Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandie Smith.
Hi Brandie , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. My journey to becoming a nurse practitioner and business owner has been anything but straightforward, but it’s a path I wouldn’t trade for anything. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare in my community, and that lit a fire in me to make a difference. My motivation wasn’t just about pursuing a career—it was about creating a legacy for my children and serving as a role model for others who look like me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The early years were full of challenges. As a single mother, I often found myself balancing the demands of raising three children on my own with the rigorous coursework and clinicals required to become a nurse. There were days when I worked overnight shifts and still made it to morning lectures, all while making sure my children felt loved and supported. Being a minority demographic in healthcare added another layer of adversity. I faced skepticism and sometimes outright doubt about my education, qualifications and abilities, but I refused to let those perceptions define me.
After years of hard work, I earned my nursing degrees and, later, my board certification as a nurse practitioner. Each step was marked by determination and sacrifice. I remember celebrating milestones not just for myself, but for everyone who ever told me my dreams were too big.
The transition to entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to provide more holistic and culturally competent care—something I saw lacking during my time in traditional healthcare settings. Starting my own practice was daunting. I had to learn the business side from scratch, secure funding when doors were often closed to women like me and build trust with patients and staff. But each obstacle made me stronger. There were moments when it felt like the odds were stacked against me—financial setbacks, moments of self-doubt, and the constant pressure to prove myself in spaces where I was often the only one who looked like me. Whenever I was close to giving up, I remembered the faces of the patients who thanked me for understanding their experiences, and my children, who watched every step I took.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before I embarked on my nursing journey, I started out as a medical assistant and health professions educator, which gave me invaluable insight into patient care and the importance of education in the healthcare field. My career then progressed into healthcare management, where I learned to navigate the complexities of the medical industry and advocate for better systems. It wasn’t until I decided to hang up the corporate world that I fully committed to nursing, a decision that proved transformative both personally and professionally.
My career in women’s health began as a labor and delivery nurse, where I supported women through some of their most transformative moments. This foundation inspired me to expand my expertise into maternity education, empowering expectant mothers and families with the knowledge and confidence they needed. As an advanced practice provider, I now focus on delivering holistic and compassionate care in women’s health and functional wellness, ensuring that each patient receives comprehensive, individualized attention throughout every stage of their journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Throughout my journey, hard work and resilience were vital, but I also benefited from luck and the timely support of great mentors and colleagues. Their encouragement and guidance helped me navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow both personally and professionally. Success was never guaranteed, but the combination of perseverance, good fortune, and supportive people often made all the difference. I’m grateful for those moments and for everyone who helped me along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hmwwc.com
