Meet Brittany Smith

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brittany, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

For me, self-care is about reconnecting with nature through my nature journaling practice. It’s my time to slow down, observe, and reflect without the pressures of productivity. Nature doesn’t judge—it doesn’t care about your background, your beliefs, or your struggles. It simply exists, offering beauty, wisdom, and peace to anyone willing to look. That kind of acceptance is rare in the world, and it reminds me to extend the same grace to myself and others.

Spending time alone in nature, just me and my journal, has been a game-changer for my effectiveness. When I take time to center myself, I show up better for my work, my community, and my mission. Being happy and at peace with yourself is the first step to bringing happiness and joy to others. Nature journaling has taught me to notice the small details, to be patient, and to embrace curiosity—all things that make me a better educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for the environment.

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’m Brittany Smith, the founder of Flora and Fauna Festivities, a nature-based education and entertainment company dedicated to helping people connect with the outdoors in fun and meaningful ways. Our mission is to unite communities through immersive nature experiences that spark curiosity, promote local businesses, and inspire environmental stewardship.

What makes Flora and Fauna Festivities special is how we blend education with entertainment—from Carolina Critters classes for preschoolers to hands-on workshops like Gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing. We believe learning about nature should be engaging, interactive, and accessible to all.

Right now, we’re growing in exciting ways! We’re expanding team trivia nights to college campuses, offering affordable mobile field trips for schools, and launching new online classes like “Nature’s Narratives: Improving your life through Nature Journaling”.

At the heart of it all, we’re breaking down barriers to nature—because the outdoors is for everyone. If you think nature isn’t for you, I promise—you just haven’t found the right way to connect with it yet!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been the most impactful in my journey: resilience, confidence, and passion.

Resilience has been key because starting and growing a business isn’t always smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt, unexpected hurdles, and times when things didn’t go as planned. But I kept going. Nature teaches us that resilience isn’t about never facing challenges—it’s about adapting and pushing forward, just like a tree bending in the wind but never breaking.

Confidence is just as important. It took time to trust myself, to own my expertise, and to stop waiting for permission to step into my role as a leader in environmental education. Confidence doesn’t mean never being afraid—it means doing it anyway.

And of course, passion is the heartbeat of everything. If you don’t truly love what you do, it’s easy to burn out. But when you’re driven by something bigger than yourself, the hard days don’t feel impossible—they feel worth it.

My advice for anyone starting their journey? Just start. Take action. We can all dream, but as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Try things, fail, learn, and try again. Every small step builds momentum, and before you know it, you’ve created something amazing.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is The Only Pirate at the Party by Lindsey Stirling and her sister, Brooke S. Passey. Lindsey’s journey of embracing her uniqueness, pushing past failure, and staying true to her passion resonated deeply with me.

One of the biggest takeaways was the power of persistence. When Lindsey first started, she was told she wasn’t “good enough” and that her unique style wouldn’t work. She refused to let those opinions define her, and that mindset stuck with me. When I pitched Flora and Fauna Festivities at Vision Chase with Richmond Community College, the judges told me I “might could make it” if I were in Asheville, but definitely not in Richmond County. Instead of letting that discourage me, I expanded my reach to a 100-mile radius around Richmond County. I wasn’t going to let one opinion determine my success—I used it as fuel to grow.

Another lesson from the book is that joy and individuality go hand in hand. Lindsey didn’t change herself to fit expectations—she leaned into what made her different and found success by fully embracing it. That’s exactly how I approach Flora and Fauna Festivities. I know not everyone understands what I do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. Nature is for everyone, learning should be fun, and joy is a driving force behind real impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://floraandfauna.events/
• Instagram: floraandfaunafestivities
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floraandfaunafestivities
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Floraandfaunafestivities

Image Credits

Adam Smith
Brittany Smith