We recently connected with Bethany Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Bethany , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience is an essential trait as an entrepreneur! It comes from doors closing and finding the window or tiny crack to go through. Each time I rose back up after being knocked down, I became more resilient. Every time I overcame an obstacle, I became more resilient. Resilience beats talent every day of the week!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I own The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone, GA along with my husband Mark. We moved to South Atlanta in 2004 from New York City. In 2005, I had the architectural plans for Legacy. And by 2006, we opened the doors to our gorgeous “gem”! It had been my dream to own a theatre since I was 19. I was always fascinated by old movie houses and loved the idea of job security! Growing up in Terre Haute Indiana, I was raised by a strong single mom who taught my sister and I how to be independent and resilient. She taught us to dream big and be limitless. I always knew I wanted to spread my wings and perform. I started performing professionally. I worked in theme parks, regional theaters and cruise ships. I had traveled most of the World by age 25! I have always been a goal setter and a dreamer and believed that my dreams are within reach.
When I met Mark (my husband), he also shared my love for theatre and believed in my vision.
We started Legacy with limited resources. No investors, no big savings. Just a vision and a lot of faith. We dreamt of a professional theatre where actors from all over the county would come and perform. We also dreamt of a performing arts school where students could learn from and perform along side those professionals. And that is what we are doing! It is such a blessing to bring quality entertainment to South Atlanta while inspiring budding theatre artists!
We just opened our 18th Season and it is a big one! Currently we are running The Little Mermaid. Followed by Pelagius ( a new musical written by Mark Smith), White Christmas, Elvis The Musical Revolution, and Steel Magnolias!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Vision: I was always setting goals and dreaming. I have always been a believer in the power of dreaming big. Even if those dreams change, at least you have them. I used to want to be on Broadway. That lead me to performing, traveling and eventually deciding to own and operate my own professional theatre!
2. Work Ethic: Both sides of family were hard workers. Always showing up to work on time and working with excellence. I have always worked with these qualities. Whether I was waiting tables, working fast food, performing on cruise ships or running my corporation. I work with excellence everyday.
If you want to lead, you HAVE to be an excellent employee first. Show up early, be joyful, be thankful, work hard, ask how you can help, go the extra mile, and be respectful. Every job you have is valuable. You are learning valuable skills that will help you be a more effective leader.
3. Perseverance/Resilience:: It was not easy getting to where I am today. I have had many obstacles and times of self doubt to overcome. EX: Being one of very few female Executive Producers/CEOs , Having no investors or grants, Covid forcing us to close our doors.
However, in each of these examples I overcame. Became MORE resilient.
You HAVE to be able to pick yourself up after each fall. And you will fall. You will make mistakes and have doors closed. But what matters most is how quickly you pick yourself up and get back in the game.
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?
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Your Life to the Next Level. When I read the book, everything changed. I stopped living in fear and was able to take by life to the next level!
Here is a highlight: “Each of us has an inner thermostat setting that determines how much love, success, and creativity we allow ourselves to enjoy. When we exceed our inner thermostat setting, we will often do something to sabotage ourselves, causing us to drop back into the old, familiar zone where we feel secure.”
He goes on to teach how to shatter these limiting beliefs. One of my favorites ways is with his success mantras that I have repeated thousands of times. “I expand in abundance, success, and love everyday, as I inspire those around me to do the same.”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.legacytheater.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelegacytheatre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelegacytheatre
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBs4QmJ1aP7sokCxaLEG7Vg
Image Credits
Production photos by Steve Thrasher
