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

Yolanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This verse has been my anchor throughout life, especially when it came to taking risks. I’ve never shied away from bold moves, but one of the biggest leaps I ever made was in August 2022 when I decided to leave my job of almost 20 years.

For almost two decades, I dedicated myself to a mental health agency, pouring in my skills, experience, and passion. However, over time, it became clear that the leadership no longer valued the contributions I brought to the table. Despite my tenure and proven ability to shape and lead departments, I was overlooked for a promotion that I was not only qualified for, but had already been performing the duties for. That’s when I knew I had to make a choice.

Instead of staying stuck in a place where I wasn’t appreciated, I decided to invest in myself and chase my dreams of becoming an authorpreneur. Walking away wasn’t easy, but I refused to let fear hold me back. God didn’t give me a spirit of fear—He gave me power, love, and a sound mind. And that’s what I leaned on to step into a future I knew I was meant for.

This journey has been one of faith and courage, reminding me that true success is found in aligning with the purpose God has placed in our hearts, even when it means stepping out of familiar territory.

Yolanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a proud native of Chicago, IL where you will find some of the best pizza around! Currently, I reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with my husband, Charles R. Smith, who is the Pastor of Thy Word MB Church in Fort Worth, TX. In this marriage, I have 3 bonus children who are adults now. By profession, I am a licensed clinical social worker. I often say that social work chose me rather than the other way around. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for serving and helping others—something I inherited from my parents, who taught me the values of love and kindness. Over the years, this calling took on various forms, from private practice to wellness care, community service, working traditional jobs and volunteering.

My journey as an author began with a moment of inspiration from a song called “Pour into Me” performed by Atmosphere of Heaven. The lyrics spoke deeply to me, asking God to pour into the artist so he could be used for His purpose. This message resonated with my own desire to be a vessel for helping others, and it sparked the creation of my first self-help book, Living A Life Poured Out.

As I continued to write and self-publish my books, I realized that my work was more than just words on a page—it became a platform. Through my books, speaking engagements, and invited conferences, I found a way to empower, encourage, and uplift women. My mission became clear: to inspire women to live lives rooted in gratitude, authenticity, purpose, and balance.

My most recent book, A 21-Day Gratitude Journal for Busy Women, is designed to help women reconnect with themselves, reimagine their lives, and redefine their priorities—just as I’ve had to do in my own journey. Gratitude is about being thankful and appreciative for what we have in life and it should be an integral part of our lives.

The joy of being an authorpreneur comes from the freedom to create, share my message, and build a community of like-minded women. It has allowed me to blend my passion for helping others with my entrepreneurial spirit. I get to watch my ideas grow into tools that empower women to transform their lives, and there’s no greater fulfillment than knowing my work is making an impact.

Looking back, I am proud of the body of work I’ve created and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. But what matters most to me is the unwavering faith in God that guides me, the sacrifices made by my parents (Nancy Wilson-Sargent and the late Frank Thomas Wilson), and the love and support of my family; especially my husband, my friends and church family. They have all played a pivotal role in shaping me into the person I am today, keeping me grounded and encouraged every step of the way.

In addition to being an author, I currently serve as an adjunct instructor at Tarrant County College Southeast Campus, where I teach in the First Choice Program. This program is dedicated to helping young adults challenged with autism transition from dependent to independent living through a range of course options. Also, I teach a self-publishing class for the 55+ Senior Program at TCC SE Campus.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategy to growing my audience, I had to focus on truly understanding who I want to reach. For me, that’s women interested in personal development, gratitude, and work-life balance. Stepping outside my comfort zone and thinking creatively has been essential, along with staying flexible and open to new opportunities.

I have also learned that I can’t be everything to everyone; so, I have found my niche and embraced it. Creating a monthly newsletter has helped me stay connected, while partnering with professionals in related fields has expanded my reach. Consistently following up with leads and building genuine relationships through networking, workshops, and seminars have been key to my success.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Here’s my personal advice for anyone building their social media presence, especially as an author:
First, stay consistent with your message and branding. As an author, I ensure that everything I post aligns with the themes of my books and who I am. Using a professional and appealing photo helps establish a strong connection with my audience.

I recommend posting regularly—at least weekly. Consistency is key to growing your presence, and your audience will appreciate knowing when to expect new content. I use relevant hashtags related to my niche, which helps expand my reach. I love engaging with my followers by responding to comments.

Finally, I pay attention to what content gets the most engagement and post during peak hours. By staying authentic and consistent, I’ve built a loyal community that connects with both me and my work. You can do the same by sharing your unique journey as an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yolandawsmith.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoryolanda
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoryolandawilsonsmith/

Image Credits

Country Mile Photography for photos of #1, 2 and 9.