Meet Shateria Smith | Entrepreneur, Author & Prop Builder

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

Hi Shateria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been the “EXTRA” family member and friend that loves planning events for absolutely the simplest reasons. I was inspired to bring “larger than life” prop rentals to Chattanooga from scrolling Instagram and seeing a company in California do it. My thought process was literally what better way to combine my love for event planning & decor with generating income?!

I often found that there were no props that could be rented to take theme design elements to the next level. While in search of props for my 30th birthday party, the vision was birthed and grew into something bigger than what I could have even imagined.
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What should our readers know about your business?
Simply Props specializes in Theme Prop Rentals, Event Styling Decor & Accessories to add the extra touch to any event! We are the first theme-specific prop rental company located in scenic city Chattanooga, Tennessee. What sets us apart from other rental companies is that we not only offer props, but we have the ability to build custom props in house! Our props can be used for any and all events including but not limited to birthday parties, weddings, high school proms and corporate events. ​
We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and attention to detail is our top priority. This has been a vital key in the growth of my business! I am so proud of what I have accomplished since July 2020. What started as a crazy idea and dream has turned into a full-time entrepreneurial journey for me and I couldn’t be more thrilled to wake up and literally do what I LOVE TO DO! Seeing each event come together fuels me and it does not compare to the disappointments and lessons that I experience. I have had challenges not having the startup capital, adequate inventory or proper transportation for the props but we have soldiered through, purchasing a company cargo van while acquiring very little funding from outside sources. I have invested & sacrificed a lot (of money, blood, sweat and tears) to build this company debt-free and that will continue to be the vision and goal.

I’m excited to be able to provide employment for others, and build a legacy within my community. I have learned to keep pushing and that people are always watching and being inspired by you – no matter how uninspiring you think you may be! I have learned there is always a solution. I have learned to stay in my lane and thrive there. I have learned that NOTHING worth keeping is gained without WORK.

I want the world to know SimplyProps and Shateria Smith as a household name. My goal is offer products that can be sold online (classes, e-books, speaking engagements, women’s empowerment events, merchandise and cool party accessory boxes) in addition to party props & decor rentals. My hope is that if another young black girl has a crazy idea for a business that she will look at me and my example and say “If Shateria built SimplyProps, I can build my dream, too!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Chattanooga has so much to offer! We would have to hit up 1885 for some of the best brunch in town! At some point during the week for lunch we’d have to hit Slim & Husky’s new location, Lil Mama’s Chicago Style Hoagies, order some Chattcuterie Chic charcuterie boards and definitely visit The PanCake Bakery & Bruster’s IceCream for our sweet tooth cravings!

Places to hang out or go to dinner would be Agave & Rye, Party Bites Party Kitchen, The Southside Social or Clyde’s for the Frose drink! Sing it Or Wing It & The Big Chill are also popular places to chill, hang out and grab an appetizer and drink.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I always thank God, my family members (especially my cousin EJ & my god-sister Erica, my grandmother Terrie & Aunt Keva) & my GoalFriends (Amy, Lauren, Brittany, Jenna & Ayanna) and their kids that have helped me along the way! My god-dad Chef Lemont, god-mom Renita, big brother Harlan and friend Nate have all been inspirational and have encouraged me in big ways! Of course each and every client that I have had the privilege of providing services for – SimplyProps would not be what it is today without them! They give me the best advertising and marketing I could ever ask for by referring other clientele to me and my business and for that I am grateful!

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Website: www.simply-props.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/simplyprops

Facebook: www.facebook.com/simplyprops

Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/simplyprops

Image Credits
Harlan Keith Breaux (photography), Kris Hacker Medias (photography), Balloons By Dominique (Balloons for Slim + Husky’s)