A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION CHAMPIONING OUR LOCAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS. PHOTOGRAPY BY MOLLY HENSLEY.

Smith’s of Dublin
Owner

130 W. Jackson St., Dublin
478-272-5112
natalie@smithsofdublin.com or info@smithsofdublin.com
smithsofdublin.com

What is the mission of your business?
The perfect gift is all about perfecting the details. At Smith’s, we’re dedicated to getting the small things just right. Whether it’s around your table or a beautifully wrapped package, we take pride in being part of your celebrations so that your gift-giving experience is enthusiastically received every time.

What lessons did you learn because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Always be prepared to adapt, no matter the circumstance, and then hustle. The flexibility needed to run a small business is always present, but more so during the pandemic. Most importantly, rely on your network. We leaned on our network of other retailers for their opinions and input constantly throughout the past two years.

What is your advice for women wanting to start their own business?
It is important to find mentors in your industry and make the financial and time commitment to invest in peer groups and networks that support your industry.

How do you define success?
At Smith’s, because we are in the retail industry, our success is defined by return customers. Each one of my employees and I find great joy in hearing from someone that we got everything exactly right — the surprise piece of fine jewelry, helping with a tablescape for a special occasion or just assisting someone find the perfect sercy for a friend in need of a happy.

What are you most excited about right now in our community?
I love seeing the continued growth and success of small businesses throughout our community. Central Georgia is showing up and showing out in terms of support of local businesses!

Why is Central Georgia a good place to do business?
Central Georgia offers an area where growth is not only still possible, but the communities are supportive and welcoming of new businesses.

You might be surprised that: Smith’s is in its 111th year of business in downtown Dublin. We have been located on the main block of downtown Dublin since our opening in 1911.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?
There are so many rewarding aspects to my job — from customers to employees. Being in this business for seven years now, we get to see young couples progress through life from purchasing an engagement ring, to setting their first formal table, to welcoming little ones as their family grows. One piece of Smith’s that is near and dear to my heart is giving back to the community that supports our small business. Several years ago, we started an initiative to give back to Central Georgia organizations each quarter. We’ve been able to meet so many wonderful people, but also help those in need. It is truly rewarding to say thank you for your support by helping others in need.

What has been the most challenging part of being a female business owner?
When I bought Smith’s in 2015, I was practically a newlywed. However, just as I have expanded Smith’s, my husband and I now have a daughter, with a baby sister on the way. Balancing business and family requires intentional preparation to maintain the priorities of Smith’s and home.

I admire women who: are grounded by faith and are able to graciously fulfill the needs of their employees and customers.

What was the best business advice you ever received?
Know your numbers at all times. For us, that means constantly watching inventory turn time and profit margins closely. As a female with a background in public relations, I’ve had to spend a lot of time on this as Smith’s continues to grow. Early on, I worked with the Small Business Development Center and their advice continues to prove to be invaluable.

I hope more women will: have the courage to own and operate a small business. It is hard, hard work, but the rewards far outweigh the hard days.

How can women better support each other?
I firmly believe in the old saying “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Women who support other women benefit from shared information and networking, which ultimately leads to the success of their own business. I have a weekly call with a dear friend who owns a shop similar to mine in Florida. I cannot tell you how many times she has helped me work through an issue or come up with a solution to something industry specific. The same goes for her, I’m always happy to share what worked for us, because you can make it work for your business. It doesn’t need to be the exact same thing, because we’re all different, with all different brands, but one idea might lead you to another that benefits your business.

How can men better support women business leaders?
View women as business leaders in the same manner that men are seen and treated. Male or female, I believe the best way to help other business owners is by extending a hand and always being willing to help.

Looking back, I wish I had known: Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t be afraid to admit you made a mistake. Assess the impact of your mistake, learn from it and pivot. One of my favorite lines from a dear friend is “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Being in the retail business, we have to really understand our customer and that customer continues to change as we evolve. I have had to adapt, remove and add product lines from our business model and reevaluate constantly.

In five years: Through in-person and ecommerce, we hope to continue to grow our business by expanding the reach of clientele — not only to Central Georgia, but throughout the country.