We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaShirl Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaShirl below.
LaShirl, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
My best form of keeing creativty alive, is writing. For me, it is so relaxing and it literally relaxes my mind. It allows me to put my thoughts on paper and I can see what some of the issues and problems may be that are stressing me out. Once I’m relaxed, I can tackle what issues I may be facing with a clear mind, and solve them less stressed out.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have been fortunate and very blessed to have had such a meaningful career as a Publicist. I’ve worked with some of the today’s most talented actors as well as a slew of top high-profile athletes.
Having been a Publicist for over 30 years, has been great, but for the last few years, I’ve slowly been transitioning into the production side of things. Over a decade ago, I wrote a book, turned it into a movie (which is still currently playing on a few streaming platforms) and decided last year, I wanted to get back into writing.
Fast forward to last summer, I wrote a pilot, which we shot and are now shopping it to several platforms. I’m hoping to have it streaming by summertime, so keep an eye out for “Secrets and Yards.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Preparation, Persistence, and Perseverance (honorable mention, Process)
When I begin my career as a Publicist, I started out concentrating on athletes. Women weren’t accepted back then like they are now as far as working with athletes, so I always had to go the extra step to prove I was worthy for the job. I never accepted ‘no’ for an answer and once people realized I was serious about my craft, they took note, paid attention and gave me an opportunity.
The best advice I can give someone wanting to develop or improve on their skills is practice the 3 P’s, and trust the process.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth I feel is I was able to accomplish the feat of directing my first pilot. I’ve been in the PR industry for over 30 years and have always had an interest on production side of things such as writing, producing and directing. This past summer, I was given the opportunity to not only direct, but write and produce. I’m looking forward to seeing where this new venture takes me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lgrouppr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgrouppr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LGroupPR
- Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/lgrouppr
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LGroupPR
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronseanproductionsllc
Image Credits
Photo 1-3 (LaShirl Smith) Photo 4 (clockwise, Hall of Famer, Drew Pearson, Nate Hobss (Raiders), Dez Bryant (All-Pro WR) Photo 5 (clockwise, LeDon Richardson, Terance Jackson (Radio Therapy Network), Micaela Dartson (Pink Smoke Cigars), Chris Beal (Producer, Bel Air), Deanna Chandler (Hak’d Beauty) Photo 6 (clockwise, Actress, Reyna Love; Nina Lee (Lovelee Candles), Actor, Michael Strong, TV Personality/Actress, Kiki Shepard Photo 7 (Secrets and Yards BTS)
