From hardship to triumph, her incredible journey shows that no matter your circumstances, you can achieve greatness with the right mindset.
Denise Smith is one of the most successful names today, but many are unaware that she faced difficulties in her life right from the start. Growing up without her father and with minimal family support, making ends meet was a daily struggle. Still, she was determined to create a better future, the motivation being her children and leaving an empowering legacy. She persevered against naysayers who questioned her career path to provide generational change.
Denise always had natural talents, from creative writing to connecting with people. But it took hitting rock bottom financially before she embraced these as more than hobbies. Out of options, she started using her skills to earn income. What blossomed was today’s Million Dollar Thrive Network umbrella. This houses her coaching services, public speaking agency, book publishing, film writing, artist management, music & video distribution, non-profit organizations, and much more.
Lean times revealed Denise’s gifts. Once she embraced them as assets and committed fully to success, everything changed. “I draw daily strength remembering the people this journey is for – my children and communities needing support,” says Denise. She also stays grounded in her spiritual connection, stating that with God she can achieve anything imaginable no matter the difficulty. This mindset fuels the unstoppable drive that led Denise to overcome obstacles to now run multiple 6 figure companies. Hardships still arise, from grueling workweeks to people doubting her ambitions. But Denise has transformed tests into testimonies by focusing on her inspirations. If you know your why, no obstacle can break your stride.
Denise’s first venture was obtaining Registered Tax Return Originator status and starting her tax preparation company Smith Tax & Accounting Solutions. She prepares personal and business tax returns while also providing tax planning resolving tax debts. Her next big step was founding her tax software company and tax professional coaching business Million Dollar Thrive for Tax Professionals . This furnishes everything from DIY tax programs to launching full-scale firms. Through the latter, Denise has opened 10 satellite offices with 20 more consultants under her wing. Today, she runs at least eight interconnected businesses spanning industries from finance to music distribution. “Serial entrepreneurship provides both fulfillment and financial security,” informs Denise.
Writing also plays a monumental role in Denise’s work. Her company Smith Publishing LLC offers ghostwriting, editing, book cover design and publishing services. She has written four books to date with a fifth releasing in 2024. She is also a produced certified screenwriter of two short films and one stage production. As a ghostwriter, Denise has helped authors nationwide publish around 40 books while establishing copyright protections. The written word remains pivotal in Denise’s legacy. She transforms ideas into tangible inspiration that entertains, educates and empowers at scale.
While sharing her own story, Denise also strives to shine the spotlight on other voices. For example, she founded the women entrepreneurs’ group SisStar Circle NC for networking and showcasing fellow female leaders. Apart from this she also heads the record label and artist development agency Million Dollar Thrive Record Label & Distribution where she personally mentors artists on professional branding from portfolio building and personal development to bagging shows. This flowering of community makes all ships rise higher.
When asked what she loves most about her work, Denise points to the transformation she witnesses in clients. Her words, connections and guidance have brought many from obscurity to thriving enterprises. And at just 35 years old, Denise is just getting started. Anyone following her continued success knows there is no limit to what she can achieve. Compassion, fearlessness and outworking the norm let Denise turn life’s lemons into sweet lemonade.
