Frances Gentry

A huge part of my success comes from two places:

a husband who cheers me on like it’s his full-time job, and a little one who inspires me to give nothing less than my very best. Their love is the fuel behind everything I do and I wouldn't be who I am without them.

The best advice I ever received was simple, but transformative:

Don’t always keep your guard up and smile more.

At the time, I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear it.

After walking through a difficult few years in early adulthood, I had become hardened by circumstances I didn’t fully understand. I carried myself with a quiet defensiveness, always bracing for the next hit, always expecting the world to be harsher than it had to be.

But when I finally allowed myself to see things in a different light…to soften, to open up, to let joy show on my face; everything shifted. My relationships changed. My confidence grew. And both my life and my career began to take off in ways I never expected.

Learning to let my guard down didn’t make me weaker; it made me more human, more approachable, and more grounded. And sometimes, a genuine smile really is the beginning of a new chapter.

The advice I would give to young women entering this industry is this:

don’t allow anyone to diminish your worth, but also don’t feel the need to push your way through others just to prove yourself. If this is work you truly love and something you’re gifted in, your dedication and excellence will speak louder than anything you could force. Trust your abilities, carry yourself with grace, and let your passion shine naturally.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is building meaningful connections. As a stay at home mom, most of my networking naturally takes place online, with only the occasional opportunity for in person meetups. Yet this challenge has also become one of my greatest advantages. By connecting virtually, I’m able to reach far more people than I ever could in my day to day life, expanding my impact and creating relationships that cross communities, states, and even time zones.

At the heart of who I am, there are a few values that guide everything I do: accountability, morals, and respect.

Accountability matters to me because it reflects honesty, maturity, and a willingness to grow. I believe in owning my actions, showing up with integrity, and being someone others can depend on.

Strong morals are my compass. They remind me to choose what’s right even when it’s difficult, to stand for truth, and to live in a way that honors my faith, my family, and the person I want to become.

And respect,both giving it and expecting it, is woven into every relationship I value. To me, respect means kindness, humility, and recognizing the dignity in every person. It shapes the way I communicate, the way I love, and the way I move through the world.

These values aren’t just ideals; they are the foundation of how I strive to live, love, and lead every day.