My Story...

I was born at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan; however, the streets of Detroit, Michigan molded me.

I learned to hustle. I learned the meaning of integrity. And, I learned the importance of family.

My birth parents separated when I was a toddler. They eventually divorced a few years later.

Their divorce had a profound negative impact on me psychologically; in ways, that followed me throughout a life filled with emotional traumas. I became isolated. I developed socio-emotional anxieties, depression, stress & behavioral issues.

Several years later my mother remarried. I felt abandoned & alone. But, worse of all...I felt misunderstood.

I became distant from my family; and had a rebellious spirit that was untamable. I was angry. I was confused. I had a death wish; despite being brought-up in a two-parent household.

As the oldest of five children: two brothers & two sisters, I felt pressured to be "perfect" or "set the example" for my younger siblings to follow; which ultimately lead to more trauma, heartaches & disappointments.

Growing Up In Detroit...

Growing up in Detroit, Michigan was fun yet also extremely challenging both mentally and physically...well, at least for me it was. Detroit, Michigan is a place where "only the strong survive" and "the meek get destroyed/chewed up and spit out".

As a child, I was raised to protect myself and to stand up for my younger brother & sister. My mother threatened to whip me; if I didn’t fight back or worst...if I didn’t win the fights. Needless to say, I didn’t lose any fights…at least not in my eyes. I fought a lot!

I developed a reputation as a fighter. The older kids respected me and the younger kids from the block admired me; so much so, that eventually I no longer had to fight to protect myself. However, it seemed like I was always fighting to protect/defend my younger sister or brother; but, most of the time, I was fighting to protect my sister.

As a consequence, my parents put me in Tae-Kwon-Do martial arts when I was in the 4th grade; and boxing by the 7th grade. Quite naturally, one would assume this turned me into a savage. However, it was the exact opposite...it taught me discipline. They had to think I liked fighting and in the beginning I did. But, shortly thereafter I grew to hate it.

Later, I developed a sense of resentment towards my mother for making me fight all the time; and my sister for always getting into confrontations where I was forced to fight to protect her honor. Although, I developed the physical skills and mental fortitude necessary to survive the streets of Detroit, Michigan; I struggled with my personal identity.

The most important lessons I took from boxing and the martial arts were self-control and self-discipline. Having learned these skills, gave me the strength necessary to endure, persevere, and flourish throughout my life; no matter what obstacles life placed in front of me. These skills also gave me the courage that helped elevate me into achieving greater heights in my personal & professional life.

As a result, I fought less often. I became more strategic when handling conflicts and became better at conflict resolutions. In addition, because I no longer had to always prove myself with my fists...I started to develop self-confidence.

Growing Up In The "D" cont'd...

As an adolescent, I learned to channel my energy and aggression. I began to focus my attention more on my education; however, I was lacking encouragement and support from my parents. So, I lost my passion for the sport of boxing & martial arts.

I needed something else to channel the anger & frustration bottled-up inside of me by my parents divorce. So, I put my efforts towards other sports; like basketball & baseball. But, I still wasn't getting the proper support I needed to succeed.

Therefore, I leaned more into my education because that's were I seemed to be getting the most support. At that time, I didn't realize how vital being teachable would become to achieving my personal goals towards self-improvement.

Unfortunate for me; but, that was around the same time I began to have personality conflicts with my step-father. Although, he was a decent man; he too had his flaws. He was an ex-Korean war veteran and an alcoholic.

Our issues didn't surface until after the birth of my younger brother. Although, he wasn’t my real father...initially, I looked-up to him as a father figure. I understood he wasn't my real father; but, that fact didn't matter much to me. I admired him. I respected him. I wanted to be like him.

He was the closest thing I had to a male role model since my parents divorced. It wasn’t until he uttered these words to me, “I am not your biological father” that I began to lose respect for him as a man.

It wasn't until several years later that I realized he too was broken. I began to notice a difference in how he began to treat me versus my younger brother; his "biological" son.

Over-time, I lost more and more respect for him. I then began to resent my little brother for taking my "step-dad" away from me too. I rebelled against his authority and even started to get involved in other mischievous-activities.

Trials & Tribulations...

While my friends and family members were either being murdered or in & out of the juvenile criminal judicial system; I became more depressed & introverted. I felt more alone. But, no one seemed to notice the turmoil I was going through mentally and no one seemed to care. I began lashing out at those closet to me. I needed help...but, I didn't know where to start.

