We had the good fortune of connecting with Rais Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rais, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am a Navy brat so I have moved around a lot. I was born in Corpus Christi but lived in Shreveport,LA for 10 years and consider that home but also Dallas since I have been here 11 years now. Watching my mom make constant sacrifices and raising two kids on her own impacts me tremendously. Everything I do, I think about her and always aim to make her proud she is my rock.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have three separate businesses. My first one is my mentoring/ non profit Horizon of Hope-Texas and my second business is flipping houses, and the third is my blog foreverai_. It was not easy at all and I made a lot of mistakes but that’s to be expected right? I lost a lot of friends, a boyfriend, and found myself pretty lonely at times during my journey but looking back, I do not regret it one bit and would do it all over again. The lesson I have learned is that the mind is powerful and all obstacles can be overcome as long as you change your strategy for it. My brand comes from that little girl from Shreveport with drive and determination.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whew I’m pretty boring because I’m a homebody BUT!!! Xoxo dining room, breakfast brothers, The STAR at Frisco,the nutrition place in Fort Worth, Top Golf, main event and definitely deep Ellum

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom, brother, and my first grade teacher Ms.Jones . The past 12 years it has just been us three (mom, brother, and myself) so they keep me grounded and sane. Ms.Jones taught me to believe in myself and my abilities and that has stuck with me 20 years later.

Instagram: foreverai_

Email: rsmithbrands@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.