Amanza Smith: Hardships, Defying the Odds, and Selling Sunset | E137
In Search Of Excellence
Key Insights
Why did Amanza Smith pursue a career in modeling and acting?
She wanted to be pretty and admired, inspired by Whitney Houston's beauty.
How did Amanza Smith get the job on 'Deal or No Deal'?
She read about casting on a classmate's notes, pursued it, and got the role after auditions.
What challenges did Amanza Smith face in her marriage?
Her ex-husband, Ralph Brown, had financial struggles and stopped paying child support, leading to her financial disarray.
Why did Amanza Smith decide to join the Oppenheim Group?
She was spending a lot of time there, enjoyed staging homes, and was encouraged by Jason Oppenheim to get her real estate license.
How did Amanza Smith cope with her ex-husband's disappearance?
She focused on providing for her children, worked various jobs, and eventually gained full custody.
What is Amanza Smith's advice for victims of abuse?
She encourages people to speak up and seek help sooner to get ahead of their trauma and get therapy.
How did Amanza Smith's near-death experience change her perspective?
It made her more fearless, motivated to pursue her dreams, and grateful for her second chance at life.
What are Amanza Smith's professional goals?
She wants to host a design-focused TV show, have a furniture and home goods line, and win an Emmy.
How does Amanza Smith handle social media criticism?
She finds it amusing and often responds with humor, though malicious misinterpretations of her intentions bother her.
What is Amanza Smith's biggest regret?
Not speaking her thoughts at her grandmother's bedside during her passing, though she was later comforted by a psychic.
Chapters
- Amanza faced racism and physical abuse from a young age.
- She experienced sexual abuse from her step-grandfather and stepfather.
- Gymnastics and humor became her coping mechanisms.
Shownotes Transcript