Meet Lindsey Smith | Author and Co-Founder of Get It Done Productions, One Idea Press, and One Idea Books & Gifts

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

Hi Lindsey, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My family owned a mom-and-pop flooring business my entire life, so I think being around them really inspired me to think about entrepreneurship. As a kid growing up, I would take sales appointments with my dad, started several small businesses inside the shop, and was always looking for projects to take on.

After graduating from college, I worked a full-time job for about a year. I quickly realized I wanted more autonomy and ownership around my days, so I decided to start my own business.

Keeping in mind what were, at the time, my interests and passions (health and wellness), my business naturally evolved with me.

What should our readers know about your business?
A series of fortunate events led me to this business. I first started in the health and wellness industry as a health coach and knew I wanted to write a book.

What I didn’t realize was that writing my first book would spark something in me. I became invigorated by the entire process of writing, designing, and production logistics when getting my book together. I was hooked! I then went on to write and self-publish more books.

After several books, people kept asking me, “How do you get a book published?” I then created an online workshop to answer this question and was surprised when more than 50 people attended. It was then I realized that I was onto something.

From there, I decided to dive into educating myself about traditional publishing too, so I could be well-versed in both areas of the industry. I immersed myself in that world and ended up getting a literary agent and a book deal with Macmillain (one of the top 5 publishing houses in the US).

All these experiences led me to co-founding Get It Done with my friend and colleague, Alexandra Franzen. Along with our team, we offer courses teaching people how to publish (traditionally or self-publish) and market their books. We also operate a publishing company, One Idea Press, and a brick and mortar bookstore called One Idea Books & Gifts.

I consider myself a serial entrepreneur so I like to take experiences and interests to culminate into a business or project. My goal is to continuously evolve and change as I continue to grow and change. It isn’t always easy, but for me, it’s worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Lancaster, PA so my go-to spots include food, books, and coffee. A perfect day around town would look a little something like this:

We would begin at Central Market, one of the longest standing markets in the US. There is everything from fresh veggies to Amish pastries–truly a little something for everyone.

We would then head over to Passenger Coffee & Tea for an oat milk cappuccino, followed by a pesto bialy or a Nice Demeter bagel sandwich at Wish You Well Bakery.

Next, we’d go to Pocket Books, my favorite local bookstore, to peruse the shelves and likely buy a book and stickers.

For lunch, I would take them to my favorite food truck, Chellas, for an arepa.

Break time with a nice afternoon porch sit in my backyard, if the weather is nice.

Then for the evening, we’d head downtown for First Friday to visit the many independent shops. We would definitely stop by Madcap & Co, A Day in the Life Records, and Space—my three favorite shops in the city.

We’d end our day with dinner at Horse Inn, including my favorite chocolate pot dessert.

I’d say that is an incredibly successful day in beautiful Lancaster, PA.

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?
There are so many people that deserve credit as I have had many amazing mentors throughout my life and career.

I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my best friend, Zach. He is someone that is always by my side listening or helping me work through an issue.

He has driven and/or flown multiple hours just to help with a small event or to be with me as I prepare for a launch. He has always been willing to lend a hand with my many business ventures over the years, and I appreciate him more than words can properly articulate.

Website: www.TheLindseySmith.com

Instagram: @lindseysmithhhc

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thelindseysmith

Twitter: @lindseysmithhhc

Image Credits
The one with me and the stack of books: Older & Wiser Co. The headshots: Buzzy Photography Bookstore Photo: Patti Mccorkle Product Images: Get It Done Productions, LLC