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

Hi Yolanda, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
Ken Blanchard’s The Simple Truth of Service Book deeply inspired me through its powerful stories of servanthood. Johnny, a grocery bagger with Down syndrome, touched lives by adding handwritten notes of encouragement to customers’ bags. His simple yet heartfelt gestures sparked a ripple effect of kindness, inspiring others in the store to serve creatively, like the floral department giving single flowers to shoppers. Johnny’s story reminds me that true servanthood doesn’t require grand gestures—just a genuine heart to make a difference.

Another impactful story involved a cab driver who turned routine rides into extraordinary experiences by offering water, snacks, and personalized music. His actions exemplify how generosity and intentionality can transform everyday tasks into opportunities to uplift others. These stories underscore that anyone, regardless of their role, can leave a lasting impact by serving with gratitude and care, inspiring me to live with the same intentionality in my own life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work focuses on helping women live with purpose, gratitude, and authenticity through speaking, writing, and seminars. What sets me apart is my passion for inspiring others to embrace their unique journey, especially in busy, challenging times. I’m most proud of how my book, A 21-Day Gratitude Journal for Busy Women, has helped others reconnect with their purpose and find balance. Another highlight of my journey has been appearing on the Hello Mansfield TV Show where I shared my message and connected with a wider audience. I’m excited to continue empowering women to live with confidence and gratitude.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. After nearly two decades in the mental health field, I faced the challenge of stepping away from a stable career to pursue other interests, including writing and teaching. It took courage and a leap of faith to transition from feeling undervalued to investing in myself and my dreams. The process was difficult, but my faith, support from my family, and commitment to my purpose kept me moving forward despite the obstacles.

Along the way, I’ve learned that setbacks often lead to new opportunities and that resilience is key to growth. One of the biggest lessons has been trusting the process and staying true to my purpose. I want the world to know that my brand is about living authentically and embracing life with grace and gratitude. My story is one of transformation, and I hope to inspire others to trust their journey as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start the week by taking them to some of the best spots in the area for food, fun, and relaxation. We’d kick off the trip with a hearty breakfast at First Watch in Mansfield or Cracker Barrel in Arlington, where we could fuel up for the day ahead. After breakfast, we’d head over to Stone Briar Mall for some shopping and then indulge in a delicious lunch at Terra Mediterranean in Plano. For dinner, we could enjoy some waterfront dining at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie, where we’d eat at The Finch Restaurant to enjoy great food while watching the Vegas-style water show and lights.

For another day of dining, we’d enjoy a flavorful meal at Blue Mesa or Saltgrass Steakhouse on Dallas Parkway in Plano, TX, and later head to Dave & Buster’s for some fun and entertainment. If we were in the mood for outdoor activities, we could visit Chicken N’ Pickle to play games like corn hole or pickleball. For a more relaxing afternoon, we’d treat ourselves to a rejuvenating massage and facial at Hand & Stone Massage, followed by a hearty salad from Panera Bread or McAlister’s to round out the day.

We’d wrap up the trip with a boat cruise on Harbor Lights in Rockwall for a peaceful view of the water or a night out at the Jubilee Theater for a show. If we still had energy, we could head over to Topgolf for some friendly competition. For a final treat, we’d have dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse before squeezing in a little more shopping at Arlington Highlands or Grapevine Mills Mall. Of course, no week would be complete without a stop at Dairy Queen for a Turtle Pecan Cluster Blizzard. It would be a week to remember!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Before I dive into my shoutouts, I recognize that success is rarely achieved alone. I am incredibly grateful for the support, love, and encouragement I’ve received along the way. These shoutouts are a small way to show my appreciation for the people who have helped shape and uplift me throughout my life.

I want to give a BIG shoutout to my parents, Nancy Wilson-Sargent and the late Frank Thomas Wilson, and my late sister, Shelia Wilson Daniels, for shaping me into who I am today. My parents taught me the value of kindness, hard work, and integrity, showing me by example how to treat others with compassion. Their support and encouragement gave me the confidence to believe in myself and the strength to keep going, even when things got tough. My sister Shelia’s love and influence still inspire me to live with purpose and resilience, and I carry her memory with me every day.

I also want to give a shoutout to my husband, Charles R. Smith, whose unwavering support has been a constant driving force in my life. His belief in me has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and aim higher. Whether celebrating my successes or standing by me through challenges, his love and encouragement have been a source of strength and inspiration every step of the way.

Lastly, I am deeply thankful for my family, friends, and church members—too many to name, but they know who they are. They’ve celebrated my victories, offered comfort during tough times, and supported me with unwavering loyalty. However, I must mention my former mentor, Dr. Ernest Webb, who took me under his wings early in my career and inspired me to believe in myself and do great things. Their encouragement and wisdom have truly enriched my journey, and I feel incredibly blessed to have such a strong and loving community of support around me.

Website: https://yolandawsmith.weebly.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoryolanda

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoryolandawilsonsmith

Image Credits
Country Mile Photography (Photos Cover&8).
Ruby Reed Photos 4 &5.

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