ENJOYING BETTER DAYS: Memphian LaShawn Smith steadily emerging as a resourceful, innovative serial entrepreneur in her own right
Andre Johnson 
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story on Mid-South businesswoman LaShawn Smith has been suitably deemed a Making Headline News Annual Black History Month Special Report
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
TENNES-SEEING PROSPERITY
For many, the unprecedented global pandemic was a two-year-long, disastrous experience.
For LaShawn Smith, on the other hand, it was a massive eye-opening season during which she was blessed to have connected with what could be appropriately described as her life’s defining moment.
“I was forced by COVID to start my business and work from home virtually for two years,” Smith, 49, during an interview this week with Making Headline News, said, recalling the memorable, life-altering developments that had ultimately given way to the startup of her featured business endeavor.
As Smith recalls, that she was reduced to sheltering-in-place, by all accounts, was a monumental blessing in disguise, considering she had become greatly inspired to become innovative as a virtual newcomer to the world of entrepreneurship.
BLUFF CITY BEACON OF LIGHT
To her credit, this accomplished Mid-South-area businesswoman has found her fervent niche as one of the area’s finest up-and-coming professional tax preparers who is a catalyst for Memphis’ Better Days Tax Service.
Located at 5023 Stage Road in Northeast Memphis, Smith is steadily devising ways to build and enhance her clientele, particularly as a strategic way to ultimately start her own tax service.
“I didn’t want to take on the overhead until my clientele grows,” said Smith whom, along with partnering with Better Days Tax Service, works full-time for an area pharmaceutical company.
While she welcomes the concept of burning the candles from both ends as a rising entrepreneur and in the marketplace, Smith said her primary focus is earning the trust of as many taxpayers as possible, a trend she senses will eventually give way to the Memphis Northside High alum starting her own income tax company.
LET LASHAWN DO YOUR TAXES
Given the remarkably impressive strides she’s made amid a coronavirus outbreak that has forever changed the world as we know it, it’s safe to assume this resourceful businesswoman seems well on her way to making her lofty ambition a reality — much sooner rather than later.
Talk about making the most of the dreaded shelter-in-place.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
“I love working with the community and the people in it,” Smith told MHN. “I love helping and giving back to our community.”
A business endeavor that customarily services individuals of all ages, amongst Smith’s main objective, she acknowledged, is centered largely on becoming so locked in her chosen profession that, in turn, it affords her the golden opportunity to reap the financial freedom she’s steadfastly pursuing.
“I hope that with everything I have going, I am blessed to soon travel and promote (my business venture),” Smith said. “My personal mission is to grow and create generational wealth for my children and grandchildren. They have always been my inspiration to keep going and striving greatness.”
Aside from working in the marketplace and juggling the essential responsibilities of entrepreneurship, Smith last month became a first-time published author when she witnessed the ceremonious release of The Adventures of Brenda & Bobby Dinosaur, her highly-anticipated children’s book that has already created a fervent buzz across various message boards and social media platforms.
Interestingly enough, Smith’s newly-released book has given way to her becoming the beneficiary of a slew of rave reviews. To her credit, she’s already making public appearances, during which she’s promoting an awe-inspiring written work that is available via online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and where books are sold.
ENTREPRENEUR-TURNED-AUTHOR
“I have an upcoming event to read my first children’s book at the public library here in Memphis,” Smith said.
In addition to recently making her authorship debut, Smith announced the startup of her Jaunti In My Skin podcast, as well as Future Leaders Of Memphis, her newly-erected nonprofit organization.
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“So be on the look out for it,” Smith said of her podcast, which is in its infancy stages and figures to be as good as advertised.
Also, Smith announced she will be offering what is known as braider certification program to area youths. This program, she said, will offer free sessions and will put youths on the track to becoming aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Every year for the past two years, I give out free brand new coats to the community,” Smith said.
BUY AUTHOR SMITH’S BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Brenda-Bobby-Dinosaur/dp/1088083692
Having been active as a tax preparer for the past seven years, Smith said she had become greatly inspired to become a full-time entrepreneur after passing of her mother when she was 25 years of age. Consequently, Smith’s father died as a result of complications with COVID-19.
“I knew he loved me, but my encouragement left when my mother passed,” Smith recalls.
All things considered, though, Smith would recall all of the pivotal life’s lessons taught to her by her parents. Interestingly enough, it also helped that she had her beloved faithful three were looking up to her.
DESTINY STEPS
“Everything I’ve done for the community comes completely from my own earnings,” Smith said. “I have never received a grant or anything to make these things happen. God helped me with three beautiful children that always support and encourage me to keep going and to try new things.”
She’s doing just that, all the while burning the candles from both ends and, most importantly, having a massive impact in the community in the process.
For more information on Mid-South Businesswoman LaShawn Smith, to inquire about her tax preparation services, her new book, or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 901-864-1180. Also, send email to [email protected].
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WHAT’S YOUR STORY? If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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