For Shateria Smith, owning her own business is just as much about creating a legacy as it is gaining personal freedom.

Smith founded SimplyProps ahead of her 30th birthday when she was unable to find marquee letters for a celebration she was hosting, and in only a few short years, SimplyProps has transformed into a full-service company that provides custom prop and furniture rentals, as well as event design consultation services. And while Smith notes that she does love her job for the freedom it allows, at the end of the day, it really comes down to being a good role model for family and strangers alike.

“Though I don’t have any children yet, I am an auntie to four little ones. Being able to create a legacy that teaches them that they can start a business doing what they love and not what they are taught is ‘best’ or what they ‘should do’ is the best feeling ever,” says Smith.

In addition to modeling entrepreneurship for her nieces and nephews, Smith also hopes that young girls wanting to enter the construction industry can find inspiration in SimplyProps. Smith currently hand-builds 97% of her new rental inventory and notes that she’s received curious looks on more than one occasion while going to pick up lumber or hardware.

“I think there can be a misconception that women cannot thrive in male-dominated industries like woodworking, construction, or welding, but I am here to serve as proof that women and girls can change the narrative,” says Smith. “My hopes are that if another little girl looks at me and sees that I can use power tools and build things, she will realize she can too.”

When she’s not out inspiring the masses, Smith can typically be found in the office working on consultations with clients before shifting to building and event prep in the afternoon hours. During the busy season of spring and summer, SimplyProps welcomes roughly four events per weekend, all of which Smith personally helps set up.

“I realized early that business growth would not come without a lot of sacrifice. Missing out on family events, holidays, and fun nights out with friends have all been a part of this journey,” Smith says. “I gave up a nine-to-five career to own a 24/7 business. There is always something to do, but I love what I do. I’m still working on creating boundaries and worklife balance, but even with all of the tears (both happy and sad), it has been well worth it for what I have built.”

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