First Friday Female Founder Feature: Janice Smith
I cannot pinpoint the first time I was introduced to Janice Smith, her incredible presence or her impact on our community, but I can describe the moments in which she has enriched life. From the first moment of the first online class I took with her during the global pandemic, I wanted to soak up all of Janice’s immense knowledge about video and using videos to connect with others and how to be creative with video as a marketing tool as well as an educational product. Yet, it’s not simply her know-how. Janice deeply cares about other living creatures, making sure all humans are comfortable and confident during the learning process along with how she as well as everyone with whom she interacts can make the world better. Her genuine care and concern is inspiring, contagious and motivating. Plus, it’s so energizing to grow alongside her as Janice shares her journey online. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!
About Janice Smith
Janice Smith is the owner, storyteller and chief dog lover of Big Dog Little Bed. She likes to think she's always been passionate about communication; in elementary school this showed itself as Ds in conduct (it was always ‘Too much talking…’), but it later showed up in high school debate and mock legislature, facilitating difficult diversity conversations as an Orientation Leader and RA in college as well as parent/teacher conferences as a young Teach For America corps member. These days, it shows up most often in the films created by the Big Dog Little Bed team for clients (and for fun), but, at its core, it’s really still all about communication.
Past experiences working with high-performing schools and teachers have helped to calibrate high expectations, and she still loves any chance she gets to work in the world of education. She truly believes Maine is #thewaylifeshouldbe, and dreams of one day running away there. Her pup, Layla Bean, keeps her Instagram full of #pupcontent along with any/all sweet pups up for adoption. On a daily basis, she feels incredibly grateful to have found a career that still feels a lot like a hobby.
In addition to telling stories with Big Dog Little Bed productions, Janice is passionate about creating welcoming spaces as an AirBNB superhospt at Cozy Rock Cabin in Freeport, Maine, at Cozy Cabin in Boone, NC, and at Cozy Camp in Sebec Lake, ME.
First Friday Female Founder Feature:
Janice Smith
How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?
We’re a boutique video production company located in Durham, NC; we create marketing films, fundraising films, course films, wedding films and more. We love helping other women-run businesses scale their great ideas using video.
Why did you start your company?
When I first started Big Dog Little Bed Productions, we specialized in wedding videography while I was working as the Dean of Instruction at a K-8 school. Weddings were a perfect creative outlet that combined well with a Monday-Friday job. Shortly after I ended up leaving to run Big Dog Little Bed full time, and we then moved into more commercial work.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?
Being able to fully support myself and, now, my family (husband and pup 😊). When I first started, it was all about the creativity and the clients, but I quickly learned that, if I wanted to do this all the time, I had to also figure out how to run a successful business financially. Figuring out a way to do both has been incredibly rewarding.
About what are you most proud?
Growing a human-centered business that builds real, meaningful relationships with our clients. Our favorite is when we feel we’ve become a part of their time and work with them year after year.
Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?
I am NOT naturally organized. Looking back at my childhood now, it’s clear that I struggled with ADHD and a creative personality from a very young age. But my parents had super high expectations for us so I was forced to learn to organize early and often. In college, I had a lot on my plate and continued to fine-tune my systems to make sure I could get everything done. When I became a teacher, it was a different type of organization, but organization was VERY important. And, now, running a business and rental properties, I’ve continued to get even better. My biggest tip is knowing that no organization system will be the perfect answer for different phases of life. I re-evaluate and tweak my systems at least once a year, and sometimes more often. New challenges, new projects, new seasons all require that you analyze what’s working and what’s not. And, then, adjust to solve for what’s not working. Honestly, the biggest fight we have in my house is if I bring up the word ‘systems’. My husband is NOT organized (and, in his defense, never really had to be), and he hates that my answer to everything is ‘You really need to figure out a system that works….’ But I’m right 😊
Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?
It’s pretty cliché, but my mom. When I first started making films, she would watch every single one and always had the most glowing and supportive feedback. Looking back at these films I think she’s crazy, but, without her constantly telling me I had talent and could do this, I don’t think I ever would have had the guts to start this as a business and charge money for it. Now, it’s hard to imagine what my life would look like if I hadn’t done that.
What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?
Find a system that works for you 😁
Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?
TRELLO. I could not live without it. I use it for Big Dog Little Bed, my personal life and managing our four rental properties and the never-ending to-do list that comes with those. Not only does it allow me to stay organized in a visual way (which I love and need), it also allows me to share and collaborate with others. I started using it just for me and am now so grateful I can share access with my team.
