We recently connected with Olivia Denton Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Olivia, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is a direct gift from my parents. Neither were born into affluence or ease. When they met, though, they became an unstoppable force together. My Mom, with only a high school diploma, and my Dad, who did not graduate from high school, wanted to provide a different life for my three siblings and me, so they felt the best way to do that was hard work. My Dad worked in construction and climbed the ladder becoming well known for both his hands-on skill and management abilities, eventually starting his own successful construction company. My Mom ran what was probably the most frugal and efficient household ever known. Our family worked together on our small farm to raise livestock, tobacco, and huge gardens. My siblings and I knew the expectation was to work alongside our parents and each other to keep everything going. It was never a question. Working hard for the end result of gathering a harvest, selling a crop, canning food for the year, etc. was the only option. And, while it was demanding, some of my happiest memories were made in the tobacco field, the garden, and the kitchen. I understood the necessity of the effort for the reward, and I never forgot it.
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 wear many hats in the course of a day. I still work a “regular” job in finance for a market research firm, but my passion lies in building my own businesses. My wedding venue is beginning its fourth year, and I am excited about our growth and the service we provide in our area. I love getting to know the couples who start their new chapters at the venue, and it is so exciting to see how each couple paints their own magic on the canvas that is our farm. When we began, the goal was to provide a beautiful location to get married yet also provide it at a cost almost anyone could afford. And, I think we continually accomplish that goal.
During my days working in my Dad’s construction company, I developed a love of real estate. I saw the power of investing in it as my parents made it one of their primary ventures. They now enjoy a relaxing, well-funded retirement because of their efforts, and I learned those lessons well. From house flipping to short-term rentals and medium-term rentals, I am focused on continuing to grow our portfolio. The satisfaction of taking a distressed property and turning it into something new again is more rewarding to me than almost anything else.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three skills or areas of knowledge that I think have best served me are my strong sense of determination, a willingness to educate myself thoroughly, and a distinct realization and acceptance that some of the best things take time. I think many people have great ideas and good intentions. Without a strong dose of determination, though, that’s all those ideas and intentions ever become – just invisible wishes. Determination turns them to reality. Determination, though, can be misdirected without education. And, education comes from so many sources. Gaining vast, detailed knowledge about almost any topic has never been easier, yet many opt out of soaking up what could be the difference between success and failure. Education, whether from hands-on experience, mentorship from experts, traditional degrees, trade school training, or old-fashioned research truly is priceless and the absolute best way to mitigate risk. Combining both determination and education with patience could be the magic recipe. Even though there are true stories of overnight success, most gains happen over time. Accepting the fact that one’s version of success could require years of effort to create can help get past the set-backs that will inevitably come.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Since I juggle so many balls, as many do, overwhelm can set in when every single one needs to be in the air at the same time. When this happens, I find that it’s typically because I can’t focus on just one ball. I’m trying to think of what each area of effort needs from me at once and how I could possibly spread myself out to accomplish them all. The best way I’ve found to handle this is simple – a list.
I keep a detailed list of the most important things I need to do or accomplish. With each item, there is a deadline and an estimate of how much time I need to set aside for that task. Those items are then placed on my calendar in the pocket of time where they fit best, and I commit to doing them when they’re scheduled. There’s nothing quite as satisfactory as scratching something off that list. It’s also important to use even small pockets of time. It’s amazing what even just five minutes can mean when you are prepared to use it. This works well, too, to keep me from forgetting something important and to keep me from having to work when I am supposed to be enjoying time with people I love, which is the ultimate goal for me. I keep in mind why I’m working so hard. I am building a life that will allow me to have even more time and create more memories with those I hold dear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thefarmonpemberton.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefarmonpemberton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefarmonpemberton
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-denton-smith-84647964/
Image Credits
Elizabeth Hill Photography Apple Ridge Photography Hannah Murray Photography Raine Studios One Focus Photography Amanda & Chad Photography
