We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Grace Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elizabeth Grace, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
The habits that helped me succeed most are consistency, adaptability, and genuinely caring about people. I show up even when it’s hard, even when life is busy, and even when I’m exhausted—especially as a full-time mom balancing family, work, and multiple businesses. I’ve learned that small, consistent actions over time matter far more than big, perfect plans that never happen!
I’m also very adaptable, and observant… I guess. I pay attention to what’s working and what’s not most of the time, and I’m not afraid to pivot, learn, or improve. A blessing and downfall sometimes can be that I am very direct, although my heart is usually in a place of good. That mindset helped me grow Capture Your Happily Ever After from a passion into a trusted photography and coordination brand and also led me to write A Step in the Magical Woodlands and The Dancing Dinosaur and the Stinky Monkey, children’s books rooted in kindness, imagination, family values and fun.
Most importantly, I lead with heart. Whether it’s photography, event coordination, writing, or building Inventive Explorers Academy Preschool, I focus on making people feel comfortable, seen, and supported. That same care extends to the families I serve and the community I’m building. My goal is to grow Inventive Explorers Academy into a larger, established preschool serving Berkeley County by 2026 while staying grounded in the values that started it all.
Family is at the center of everything I do—my husband, my children, and the close friends who have become family over the years. Their support, honesty, and encouragement keep me grounded and constantly pushing forward. Leading with genuine care has allowed me to build trust, strong relationships, and long-term success—not just in business, but in life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and a deep focus on people. I began by turning a passion for photography into Capture Your Happily Ever After, a business built around storytelling, connection, and making people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Over time, that passion expanded into event coordination, writing, and education—each chapter growing naturally from the last.
I am also the author of A Step in the Magical Woodlands and The Dancing Dinosaur and the Stinky Monkey, children’s books created to encourage kindness, imagination, and emotional growth. Storytelling has always been at the heart of what I do, whether through photography, writing, or education.
That same passion led me to found Inventive Explorers Academy Preschool, where I focus on creating a nurturing, engaging learning environment for young children. My vision is to expand Inventive Explorers Academy into a larger, established preschool serving families throughout Berkeley County by 2026, with a strong emphasis on creativity, connection, and community.
What sets me apart is my people-first approach. I don’t simply provide services—I focus on how people or animal’s and how they feel throughout the experience. Whether I’m working with families, couples, or children, trust, comfort, and heart come first. This mindset has led to long-term relationships, strong word-of-mouth growth, and consistent success across all of my ventures.
The journey has not been easy. Balancing multiple businesses, full time motherhood, and growth has come with challenges, but I’ve learned the value of adaptability, consistency, and constructive feedback. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success is not built alone—it’s built through community, support, and a willingness to grow.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that everything I build is rooted in purpose. My goal is to create meaningful experiences, support families, and build lasting businesses that truly serve others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d keep it simple and meaningful since I’m a full-time mom and don’t often get time without my kids or work. I’d take them to walk around Charleston, stopping at some of my favorite iconic photography spots—the charming streets, historic homes, and waterfront views—then browse local shops and grab a bite downtown.
One evening, I’d plan dinner closer to home at Hall’s Chophouse- wine and dine, and we’d make time for a peaceful time at the beach at Morris Island Lighthouse. Those moments of beauty, good food, and fresh air are exactly how I love to spend the little free time I get.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to begin my shoutout with my husband. His constant support, patience, and belief in me—especially during the busiest and most uncertain seasons—have been the foundation that allows me to grow personally and professionally. He is also one of my biggest critics in the best way, always pushing me to think bigger, refine my work, and step into the next level rather than settling for what’s comfortable.
I also want to recognize my mom, who has stepped in time and time again to help, encourage me, and support my family. She, too, is a loving critic—someone who challenges me to grow, and helps me see where I can improve while always wanting the best for me.
Lastly, my children deserve more credit than they’ll ever know. They are my daily motivation and the reason behind everything I build. They remind me why purpose, balance, and heart matter so much in the work I do.
I’m deeply grateful for my clients, community, mentors, and fellow creatives who have supported and encouraged me along the way. Success is never a solo journey, and I’m thankful for everyone who has played a role in mine.

Website: https://Www.captureyourhappilyeverafter.com

Other: Www.captureyourhappilyeverafter.com
Www.inventiveexplorersacademy.com
Www.empoweredprosperousconnections.com
https://a.co/d/7bpMmQm
3687684

Image Credits
Capture Your Happily Ever After

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.