How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?
One of the most important things I learned early on in running this business was how to pay attention to my body and my creative flow. I read an article talking about women and our menstrual cycles and how it relates to creativity. When I learned that there were actual reasons why some days I felt more creative than others, it was so helpful in not constantly beating myself up for not being ‘productive enough’. I realized that it wasn’t that I was failing, but that I needed to reorganize my to-do list so that I tackled less creative, more necessary business op things on the days/weeks where I wasn’t feeling creative. Or I just take part of the day off! It’s harder to do that now with a team, but it was game changing early on. I stopped feeling guilty and allowed myself to ride the creative waves. And, when I hit my creative stride? I was way more likely to work extra hours to get projects done, and it FELT GOOD!
About what causes are you most passionate?
Education inequity. My first career was in education and all focused on closing the opportunity gap for our kids.
What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?
Honestly? Smoke weed and sit on the rockers on our front porch 😂 (I’m pretty anxious, and this is the one way I can buy myself some peace of mind at night.) We also own two cabins up north in Maine and spend as much of our free time there as we can. Nothing beats a glass of wine in the hot tub surrounded by snow or out on the dock overlooking the lake in the summer. It is hard to leave but gives me something to look forward to every month.
What is your favorite author / book?
‘Stargirl’ by Jerry Spinelli. It’s a beautiful young adult book that teaches valuable lessons about following the crowd vs. owning who you really are and the value it brings to the world. Teaching it to our 7th graders was one of my favorite units of the year. I still reread it regularly, and every time find total gems that keep me grounded in what’s most important.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
The work is never done. When I worked in education, it was so easy to work every waking minute. The work was so important and high stakes, and truly was never done. But this quote works two ways… one to remind you there is always more to be done (the not motivating angle) and one to remind you that no matter how much you work it will never be done. Therefore, deciding when it’s done (for that day/week) is so empowering in allowing yourself to rest.
What is your go-to accessory?
My running watch. It counts my steps, tells me my heartbeat, tracks my runs and suggests speed workouts. I love it.
What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?
😂😂😂 Wish I had one! I try to get pedicures a couple times a year to get rid of all the callouses that build up on my feet, but that’s probably not great reading material for anyone.
What is your favorite food?
Honest answer? Lobster. But, as a 10-year vegan/vegan wannabe, that’s not the best answer. I’ve also loved Japanese curry ever since living in Tokyo as a middle schooler. It’s nearly impossible to find at restaurants in the U.S., but I order the curry paste off Amazon and make my own. Best comfort food ever.
Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?
The Wooden Nickle. My husband has lived in Hillsborough for 16 years and counting, and when I moved there four years ago it quickly became my staple. We go there atleast once a week, and it’s nice to go someplace where you know everyone’s name and they know you.
Dwell. This is a brand new little shop in downtown Hillsborough that I’m OBSESSED with. It’s pretty crazy to find a shop of its size (very, very small) that always has something you want. I now buy everyone’s gifts there, have bought a vintage wood chair that we love, and endless vintage drinking glasses. The owner’s have amazing taste, and source both new and used home goods; you won’t leave without something!
Paws at the Corner. Our local pet store, it’s walking distance from our house and I visited daily when our little one was practicing for her Canine Good Citizen test. She can be dog reactive, so this test was a BIG challenge for her, and the more practice she got the better. They welcomed her by name every day, and were so supportive of her growth even if she wasn’t always perfect. They also celebrated her when she passed with treats, and I know she appreciated the support. Every time we walk to the end of our street she pulls that direction, begging to go visit.
What is your favorite place that you have visited?
Patagonia. The small hiking mecca of El Chalten was my favorite, for the epic hikes, the delicious Czech beer that I was not expecting to find there and the food.
What movie could you watch on endless loop?
Not a movie, but I could watch Sex and the City over and over and over. The series and the movies.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I love traveling to new places, but the older I get the more I hate the process of flying. I’ve literally gone as far as eliminating all locations from my bucket list that don’t have direct flights. If I could just bop around (especially to Maine), my life would be complete.
Janice’s mother with one of her precious pups
What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Don’t wait for others to give you a job… Find what you love, what you’re good at and what the world needs and find a way to make money doing it.
If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?
My mom. I feel like a different person than when she died, and we have so much to catch up on!!! Lunch wouldn’t be enough, but it would be a start.
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