Real Stories.
Real Strategy.
Real Impact.
If you're looking for a speaker who leads with love and keeps it real, you're in the right place.
ABOUT
From College Startup to Culture Shifter
I’m VaLanDria Smith-Lash—entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Coarse Culture, a plant-based body care brand rooted in love, legacy, and leadership. I started making shea butter at 14 to care for my mother after her lupus diagnosis. What began as a simple act of love turned into a company that’s now headquartered on the very campus that helped lift me up —Miami University.
After graduating, I moved my business into the heart of the university and launched the Culture Cohort, a student-powered team that now manages everything from marketing to manufacturing. I built Coarse Culture not just to sell products—but to give students, customers, and creators a real-life look at what it means to lead with compassion and build something without burning out.
I’ve had the honor of being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Chicago list, leading workshops across college campuses, and creating spaces where young entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and stretched.
This site is for the people ready to become the person their business (or future business) needs.
I hope it feels like a little corner of courage for you!
Building a business that feels good—on your skin, in your spirit, and in your schedule.
Signature Talks
Each talk is rooted in my lived experience as a young Black woman building a brand from the ground up—with compassion at the core and culture in every step.
Becoming the Person Your Business Needs
A transformational session for students and early-stage entrepreneurs ready to grow into the leaders their vision requires. This talk covers mindset, identity, and internal habits that create external success.
→ Perfect for: Business programs, student orgs, leadership seminars
Seeds to Success
This keynote helps students recognize how the small choices they make today can plant the foundation for their future success. Drawing from her journey as a boarding school student turned Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur, VaLanDria shares lessons on discipline, connection, and courage—showing how to turn everyday experiences into long-term opportunity.
→ Perfect for: High schools, student leadership programs, entrepreneurship initiatives
Build Without Burnout
This keynote challenges students to see college as more than a degree. I share my story of building a business during school and teach practical ways to maximize resources, relationships, and opportunities that are often overlooked. Students leave inspired to create their own advantage while still in school.
→ Perfect for: Colleges, universities, student success programs, career centers
Organizations & Events
I’ve had the honor of sharing my story and insights with a variety of audiences:
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All About Women Conference
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Chick Evans Scholarship Foundation x BMW USA x Black Girls Golf
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Western Reserve Academy
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Miami University
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Women in Business
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Office of ASPIRE
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Career Center
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University of Cincinnati – Women in Business
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Aviatra Accelerators Entrepreneurship Awards
Interested in Booking Me?
Let’s connect!
Fill out the speaker request form.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
VaLanDria Smith-Lash is a celebrated entrepreneur whose achievements have been recognized on both national and local stages. As a member of Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 Class of 2023**, she has been acknowledged for her innovative contributions to business and her impact as a young leader. In addition, she was named Aviatra Accelerators' Young Women Entrepreneur of the Year, honoring her commitment to empowering women and her outstanding entrepreneurial success. VaLanDria was also recognized as one of Cincinnati Inno's 5 Under 25, a distinction awarded to top young innovators in the region who are making significant strides in their industries. These accolades underscore VaLanDria's dedication to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs through her business, Coarse Culture, and her ongoing leadership.
