Terrica Lynn Smith, one of Louisiana’s youngest and most determined real estate developers, has accomplished what many would deem impossible: she built a $21 million mixed-use neighborhood and honored her family by naming the streets after her children.
Smith’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into the foster care system in Louisiana, she faced homelessness and unimaginable hardships.
At one point, she lived under a highway with her son, who now has a street named after him in the Lafayette community she developed.
Her foray into real estate began serendipitously. As a 17-year-old magazine salesperson, Smith knocked on the doors of Hollywood’s elite and discovered a common thread: many were in real estate. This revelation planted a seed that grew into her lifelong passion for the industry.
After being stranded in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, Smith vowed to never experience homelessness again. She moved to Lafayette, where a chance encounter with a real estate professional changed her life. Despite struggling to pass her licensing exam—requiring seven attempts—Smith persevered.
Initially earning just $5,000 in her first year as a real estate agent, Smith shifted her focus to working with investors, eventually carving out a niche. Through persistence, she built strong relationships and gained invaluable experience.
Her journey to developing an entire neighborhood was filled with obstacles. Inspired by a woman who built a community with streets named after her grandchildren, Smith envisioned something similar for her family and community. Despite her credentials, she faced resistance from banks and investors. Undeterred, she created her own real estate crowdfund, which helped finance the project.
Now, her development includes over 200 units, featuring single-family homes, multi-family residences, townhomes, commercial spaces, and plans for a grocery store.
Smith credits her success to resilience, faith, and her ability to turn failure into opportunity. “The same banks that said no came back to me,” she shared.
In addition to building thriving communities, Smith is passionate about mentoring the next generation of real estate investors. Her mission is bold: to teach over a billion people the power of real estate investing.
“If I can overcome being homeless, a teenage mom trapped in uncertainty, and having to rebuild from scratch, others can too,” said Smith.
Her journey is not just a story of personal triumph but also a testament to the power of vision and community. With Harriet Tubman’s route displayed in her office as a daily reminder, Smith continues to walk a path of transformation and empowerment.
