Multifaceted, passionate, and determined are three words that describe Jamie Smith. The former Division 1 athlete describes herself as a serial entrepreneur. She is now the successful CEO of Katalxst, a company that offers a wide array of services, from business to lifestyle and music.
Jamie Smith was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up, she was one of the most sought-after basketball stars in her area. She attended Morgan State University, where she was a three-year captain and starting point guard. Despite receiving offers to play professionally abroad, injuries prevented Jamie from pursuing a professional athletic career.
Aside from basketball, Jamie Smith was also immersed in the arts. When professional basketball after graduation was no longer an option, she moved to Atlanta to work in the entertainment industry. While there, she worked with artist Ashley Nicole during her stint at Love & Hip Hop Atlanta. Jamie’s time on the show allowed her to meet a lot of up-and-coming artists and talent. Owing to her capabilities as a manager, Jamie Smith became one of the top talent managers and creative curators in the industry. She has worked with a long list of award-winning songwriters and artists over the years. She has also negotiated several contracts for athletes, artists, producers, stylists, and businesses as she helped them navigate record contracts, sponsorships, and partnerships.
In 2016, Jamie Smith moved to New York to obtain an MBA from Alfred University. While pursuing her business studies, she also returned to her basketball roots when she assisted in the women’s basketball program. Her skill in bringing in talented basketball recruits eventually paved the way for Jamie to receive a full-time position as director of operations and assistant coach. Even with a schedule filled with business school and basketball coaching demands, Jamie still found the time to manage her artists. Even more impressive is how she was able to executive produce four albums during this hectic time.
In May 2019, she started a company called Katalxst, LLC, where she provides services that display her many talents and areas of expertise. Under Katalxst Business, Jamie offers consulting, management, accounting, web programming, diversity and inclusion training, and contract negotiation services. She also started the Katalxst Music division, where she provides artist services, talent and brand management, and advertising and marketing services. She works with entrepreneurs, companies, athletes, artists, producers, designers, hairstylists, and other creatives looking for representation and management.
Being a serial entrepreneur is part of Jamie Smith’s identity. As such, in 2020, she decided to expand Katalxst to include another division. This one is called Katalxst House of Styles, which is a barbershop in her hometown of Pittsburgh. She also established the Katalxst Lifestyle clothing brand, which has become the most successful business under Katalxst, LLC. “All the different facets of Katalxst feel like an extension of me,” Jamie shares, “I have faced a lot of challenges, just like any entrepreneur, but it has been incredible seeing how my businesses have grown.”
Jamie is soon to add ‘published author’ to her list of accomplishments. She wrote a book titled How To Lose It All, set to be released in late 2021. “For all my successes, I have experienced some terrible losses,” Jamie Smith says. Her book recounts the lessons she has learned about overcoming challenges and adversity. She hopes it can be used as a tool to motivate others going through similar situations.
Jamie Smith also has a couple of things in the works for further expansion of Katalxst. Jamie recently bought a plot of land where she plans to build a creative studio and an athletic training facility. “Business, sports, and entertainment. Those are the things that excite me, and I am glad I get to help others live their dreams while doing what I love,” this entrepreneur says.
Katalxst, LLC offers a wide array of services. For more information on the company, you may visit this website. For updates about Jamie Smith and her plans, you may check her Instagram page.
