When I say I’m excited to share this community boss, friend, business partner, that is an understatement. The Faces of the Golden Strip is pleased to introduce Ava Smith.
I am a leader and entrepreneur in the Upstate of South Carolina. I hold a Bachelors of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from Limestone University and am a Lifetime Member of the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. I reside in Mauldin, SC. I have over 25 years of experience as a Human Resources Professional. In August, 2002, I began my own firm, HR Specialties, which specialized in providing HR services, training, and recruiting. I later expanded this firm by adding additional experts, and rebranded it into what is now widely known as Ava Smith & Associates. In 2010, I formed a permanent placement agency called Flat Fee Recruiting that has been recognized in business publications. Flat Fee Recruiting received the Minority Business of the Year Award in 2013 through the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. I am a dedicated member of the community and serve on a variety of Boards and Committees. This has led to me being the recipient of highly esteemed awards and recognitions and being featured in a variety of publications.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 3 children – Nija, Dontel, and Ja’Mya. I have 4 spunky grand-children – Ariyana, Jalil, Rylie, and Karmen.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My experience includes employee relations, compliance, recruitment, retention, and training. I began my career in the non-profit sector, and shifted into manufacturing, the corporate arena, and staffing. I progressively moved upward in my positions, serving a range of roles from HR Assistant to serving as an HR Director. I am also a noted Diversity Trainer. I have delivered hundreds of sessions throughout the Southeast since 2005. Clients have included corporations, manufactures, non-profits, service organizations, government officials, municipalities, universities, hospital systems, local chambers, and faith-based organizations. I love being a problem-solver for my clients as their HR Representative. I also love being a Change-Agent and helping people navigate through tough conversations.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Moretti’s Pizzeria & Bar and JPeter’s in Mauldin.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
10 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Celeste Purdie
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. My top priority on my bucket list is a Castle Tour.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Know who you are – it will help you walk in your truth.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
In addition to a castle tour, I would love to ride in a hot air balloon.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
So many to choose from! Generally speaking I love to dodge into small specialty shops in our area. They tend to have items that touch your heart or spark past memories that you cherish.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I have always wanted to have lunch with Rosylin Weston. She is a woman that I have admired for years from a distance. She is strong, intelligent, beautiful, professional, and endearing. I would take her to Stella’s in Simpsonville.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the famiy-owned restaurants. It makes you feel like you are having a “hometown” experience. Hearing an Owner or Manager greet me by my name is priceless.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am finalizing a trilogy. It has an inspirational foundation. In 10 years I hope to be an Empowerment Speaker. The Change-Agent in me goes beyond my HR profession.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am terrified of CATS!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children. I know that being the best role model for them provides a blueprint in life that they may need to defer to. This inspires me to be the best version of myself – if not for me, for them.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Being supportive of those in my near proximity. This means smiling and providing a warm greeting….making sure their children are safe in their outside activities…alerting neighbors of anything that looks or feels awry…respecting their property.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Refuge, and Inviting
