Heather Smith

Domestic Domestic is a thoughtful curation of purpose-built goods made exclusively in the USA. My passion is introducing conscientious shoppers to the companies, brands and makers that ethically believe in quality. Every day I am grateful for customers who choose to essentially vote with their shopping dollar for the country in which they want to live. I love doing my part on what I believe is the next chapter in America for manufacturing, and thus, for community and lifestyle. We all have a role to play.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

Ben Franklin told me. “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” I was born a salesman. It is just my nature. Selling goods I believe in makes sense for my soul.

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

It’s the people. After owning Eggshells Kitchen Co. for five years, my partner and I decided to move back to Asheville, North Carolina. Within six months we were packing it up to come back “home.” We are not from Little Rock but grew homesick. The community is loyal, supportive and easy. Thanks for welcoming us back!

If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and what would you order?

I feel like the obvious answer here is Ellen, but I am going with Amber Brewer [Yellow Rocket Concepts]. I admire her design, and respect how she has achieved her success. On the table? Buffalo Trace Single Oak Project bourbon and boiled peanuts.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Teaching folks why I do this. Customer service is a personality trait. The relationships I have the opportunity to foster aren’t possible in most professions. I love connecting the dots between consumers and great companies.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

Startups are tricky. You are IT, stocker, buyer, sales, customer service and boss. No training manual. No clock to punch. Deciding when to relax is hard. More work, more money. Fifteen years self-employed, and I am just learning to live.

How do you define success?

Many women, others here particularly, arrived at their successes gracefully. With me it was more of an awkward stumble, sometimes with the fear of a kid jumping off the high dive for the first time or a somersault when all I meant was to tie my shoe. But the end result is all the same. That feeling that something mattered because of me.

Best moment of your career so far?

Every day the door is open. My career is comprised of startup companies, each with risk. Domestic Domestic is the chanciest of all, but still open. Every day I come to work, I am grateful for the moment.

Best advice you've ever received?

Have an exit plan. My first business did not, and I felt horrible stress when I grew tired of that job. If it never comes into play you can relax in the fact that you are not trapped. Lesson learned.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How did you know this is what you wanted to do?

Favorite part of living in Little Rock?

If you could have lunch with any woman, who would it be and what would you order?

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

How do you define success?

Best moment of your career so far?

Best advice you've ever received?

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

The Heights

Hometown

Piggott

Last good read

“Storey’s Guide to Raising Chickens” by Gail Damerow

Favorite Food

Mac & cheese with green peas

Favorite Lunch Spot

Boulevard Bread Co.

First thing you do at the office each morning

Feed our handsome cat, Oliver

Last splurge

La-Z-Boy recliner

Hobbies

Road trips and painting

Dream Vacation

Iceland

Favorite Song

“Long Ride Home” by Patty Griffin

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