives of others. It’s rocky at times, but it is definitely worth it!

Orma, 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?

Orma C. Smith is a talented and compassionate therapist, educator, and leader. In her 20 years in the field of education, she served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. Her mission is to ensure that all children and families have access to high quality education and resources to facilitate positive life choices. Orma’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration from Kalamazoo College and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Currently, Orma serves as a mental health counselor at Pathways2 Christian Counseling Center. In this role, she combines her passion for healing and educating by helping her clients learn how to live healthier lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually. She is the founder and owner of Orma Smith Consulting, LLC offering college planning and emotional and behavioral health consulting services for schools, places of worship, community groups, businesses, etc. She worships at Embassy Covenant Church International where she serves as an education team member, a guest services team member, an intercessor, and a minister.

Orma believes that everyone is gifted, and her life’s purpose is to help as many people as possible realize their reason for being. Her personal motto is “Be Light” and she desires to bring joy, peace, and enlightenment into the lives of all who cross her path. Orma is married to Michael Smith and they share two beautiful daughters, Hailey, age 18 and Jasmine, age 13. Her co-authored book, Just Understand My Perspective: Addressing Situations That Drive People to the Edge, serves to further her mission to promote positive change in the lives of others.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Reputations are built on past history and word of mouth. When I encounter new people in my work, I am often met with, “Orma Smith? I’ve heard about you.” What comes next is usually a story or fact from a former colleague, parent, or client. My reputation has been built by my work ethic, integrity, and desire to create meaningful experiences for people -whatever the encounter. In every environment in which I have worked, I have shown commitment and consistency. When I started my own business, I took the knowledge and skills that I learned, combined them with my strong work ethic, and continued to provide high quality service. My clients know that I will give them what they need and if I am unable to, for whatever reason, I will let them know.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn was that I am accountable for the success or failure of every project I undertake with a client. At one point, I worked with a client and I was not seeing the desired progress. In my mind, I was the “expert” and I was being paid for my knowledge therefore goal attainment was my responsibility. After some deep self-reflection and conversations with a trusted colleague, I realized that my role as facilitator could not supersede the client’s willingness to take positive action based on my recommendations. I was contracted with a school to help enhance their counseling department. The contract was renewed year after year, but there continued to be struggles. The infrastructure issues in the system made it difficult for the work to be implemented with fidelity. I eventually decided not to submit an additional contract with the organization. I reached out to the Superintendent and had a conversation with him. After I apologized to him, he explained that he appreciated my efforts and wanted to continue to work with me. I was not only shocked, but it caused me to reflect on my perspective of my role. I called a colleague who helped me to frame the situation and accurately acknowledge what I could have done differently and what was outside of my control. That information shifted my perspective and has helped me to grow as a professional. My company motto is “Unlock Your Destiny.” I now realize that I am a facilitator of this process and the attainment of that goal does not lie solely in my hands.  I have learned to operate in excellence and accept the appropriate amount of responsibility for the outcome. 

Contact Info:

• Website: ormasmithconsulting.com
• Instagram: Orma Smith
• Facebook: Orma Smith Consulting
• Linkedin: Orma Smith

Image Credits
Cre8tivmedia,  Chardonne Ulmer,  & Reds Eye Creations