Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Ellis.
Pamela, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Since growing up in the small town of Columbus, Texas, I’ve dreamed of establishing an organization for teen girls and young women in college. I wanted to provide a solution to a problem that I experience first hand. In small towns and most rural communities, teen girls find it extremely difficult to find opportunities that will empower them to excel beyond barriers that are very common in small towns. Such barriers include lack of mentors, lack of access to resources such as scholarships, and organizations such as Jack and Jill, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, etc. Growing up, I always wanted to travel, attend summer camps, go to interesting places. These opportunities rarely existed or were extremely costly. This lead to my desire to create opportunities for girls like me in small rural communities and those pockets of urban communities that experience that same thing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My advice to young women who are just starting their journey is to do your homework. You definitely want to research your industry of interest and learn what you need to not only start the business but be very clear on what you’re going to need to maintain and sustain the business. It doesn’t matter if it’s a for-profit or non-profit but should be run like a business. You must know the problem you are solving. The best businesses solve problems. Once you identify the problem, then you can begin to create the solution. Start your business when you have some money to invest, or you have someone who is willing to invest in you. It’s very difficult to get it when you need it. Make sure you identify a good accountant, a good attorney, and a good advisor/mentor.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Smahrt Girl – what should we know?
I own and manage Smahrt Solutions, a technology consulting advisory firm that provides fortune 500 companies and large organizations Human Resource (HR) management software solutions. I started the firm 17 years ago when there were very few women-owned tech firms and even fewer women of color owned firms. Through hard work and a precise focused on customer satisfaction, Smahrt has become one of the leading advisory boutique firms in the country. This year along I am recognized by the National Diversity & Inclusion Council as one of the top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology at their National Conference in Dallas. We have also been recognized in INC. Small Business Magazine, Upscale Professional Magazine to name a few. One of my greatest honors was to speak at the Women In Technology Conference hosted by Google, Inc last year. I am most proud of the work that we are doing with our non-profit division, Smahrt Girl. We recently designed an app that will allow girls and women all over the world the option to shop for free dresses, both formal and business attire from donations from women all over the world. They will also be able to buy, sell and consign dresses on the same sight. The app will debut this summer in New York City!
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I am firmly convinced that women today are positioned to do whatever they want. So many barriers have been broken across all industries. I believe there are areas of leadership, including politics and executive positions in corporate America that lend plenty of opportunities for women to emerge. Today’s women, especially the millennial population is fearless and will not be stopped. I look forward to seeing them emerge and make this a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smahrtgirl.org
- Phone: (713) 839-5757
- Email: info@smahrtgirl.org
- Instagram: @smahrtgirl
- Facebook: smahrtgirl
- Twitter: smahrtgirl
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
