McDonald’s restaurants will forever be etched in the minds of millennial boss babes. With its iconic marketing campaigns in the 1980s to the early 21st Century, the Golden Arches represented upward mobility for African-Americans looking for their share of the American dream. If you remember the commercial with Calvin getting his first job there, then you know what a cultural win it represented!
Oftentimes on our entrepreneurial journey, we get discouraged because we’re not exactly where we desire to be, but insight is what allows one to see the bigger picture, and what’s to come if we simply persevere. At 13, Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds began working at her father’s McDonald’s where she developed her strong work ethic, accountability, discipline and focus. Smith-Edmonds graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a minor in African-American Studies. She went on to become a Certified Public Accountant, completing her internship at Deloitte & Touche, one of the largest accounting firms in the world.
Today she is the proud owner of nine McDonald’s restaurants.
“McDonald’s is the highest cash flowing quick service restaurant in the world, with the longest tenure as a brand. With its great reputation and leading the industry in business metrics each year for their franchise owners, it was a very easy decision to choose McDonald’s as my franchise of choice. I got into business, to MAKE MONEY… If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense!”
“I never wanted to be in a position where I had to depend on anyone. I wanted to be a blessing to others and I knew that if I kept God first in my life, and put in the work, NOTHING would be impossible for me; therefore giving me the assurance and promise that I could have ALL MY HEART DESIRED,” said Smith-Edmonds.
With the success from her nine stores, The Houston native has created job opportunities for hundreds of people in her community, and she has also provided scholarships for students to pursue higher education.
Even as a wife and a mother-to-be, Dr. Smith-Edmonds continues to Grind Pretty. Her secret lies in the three P’s: prioritizing, philanthropy and prayer! This has allowed her to navigate everyday business obstacles and keep her faith in tact.
Overall, Dr. Mya Smith-Edmonds is a true hero in her community. Her dedication to philanthropy, education, and youth empowerment has made a significant impact, and her example has inspired many. She is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and a commitment to giving back. We could all learn a lot from her example, and we are fortunate to have her as a leader in our community.
For more about Dr. Mya, follow her on Instagram at @myasmithedmonds
