Meet Courtney Smith | Carpenter

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

Hi Courtney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Initially when I thought about starting it was only to do vanities. I had just created one for my lil sister from some scraps and some wood I bought because she asked if I could. I’m not the one to turn down a challenge lol. So, I built it and posted it to Facebook. That’s when people started saying they would love to have one. Yet I never did anything. Then the pandemic hit, I didn’t lose my job or anything but like others it had my mind moving on saying I need more than one income. So I was driving to work one day and started randomly thinking of ways to get started and make it make sense. Got on it and looked up materials I’d use and how I could price. Then I just dived in and launched the business. Haven’t regretted it yet and we’re here 2 years later.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Jumping into it I had very minimal knowledge and going into it I was focused on one item. Vanities. Soon I learned that I may need to open up my services due to the growing requests of customers asking if I can custom make different furniture. Such as beds, shelves, end tables, and more. Again I’m not a person who says no. I’m going to figure it out. But what’s helped me the most in doing that is being able to allow myself to know it’s ok to ask others for help and opinions. I would immediately find fellow wood workers that lived in my neighborhood and meet a guy who helped allot when I got started. It’s not easy jumping into a field of this sort but I’ve met some cool people to help me in the process. I’ve learned more than anything communication is always key no matter what! It’s helped resolve allot and avoid even more. What I’m excited about now is the partnership I’ve done with my guy Nicholas Johnson here in Houston to start a full fledge construction company. You can check my work and our work @assemblybycee and @conceptions_construction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I enjoy a bar with a vibe, shooting pool, or something outdoors. Can’t give an itinerary to much I leave that to whoever I’m going out with unless we search something to do together and agree on.

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?
I’d like to give a special shout out to my mom Mable Haverly. She’s a beautician and she helped me in a lot of ways with always staying on me about how “quick money” don’t last in the long run. You got to actually have something. But aside from that the way that woman worked while I was growing up is crazy. For example, I would get out of school catch a bus or get picked up just to go back to her job and continue working. Sometimes not leaving till 2-3am. I’m certain she the reason I’m always on GO! Can’t forget about my pops C-Note. Rapper out of Houston. I Look at him as someone who’s self made in all aspects. Took advantage of all situations surrounding him getting him to the success he’s had. Both my parents have been self employed my whole life. Giving me the drive of doing the same.

Website: assemblybycee.com

Instagram: @assemblybycee

Other: @conceptions_construction @ceesvanities

Image Credits
The Photo Firm by Tanya Rawlins