Driven by Purpose
How one entrepreneur turned 30 years behind the wheel into a business built on family, faith, and opportunity.
For Carlisa Smith, entrepreneurship has become more than owning a business—it’s about creating opportunity, serving her community, and building a legacy for future generations.
When Carlisa launched Carlisa Smith & Daughters, LLC in 2022, she wasn’t entering a new profession. She was building on more than 30 years of experience safely transporting students. What began in 1992 behind the wheel of a school bus has grown into a thriving transportation company built on safety, reliability, and family values.
Today, Carlisa proudly operates a fleet of four school buses, providing dependable student transportation while earning the trust of schools and families throughout the community.
As a single mother raising three daughters, Carlisa dreamed of creating something that would provide opportunities not only for herself, but for her family as well. Her daughters have always been her greatest motivation, inspiring the name Carlisa Smith & Daughters, LLC. To her, the business represents a legacy—proof that with hard work, determination, and faith, anything is possible.
In addition to her transportation company, Carlisa owns a licensed childcare program. One of the most rewarding parts of her work is combining both businesses by giving daycare children educational bus experiences and field trips. These hands-on adventures help children learn transportation safety while exploring their community in fun and engaging ways.
“The most fulfilling part of my career is serving children and families,” Carlisa says. “Whether I’m safely transporting students to school or creating memorable learning experiences for the children in my daycare, I know that I’m making a positive impact every day.”
Growing a Legacy
After more than three decades as a school bus driver, Carlisa realized she wanted to build something of her own.
“My years of experience gave me the confidence to take that leap,” she says. “Every milestone reminds me why I chose to become a business owner.”
Her vision is to continue expanding her fleet, creating additional employment opportunities, and partnering with more schools and organizations. She also hopes to grow her childcare program by offering even more educational bus experiences that allow children to learn beyond the classroom.
Family remains at the heart of everything she does.
One of Carlisa’s greatest blessings has been sharing this journey with her mother, who is one of her bus drivers.
“I don’t take that for granted,” she says. “Being able to work alongside her, learn from her, and create lasting memories together is something I will always cherish.”
Over the years, Carlisa has also trained her daughters, their spouses, her mother, her uncle, and many others to earn their commercial driver’s licenses. Watching others gain the skills and confidence to succeed has become one of the most rewarding parts of her career.
“This business has always been about more than transportation,” she says. “It’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and helping others succeed.”
Looking ahead, Carlisa hopes her company will continue to reflect the values on which it was founded: safety, professionalism, and treating every child with the same care and respect she would want for her own family.
Growing with MCE
Carlisa credits Maryland Capital Enterprises and the Women’s Business Center with helping strengthen her business along the way.
“Their workshops, resources, and guidance have helped me strengthen my business and think strategically about future growth,” she says.
After spending more than 30 years in student transportation, becoming an entrepreneur brought an entirely new set of challenges. Carlisa says the Women’s Business Center gave her confidence to believe in her vision and reminded her that it is never too late to invest in yourself and pursue your dreams.
“I’m grateful for everything they’ve poured into me as I continue building a business that serves my community and makes my family proud.”
Words of Encouragement
Carlisa encourages anyone considering entrepreneurship to simply begin.
“Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take that first step. You don’t have to have everything figured out to get started. Success comes from consistency, hard work, patience, and a willingness to keep learning.”
She also encourages new entrepreneurs to take advantage of organizations like the Women’s Business Center, ask questions, and surround themselves with people who genuinely want to see them succeed.
For Carlisa, her greatest inspiration has always been her daughters.
“They inspired me to build something bigger than myself, and they continue to motivate me every day.”
Her faith has also carried her through every challenge along the way.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“That verse has reminded me to trust God through every obstacle and every new opportunity.”
Her advice is simple:
Stay faithful. Stay focused. Never stop believing in what God has called you to do.