My grades dropped. I started getting into confrontations with family & friends. I started running the streets & breaking all rules/laws; including, but not limited to: breaking & entering, stealing, joy riding, smoking marijuana, selling marijuana, drinking alcohol, vandalism & more. Shortly thereafter, I became a victim of gun violence at the age of fifteen; where I was shot in the face at close range at a house party for my thirteen year old cousins birthday. I then questioned God...why me?

I was a lost child without the proper tutelage of a father figure. I was confused, frustrated & mentally exhausted. I was tired! I needed a mental breakthrough. I didn't know who I was or where I was going in life. All I knew was that this couldn't be the life that God envisioned for me. That exact moment, is when I began searching for inner peace.

Being shot was the wake-up call I needed. This particular tragedy was a blessing in disguise because it gave me purpose. This woke me up spiritually from the nightmare I had been living. This tragic event changed the trajectory and direction of my life's future path and journey. I now had a reason for living. However, I was still in search for a purpose.

I was a "rebel without a cause". I desired material things and looked up to the dope boys/drug dealers from the neighborhood. They had everything I thought success entailed: money, clothes, cars, jewelry, girls, power & respect. I wanted everything they had & more. I valued their charisma, charm, presence, aura, personality, character, individuality, lifestyle, etc. I wanted nothing more than, but to be different than either of the men in my life at that time.

Actions & Consequences...

Prior to the birth of my younger brother; my step-dad and I had a great relationship. I was the son he never had. He had five daughters from his previous marriage. Those feelings of abandonment I felt from the separation from my birth-father and later parents divorce, resurfaced.

However, despite my past traumas; I went on to pursue higher education. While graduating high school was a major challenge and accomplishment; graduation day was one of the loneliest, most self-gratifying but spiritually demoralizing days of my entire life.

Although, I graduated from high school on-time; I was mentally & emotionally exhausted. I was immature. My first attempt at college failed. I had the willingness & desire to succeed, but I lacked the maturity required to being successful.

As a freshman, at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), I reverted back to my old ways. I began drinking and smoking weed again; however, this time with people I thought were my friends.

This led to me unknowingly smoking weed, that was laced with Phencyclidine or phenyl cyclohexyl piperidine (PCP), also known as angel dust. PCP is a dissociative anesthetic known to cause hallucinations, distorted perceptions of sounds, and violent behavior.

That night I began hallucinating and hearing voices in my head that made me think those same guys were trying to kill me; and in a desperate attempt to escape, I attempted to jump from an 8th floor dorm room window. Had it not been for a student residence assistant (RA), calling the on-campus police, I may not be alive today.

The next day, I woke up in the hospital. I was glad to be alive. While in the hospital, I learned that the weed I had been smoking was laced with (PCP).

Psychologically, I thought everyone was out to hurt me; and I refused to be anyone else's next victim. So, I became more aggressive. I was going to hurt you, before I let you or anyone else hurt me, again.

Afterwards, I was forced to drop out of school. My dreams were shattered, yet again. I was heartbroken. I was devastated and angry at the world. I was a failure!

A Chosen Few...

Throughout my life, I learned that mental health issues could destroy your life and/or sabotage God's purpose for your life; and going untreated can result in unnecessary disabilities, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and poor quality of life.

After being clinically diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); which "is a chemical imbalance of the brain that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. These stressful or traumatic events usually involve a situation where someone's life has been threatened or severe injury has occurred".

After multiple failed relationships, run-ins with the law & a daughter of my own to nurture...I sought out psychological treatment. In therapy, I learned that I am responsible for the decisions I make and the consequences thereafter. I learned my choices impact not only me; but, the people that I love; both mentally and sometimes physically, as well. I also learned that my best apology would be changed behavior.

An apology has four main purposes: (1) evidence the apology is sincere or genuine; (2) to express regret for the offense that was caused; (3) to acknowledge that the offense is understood; and (4) why it was offensive in the first place. In other words, "actions speak louder than words".

