Markella Smith is the owner of Beautiful,
Classy, Driven, a lifestyle business created in 2016 that offers a variety of
inspirational products.
The business features a product line that
exhibits Smith’s signature feather earrings, inspirational notebooks, unique
gifts and candles. The majority of her products are adorned with positive
affirmations.
Smith was inspired to start her lifestyle
enterprise because of her beloved children whom she lovingly refers to as
“young kings.” As a mother of boys, she said, “I strive to provide good
examples.”
Her up-tempo, sunny and sanguine attitude
radiates positivity, providing a solid foundation as well as temperament for
her business.
Smith serves as an example of how busy
individuals can establish work-life balance. Aside from running her business,
she fulfills the role of mom and works a full-time job.
Smith also invests time with local
organizations in her North Minneapolis community. She enjoys brainstorming ways
to support, market, inspire and promote small business owners. She is also
focused on developing opportunities for entrepreneurs to network and showcase
their products or services.
The Beautiful, Classy, Driven brand
prompts consumers to think about influential and prominent figures in society
who exhibit those positive attributes. Smith promotes empowering images of such
women as former First Lady Michelle Obama, who exemplifies what it is to be
Beautiful, Driven and Classy.
Smith is focused on placing an emphasis on
positive role models who represent the epitome of class and exude strength and
sophistication. It’s a response to the negative imagery portrayed in the media
about women. Women should be valued rather than objectified.
At times we may not see the grit and hard
work required to operate a successful business. “I work hard, no one really
knows what it took to get here,” said Smith.
She has big plans for the future and wants
to grow the business so that it is more focused on youth, the future
entrepreneurs. When it comes to living a dream, she encourages everyone—
especially our youth—to simply “go for it and to never give up.”
Smith’s business has been featured as a
vendor at Minnesota Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. She also features the
products of other small business owners while she sells her own. “I’m trying to
shed a positive light on other local businesses. I also want to help other
small businesses pursue their passions,” said Smith.
The hottest selling items are the
earrings, accented with catching feathers. She enjoys creating unique designs
that display a medley of beautiful, bold colors.
The stylish notebooks were designed by her
supportive friend, Crystal Hill, owner of Chill’s Customized Creations. “We can
do so much more together than we can do separately and we also have to exhibit
positive behavior to the youth,” said Smith. In essence, teamwork makes the
dream work.
Customers can also check out the dainty
cups and coffee mugs meticulously adorned with hopeful and uplifting messages
like, “Believe in yourself.”
Smith also promotes self-care by offering a selection of sweet-scented vanilla, and serene, Sumatra Chai candles.
For more information, visit www.beautifulclassydriven.com.
