Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramona J. Smith.
Ramona, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I always enjoyed performing on stage. Whether it was singing in the school choir, performing a play with the drama club, or giving a speech on Easter Sunday. I have never had stage fright or a fear of public speaking. By the time I was 19, I knew that I wanted to be a motivational speaker. However, I did not have any point of reference in my community to help me achieve my life long goals. I grew up in an impoverished neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio, known as the “Wasteland.” The most successful people in my neighborhood were drug dealers and gang members. When I moved to Los Angeles at age 23, I was finally able to pursue my dreams. I was introduced to an organization called Toastmasters International in 2010. Toastmasters is an organization that helps its members become more effective leaders and communicators. I joined Toastmasters and my destiny began to unfold. With my tacit knowledge of connecting with audiences, and the skills I gained with Toastmasters (organization, timeliness, content, professionalism), I was ready to start profiting from my passion. I started the Ladybug Speaker LLC in 2011. I did not have any business acumen, but I had a hustle. I built my business slowly and steadily and remained active as a member of Toastmasters.
In 2015, I competed in the annual Toastmasters International Speech Contest. The winner of the contest becomes the World Champion of Public Speaking. This title brings eternal admiration and clout in the Toastmasters community. The World Champion of Public Speaking often goes on to become a globally respected and well sought after speaker and entrepreneur. Unfortunately, I lost at the District level of the contest in 2015. In 2016, I lost at the first level of the contest at the club level. After reevaluating my “why,” joining a new club in Houston, and letting go of the goal of winning, I competed again in 2018. This time, I effortlessly ascended from the Club, Area, Division, District, and Semi Final levels of the contest. Ultimately, I won the entire competition, outlasting over 30,000 competitors from over 140 countries. I became the first woman to win in 10 years, the 5th woman to ever win the contest (since women could complete in 1973), one-third of the first ever trifecta of women to take 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, and only the 2nd African American woman to win the title.
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?
It has not been a smooth road. Most of my struggles were due to my lack of mentorship and knowledge. I am currently pursuing an Executive MBA. However, I started my business nine years prior to entering graduate school. Without an incubator, a strong business plan, a solid team, and zero working capital, my business did not turn a profit for several years. I was a one woman show trying to juggle all of the roles of an executive team without any education or experience. Yet, even during the dysfunctional stages of my business, I was driven by my passion. I know without a doubt that my purpose is to inspire through my words. Because I know full well why I am here on Earth, I trust the process. I’ve tried to run away from my dreams, but they always chased me down. I am so convinced of my purpose that nothing will stop me from building the Ladybug Speaker LLC. I am still learning how to balance and build my business. I have learned from my past struggles and I am stronger because of the challenges and adversity I have overcome.
Please tell us about the company.
The Ladybug Speaker LLC’s mission is to inspire, connect and transform lives globally using the power of words. We are known for selecting world class speakers to deliver transformative speeches to global audiences, offering effective communication coaching, and dedicating world class service to our stakeholders. As a company, we are most proud of our genuine and authentic approach to connecting with and inspiring the human race. Our competitive advantage is our service, value and flexibility of speakers to meet the needs of our clients.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important quality that has contributed to my success is lifelong learning. Although I have conquered the world, I still have so much to learn. I am a student forever. I take advice. I am open to feedback and evaluations. I read books and invest in professional development. Industry and technology continue to evolve and change rapidly. Staying aware of new trends and old patterns has helped me to stay in business for almost a decade.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ramonajsmith.com/
- Phone: 216-309-2341
- Email: contactramonajsmith@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ramonajsmith1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramonajsmith/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LadybugSpeaker
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramona-j-smith-61390743/
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