Meet Alena Smith of Mom Strength Apparel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alena Smith. 

Hi Alena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wow, let’s see where should I begin? My name is Alena Smith and I’m what most people call a serial entrepreneur. I have always walked the path of following my purpose and passion because that’s what fuels me. I credit my life experiences, (Good & Bad) for helping to mold me into the woman I am today. 

I was born and raised in New Jersey, and at a very young age, my sister and I took interest in the sport Track and field. I had a lot of great coaches not just support and encourage me in athletics but, they also stressed the importance of education. At Trenton Central High School, I won state titles and was nationally ranked. My talents earned me a track & field scholarship to North Carolina Central University to run the 100 & 400 Hurdles. 

College is where I really became in charge of my own life and decisions. Over 400 miles away from family I quickly learned that to persevere on my own I had to apply myself on and off the track because going back home was not an option. Following in my mentor’s footsteps I obtained my Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from NCCU… 

I didn’t stop there I continued my education and graduated with a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and became the first person in my family to have a graduate degree. I understood the importance of education and have always wanted to help others earn their degree so I started my career working in Higher education. For the last 15 years, I’ve worked at several different universities. Currently, I work part-time at Southern New Hampshire University online as a Reviewer for the Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree Programs. 

Currently, I reside in Atlanta, GA with my husband and two sons. Although I hold many titles, my most important and meaningful titles are being a wife to my husband Wendell and mom to our two miracle boys Wendell III (10) & Charlie (4). Both of our sons had a rough beginning being born prematurely. Wendell, who we call “Tre” was born at 31 weeks weighing 3 pounds 12 ounces, and spent 5 weeks in Wake Med Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before coming home. 6 years later our youngest, Charlie was born at 25 weeks weighing 1 pound exactly and spent 328 days in two different Atlanta Hospitals before coming home. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As expected, life comes with challenges. Some good and some bad but the hardest battle I’ve been faced with so far was seeing our sons fight to be alive. Our NICU Journey’s was a major test for my husband & I. The lengthy hospital stay for our youngest son really tested my faith. During the almost year-long journey, Charlie underwent several surgeries, including having a tracheotomy, countless blood transfusions, and coded twice and was brought back to life. At 4 years old he’s overcome everything due to being born prematurely and both boys are now healthy and thriving. 

After experiencing & surviving two NICU stays, I realized that I had enough knowledge to help support other families get through their journey so I started a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit called Trust Your Strength. Trust Your Strength is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness of the mental support needed in the NICU and making a difference for families in need. Our organization encourages and strengthens Mommas of Miracles born prematurely and of medically fragile children. We provide self-care packages, financial assistance, and support while working to strengthen mothers through self-care events. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mom Strength Apparel?
As previously stated, I’m a serial Entrepreneur and when I’m not working my full-time, part-time, or supporting families through my Non-Profit. I’m working to grow my small business Mom Strength Apparel. My apparel line was created to promote self-love and self-care through fitness. There is so much that goes into becoming and being a mother. During motherhood, we become strong, even stronger than we were before, and that is a testament of the love we have for our children. Once I became a mom, I found myself pouring so much into work and my children that I neglected being physically fit. As a former athlete, I enjoy working out but making time for it was not always easy. 

Creating this apparel line, was a way to encourage myself and hopefully some more moms to remember to take of themselves through their own motherhood journey. Mom Strength Apparel can be purchased inside the Lounge at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, NC and online at www.alena-smith.com. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have my apparel inside The Lounge. Gerrikka Bunche is the owner of the lounge and she has created a space for small (for now) businesses like myself to showcase our products. 

After our NICU journey, I became a published author as another way to heal from the traumatic experience and also to share our story with the world. Trust Your Strength the book is another product that is available for purchase at The Lounge in addition to Amazon. 

I’m grateful for the support & opportunities that continue to come my way. Now being on the other side of such a challenging Testimony with our children, I’ve realized all of my endeavors have been birthed through that experience and was all a part of God’s plan for my life. My life has been a great example of turning “Pain into Purpose” and I hope that it continues to inspire other people to never give up even in the toughest times. I couldn’t do all of the things I do without a supportive husband, family, friends, and the great business relationships that I’ve developed over the years. I plan to continue to walk in purpose and let God lead the way. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I enjoy Raleigh, NC and I’m happy to say I visit often for many reasons. Raleigh was home for a long time before having to relocate for my husband’s career. It’s still a second home because my mom eventually moved from NJ to Raleigh and still resides there. 

I love all of the business opportunities that Raleigh has to offer. I’ve been blessed to not only have a thriving business at one of the most visited Malls in Raleigh, but I’ve also had the honor of being a speaker at several women conferences in Raleigh over the past few years. 

My family and I are forever thankful for the staff at Wake Med Hospital. It was our first NICU experience and during our 5 week stay our oldest son had great nurses and doctors caring for him. We continue to show thanks to Wake Med Hospital by providing self-care packages to families in their NICU annually. This year Trust Your Strength partnered with 2021 USA National Miss Tar Heel State Princess Blythe Banks to deliver the care packages for her UNM National Day of Service. 

Although Atlanta, GA is now home, Raleigh continues to have special meaning for my family & I. 

Contact Info:

• Email: trustyourstrength112@gmail.com
• Website: Trustyourstrength.org & Alena-Smith.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alena0916
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alena.smith.921

Image Credits
Tara Harp Photography
Rotcelis Rose Photography
Isis Nishae Photography