In a business world often defined by hustle and noise, Shawn Smart is helping entrepreneurs reclaim clarity and control. As the founder of Smart Shawn Consulting, Shawn has built a boutique firm rooted in purpose: to support small business owners – especially those with limited marketing budgets – by providing systems that make growth more sustainable and life more balanced. From AI-powered tools to grassroots marketing, Smart Shawn Consulting empowers the overlooked and overworked to thrive.
Since relaunching the business in 2023, Shawn has been on a mission to uplift changemakers, solo entrepreneurs, and service-based businesses like dentists, coaches, and contractors. With a hands-on approach and a heart for community, he’s proving that working smarter – not harder – isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s a movement.
Tell us about your business and your role in it.
Smart Shawn Consulting is a boutique business consulting firm that empowers solo entrepreneurs and small businesses – especially those with limited marketing budgets – to grow through automation, delegation, and AI integration. I serve as the lead consultant and strategist, working hands-on with clients to build sustainable growth strategies. Our mission is to help business owners work on their business, not in it.
How did you come up with the concept and name?
The concept came from my own experience as an entrepreneur. I saw so many business owners – especially in underserved communities – struggling to do it all. I knew that smart systems could change that. The name “Smart Shawn” was a nickname people gave me for my creative ideas and solutions, so it felt like the perfect fit – authentic, personal, and memorable.
What makes Smart Shawn Consulting stand out?
We take a human-centered approach. I walk alongside clients instead of handing them a to-do list. Many feel overlooked by traditional consultants – I treat them like family. We blend real-world marketing skills with AI-powered tools to help clients grow smarter, not harder.
Do you have a team? What do you look for when hiring?
I work with contractors as needed and prioritize hiring adaptable, creative self-starters who understand small business culture and bring mission-driven energy to the table.
What was the biggest lesson you learned in your first year?
That hustle alone doesn’t scale. You can’t do everything yourself without burning out. I had to embrace delegation and trust systems – that changed everything.
What’s next for your business?
In the next year, I plan to expand our client base across NC and launch a digital course platform. In five years, I envision a national footprint, a full team, and an incubator program for underrepresented business owners.
Why join the Chamber?
I wanted to connect with other changemakers, raise visibility for minority-owned businesses, and stay plugged into local growth. The Chamber is a great platform for community-minded initiatives.
What do you love about doing business in Asheville?
Asheville is full of heart, hustle, and creativity. The business ecosystem here values collaboration over competition – it’s inspiring to be a part of that.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m not just building a business – I’m building a movement. My goal is to make business feel doable, not daunting. I’m also passionate about mentorship, youth programs, and nonprofit partnerships that support financial literacy and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. Smart Shawn Consulting is about purpose as much as profit.
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Learn More at SmartShawnConsulting.com.