Meet Marshae Smith, an Active member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.
Tell me about yourself
I’m a proud native of Savannah, Georgia where I was born and raised by my mom and dad alongside one older sister and one younger brother. I attended Claflin University — a small, private HBCU — where I majored in digital design, captained the cheerleading squad, served under the Student Government Association, studied abroad and even founded a women’s mentorship organization.
The highlight of my college career, however, was stumbling into my childhood dream of owning my own business by starting an impromptu online graphic design company. Using campus Wi-Fi and a laptop that was a high school graduation gift from my grandparents, I worked from my dorm room before, after and between classes to perfect my craft and fulfill orders. With the help of social media, it wasn’t long before I was being noticed and commissioned for projects by clients both near and far.
In July of 2017, I formally established my college dorm-born business and relocated to Charlotte, NC — my “dream for now” city. I’ve been self-employed as a full-time entrepreneur since then, aside from working various gig jobs as a personal grocery shopper, Lyft driver, cashier and babysitter — so pretty much the quintessential entrepreneurship story!
Last month my business, Cosmopolitan Creative Group celebrated its 3rd anniversary. It’s a full-service design firm that works with entrepreneurs to make their brand visibly connect with the emerging Millennial market — and in the right way. We specialize in brand and web design with an overall commitment to designing creative solutions through modern branding and authentic relationships.
What have you gotten from the Junior League?
Having moved to Charlotte at such a young age with no friends, family nor work colleagues since I’ve always worked from home, the Junior League has given me a professional network, a home away from home and really just a place to belong – a place to plant myself and grow. I’ve gained a community of cheerleaders who not only support my success, but also inspire it through their own lives, action and commitments
What have you given to the Junior League?
I hope to have given the Junior League value in the form of a devoted new team member who’s eager to learn and get involved, diving head first into roles and leadership without fear of failure. With a vision for the long term, I’m certain that my support, membership and action will result in the betterment of the Queen City that I now call home.
How has the Junior League helped to develop your potential?
The League lets me try pretty much anything I want! Even if I have zero experience in an area, the League believes in me and my potential to allow me the freedom to enter and occupy spaces that I want to gain experience in or learn more about. This also shows how confident the League is in the quality and effectiveness of its training to develop the potential of members and create new leaders.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is hands down managing (and surviving) being a full-time entrepreneur at such a young age. My business is my pride and joy and while it hasn’t been an easy journey by far, it has been a beautiful one. I can’t really imagine where I would be or what my life would be like if I hadn’t been so divinely redirected into the career path of my childhood dreams. Entrepreneurship has made me a better woman, daughter, sister and friend. It’s changed my life and I’m forever grateful. I plan to be an entrepreneur for the rest of my life.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
My favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is the freedom it gives you to create your own rules, your own story and your own life. You get to decide what your work day looks like, what your career path will look like, how much you want to earn, how many lunch breaks you want to take, the list of freedoms is endless. Now, of course if you want to experience a certain level of success and productivity, there will be boundaries that have to be put in place, but for the most part, every single day is 100% up to you and what you want to do.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In five years, I’ll be 30 and I see myself having relocated to New York City with my business(es). I see myself traveling the country as a motivational speaker for young women, being a real estate investor and driving my dream truck — a white Mercedes Benz AMG G63 with grey tufted seats.
