Video Marketing Strategist • Podcast Host • Int'l Correspondent • Purpose Driven Leader
"When you decide to work with me, you'll become confident that someone is patient and knowledgeable in getting your desired results."
I believe in purpose over popularity. In a world obsessed with viral moments and vanity metrics, I help leaders who care more about impact than impressions.
I was born and raised in Chicago by Haitian parents who taught me the value of hard work, faith, and community. At age 10, I picked up my father's video camera at Bethlehem French SDA Church, and something clicked. I eventually joined the church's Audio/Visual team, gaining my first hands-on experience in media production. That spark never left me. While living in Chicago, I also worked alongside several small media production companies, including RadioMCR, supporting live event productions both locally and across the United States.
I went on to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Oakwood University, an HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama. While in college, I continued developing my media skills through volunteer service: on Saturdays as a Media Assistant at Agape Haitian American Adventist Church, and on Sundays doing audio engineering at Westminster Presbyterian Church. I was also an active member of the Oakwood University Music Business Society. Although I did not attend college specifically for media production, years of hands-on experience and continuous learning allowed me to build a career doing what I love.
That camera work opened bigger doors. I went on to serve as an International Correspondent and Reporter for Columbus Black News (CBN) — covering stories, conducting interviews, and working as a behind the scenes photographer for one of Columbus's leading Black media outlets. It was there that I deepened my conviction: our stories deserve to be told with excellence, on our own terms.
Today, I work in media production and content creation, helping organizations, churches, businesses, and community leaders share their stories through video, livestreaming, and digital content. I have served as a videographer with Connection Community, supporting churches with livestream production and media services. My technical toolkit includes Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Photoshop, GarageBand, Zoom, audio engineering, video editing, photography, and digital storytelling.
In 2019, I founded Smith Says International LLC in Columbus, Ohio. My mission: help entrepreneurs, community leaders, and believers build visible, credible, purpose-driven brands through video, podcast, and consistent storytelling.
My approach is simple: Start. Shoot. Systemize. Scale. The 4S Framework takes you from uncertainty to confidence, from inconsistent to unstoppable.
I've had the honor of being part of the Accelerate Columbus Scale-Up & Grow inaugural cohort, graduating from the New American Leadership Academy (NALA) 2024, and being recognized as a community builder at the Stronger Together Haitian Heritage Celebration in Columbus. Every step has deepened my commitment to the Smithsonians, my community of purpose-driven doers.
Reporter and International Correspondent for Columbus Black News CBN, one of Columbus's leading Black media outlets. Also served as a behind the scenes photographer — capturing stories that amplified Black voices across Columbus and beyond.
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Proud graduate of one of America's most distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Huntsville, Alabama.
Selected for the first-ever Scale-Up & Grow cohort. Graduated July 2023. One of Columbus's premier entrepreneurial development programs for minority business owners.
Graduate of the City of Columbus's New American Leadership Academy, an elite program developing immigrant and New American leaders in the Columbus community.
Recognized at the "Stronger Together" Haitian Heritage Month Celebration. A proud voice for the Haitian diaspora in Columbus, Ohio and beyond.
Active contributor to the Bronzeville Urban Redevelopment Initiative, helping rebuild, empower, and amplify one of Columbus's most historic communities.
Volunteer business development trainer through Arise with JPS Print, providing free marketing and strategy education to minority and New American entrepreneurs.
Co-Founder of Together As One (AS1ONE), a collaborative initiative connecting purpose-driven entrepreneurs, creators, and community builders in Columbus.
Director of Analytics. Leading data strategy and media representation for one of Columbus's most active neighborhood associations.
Active member during undergraduate studies at Oakwood University, bridging the intersection of music, media, and business development.
Served as a videographer supporting churches with livestream production and media services, helping faith communities share their message with clarity and excellence.
Impact matters more than impressions. Build for meaning, not metrics.
Done is better than perfect. Show up regularly, improve continuously.
Build sustainable workflows. Work smarter, not just harder.
Your unique voice is your superpower. Don't chase algorithms.
I meet you where you are and guide you step-by-step to your goals.
Every strategy is designed to move the needle on your business.
I don't just teach tactics. I help you build sustainable systems.
Your success is my success. We grow together.
I stay current with the latest tools and platforms so you don't have to.
I only work with clients whose mission I believe in.
These aren't just quotes. They're the convictions that built Smith Says International — and the principles I help every Smithsonian live out.
Purpose Over Popularity. Every episode, every conversation, every video — it's never about going viral. It's about going deep. Saying what needs to be said, reaching who needs to hear it, and building something that matters long after the views are gone.
Smith Francois, Founder, Smith Says International LLC
Consistency is greater than perfection. Show up. Keep showing up. The only content that doesn't work is the content that never gets made.
Smith Francois
When you decide to work with me, you'll become confident that someone is patient and knowledgeable in getting your desired results.
Smith Francois
Haiti didn't have a stock market — it had heart and faith. That's in my blood. That's in everything I build.
Smith Francois
I'm thriving in the promise land of my great-grandparents. Every door I walk through, I carry everyone who couldn't.
Smith Francois
Image is power. We have to create more of our own. That's why I pick up the camera — so our stories get told the way they were meant to be told.
Smith Francois
You are somebody — but not for everybody. Know your audience. Serve them deeply. Let the right people find you.
Smith Francois
Stop consuming, start building. The Creator Development Lab exists because the world has enough watchers. We need more makers.
Smith Francois
Your assignment is going to require a new appetite. Growth isn't comfortable — but it's necessary. Embrace the season you're in.
Smith Francois
I don't just create content — I help people own and share their story.
Smith Francois, Founder, Smith Says International LLC
Let's talk about your vision and how video can help you achieve it.
Listen to Smith Says: Purpose Over Popularity on