Everyday I choose to lead by example; with the hope that my life's trials & tribulations will inspire the next generation. I pray that my daughter and others learn from my mistakes and to not make the same mistakes I did growing up without a father figure; but, "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all (good) things will be added unto you". (Matthew 6:33; KJV)

I want people to understand that no matter the road your life may venture down; know that the spirit of God lives within you. Know also that, "there hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above all that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it". (1 Corinthians 10:13; KJV)

Therefore, understand that everyone experiences challenges throughout their lives; albeit different challenges, but challenges nonetheless. Furthermore, everyone isn't fortunate enough to come out unscathed either; only the strong survives and only a chosen few are blessed with a second and/or third opportunity at life. As a result, I try not to squander my opportunity and neither should you.

If I can endure all the things that I have endured throughout my lifetime to now owning and operating a profitable online business, then so can you. My first sign of gratitude goes to both my parents. I titled the name of my company ButlerSmith Enterprises, LLC, as a way of honoring them both for giving me life.

Owning my own business started with a dream, and today living out that dream has become my new reality. But, I first had to change my mindset; and not blaming others for my mishaps and/or misfortunes, but by holding myself accountable for my own actions. This then led me to changing my environment and changing the people I associated with. As a result, I have become extremely successful and not just by society's standards; but, God's standards for fulfilling my "purpose driven life".

Although, I battle daily through mental health disorders, bells palsy, severe anxiety & chronic depression; I was also able to get back into college and graduated with multiple advanced degrees. I graduated from Davenport University; in Dearborn, Michigan with an Associate's of Science (AS) degree in Business Administration. Later, I transferred to the University of Alabama; in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and earned a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree with a major in Financial Management and a minor in both Accounting & Economics. I then earned a Master's of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Phoenix; in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Purpose...

The trials and tribulations I endured led to me following my heart, pursuing my passions, being obedient and listening to the righteous spirit within me. So, I dedicate the rest of my life to honoring God's will and destination for my life; and living my life according to His purpose for it. In other words, I "walk by faith and not by sight". (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; KJV)

Everyday life brings about new challenges; however, now I am better prepared with the tools necessary to maneuver through whatever obstacles are in my path. Experience is the best teacher and if I can help save one person's life, then I believe wholeheartedly that I have fulfilled God's purpose for my life.

I am truly blessed to still be alive today, to share my story...and I owe thanks to God for sparing my life. Tomorrow isn't promised to any of us and this life can be taken away from us...in an instant.

We only have one life to live and today I use every opportunity to give back and to do things right the first time. Hopefully influencing and helping motivate others to accomplishing God's purpose for their lives and living out their fullest-potential. Everyday, I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire others, to hopefully "help spark the brain, that will one day change the word". (Tupac Shakur)

Again, I thank God for sparing my life; not once, but twice, and continuing to do so on a daily basis; and the way I show my gratitude is through changed behavior. I thank God for keeping me in the right frame of mind, and giving me the strength to endure, overcome, enlighten, inspire, and motivate others. I thank God for His wisdom, and the humility to follow His purpose for my life; as well as the chance to share His grace and mercy with others.

The characteristic traits I have developed along my path has motivated me to give back to the communities that help mold & shape me into the man that I am today. My mission is to give back ten fold by sharing my knowledge, wisdom, experiences, finances and resources.

After years of learning things the hard way, I realize that the characteristic traits I developed alone the way were necessary for me to live out my true purpose in life. And, by accomplishing these things I had to first overcome, in order to receive His blessings and to accomplish the things I have accomplished in my life and in business. I couldn't have done any of this without God's grace, mercy, covering and protection; and for that I am truly thankful.

Every decision I make now is purposeful, with good intention, a pure heart and a clear conscience. I am accountable. I'm not perfect, I still make mistakes; however, I have matured both physically and mentally and my mistakes now are followed by changed behaviors and/or learned lessons.

My purpose in life I believe is to help others by sharing my testimony as a way of inspiring them to make changes in their lives, and enlightening others as to where their true blessing come from, as well as showing an appreciation to God, and honoring His purpose for my life. So, If you wish to do the same...

Ask yourself these questions:

(1)What is your purpose?

(2)Are you living/fulfilling your purpose?

(3) If not, what are you doing to change directions in your life towards achieving your purpose and inspiring others in your family & communities?

"Sincere" Smith - Founder

As a tribute to both of my parents, the name of my company is, "Butler Smith Enterprises, LLC", as my way of honoring them for giving me life. Thank you both for your guidance and inspiration. Momma, although you are no longer here with us; since moving on to greener pastures...your legacy will continue to live on through me & my future business endeavors'. I love you, both..."You Are Appreciated"!!!