We Welcome Stella to BFG!

I am so excited and pleased to introduce to you our newest BFG team member, Stella Smith! I have had the privilege to watch Stella grow up as I met her mom, her 2 sisters, and Stella when she was only 3 years old. Many of you may not know but I groomed dogs at a kennel in NC while I attended college at Francis Marion University. When our family moved from Dillon to the beach in 2007, I needed to find a new groomer for my standard poodle since work and my family did not allow me time to groom my own dog. God truly blessed me to find not only someone to expertly groom Greta but also to be blessed with new, lifelong friends, Misty Miers and her 3 girls. Stella has always had a contagious smile, a sweet spirit, and a diligent work ethic. Since she was only 3, she has fondly called me Mrs. Jan Berry! Little did I know 19 years ago when I met Stella and her family that God was divinely orchestrating not only a wonderful friendship but was also planning for the wonderful future when Stella would become a part of our BFG team and family! I cannot wait for you to meet Stella at the front desk greeting you in our Myrtle Beach office. I pray your May is filled with God’s best blessings. As always, we pray for you daily, and we thank God every time we think of you (Philippians 1:3).

Hi everyone!

My name is Stella Smith, and I’m so excited to be part of the Berry Financial Group team. From the moment I started, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed, and I’m truly grateful to be surrounded by people who care so deeply about their clients and about each other. It really makes this such a special place to work.

I started with Berry Financial Group as an intern in January and was grateful to step into my role as a Client Services Representative in April. Since then, it has been a meaningful experience getting to know the clients who come through our doors and playing even a small part in their day.

A little about me—I was born in Marion, Ohio, and moved to Myrtle Beach when I was three years old. While I may not have been born here, it has always felt like home. Some of my favorite memories growing up are from the beach—spending time there with my mom and sisters, walking the shore, swimming in the ocean, or building sandcastles that were always taken very seriously. Even now, the beach never loses its beauty to me.

I am currently in my final semester at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and will be graduating this May with my associate’s degree in business with a focus in marketing. After graduation, I plan to continue my education at Coastal Carolina University to pursue my bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.

Before joining Berry Financial Group, I worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry where I learned the importance of customer service, patience, and genuine connection with people. Those experiences shaped the way I interact with others today.

My interest in business comes from watching my mom build her pet grooming and spa business, The Doggy Spa, over the past 16 years. Seeing her work so hard while raising my sisters and me taught me so much about determination, resilience, and doing something you truly care about. My middle sister, Graciana, has also been a big inspiration in my life. Her creativity and love for art are incredibly inspiring—she paints, DJs, dances, and organizes events that bring people together. She encourages me to dream big and lead with love and integrity in everything I do.

I’ve also been fortunate to know Mrs. Berry and her family for many years. When my mom was first starting her business, she showed her so much kindness and support even helping her find a reliable car during a really important time. More than anything, she made sure my mom, my sisters, and I knew we had someone in our corner. Her kindness and humility have always stayed with me, and it makes being part of Berry Financial Group feel like family.

Outside of work and school, I spend most of my time with my family. I have two older sisters, Haleigh and Graciana, and my five-year-old nephew, Kaysun, who is always full of energy, personality, and silly jokes. If I’m not with them, I’m painting, reading, or learning to cook new recipes.

I’m also an animal lover and have two dogs, T-Bone and Tilly. T-Bone is 17 and living his best (very sleepy) life while Tilly is full of energy and always ready for walks or runs—especially if it ends at the beach. My favorite thing to do with Tilly is to go on nighttime car rides with all the windows down.

I’m still figuring out exactly where my career path will take me, but I know I’m passionate about marketing and the ways it connects people and businesses in meaningful ways. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and being part of a team that makes such a positive impact on me and on all people God puts in our paths.

I feel so grateful to be here and am looking forward to meeting more of you soon (and slowly learning everyone’s coffee orders)!