Name: Laura Frances Smith
Family: A precious boyfriend, three dogs and the best tribe of family and friends.
Hometown: Douglas, Georgia
Current Town: Athens, Georgia
What Years at UGA: 1999 – 2003
School/Degree: Exercise and Sports Science, Bachelor of Science and Education at UGA. Physician Assistant Degree, Medical College of Georgia, Graduate 2006.
Profession: My “first love” was in cardiology and electrophysiology. I was so grateful to have phenomenal mentors and a patient base that I grew to love seeing them on a regular basis. In 2012, I transitioned to dermatology in Atlanta. Since then, I’ve practiced dermatology and increasingly more cosmetic and aesthetic medicine. In 2022, I moved back to Athens to buy into Ashford Aesthetics, a boutique aesthetic practice, with the best business partner, Kaylen Ashford. We are all so grateful to have an incredible team member Alexis Wallace, as one of the best licensed estheticians.
Book: Tools of Titans (1), Tim Ferriss
Magazine: I am a weirdo for print media and always will be – (local Bulldawg Illustrated, and anything newspaper and magazine related; don’t want read online.
Podcast: No time. But on my list is “All-In” with David Sacks and Jason Calacanis, and “Well Beyond 40” with JJ Virgin.
Blog: I am following progress of a few lovely friends fighting the fight of breast cancer.
Instagram: Too many to choose but anything dog, food, work or interior design!
Fashion designer: I like to blend classic pieces with current trends, mixing in occasional bright colors and print with neutrals. Love brands such Ulla Johnson (2), Veronica Beard, Brochu Walker. I love to mix high-low from Amazon, Target and Walmart.
Interior designer: Corey Damen Jenkins and Chenault James (3).
Chef: Alex Snodgrass (4) of Defined Dish.
Historical figure: Jesus
“To extend yourself in kindness to anybody is an extension in kindness into the world.” Oprah Winfrey
Describe Athens in five words or less: Best city in Georgia (then and now).
Restaurants and bars: Chuck’s Fish, ZZ & Simone’s, Seabear Oyster Bar.
Shops: Athens Cooks, Monkee’s, Appointments at Five.
Athens/campus landmark: Ramsey Student Center, UGA Science Library.
Memory while in school: I was a senior attempting an impromptu 100 yard run on Sanford Stadium with my friends. We triggered an alarm and police, but thankfully didn’t get caught.
Professor/class: Dell Whitehead, advisor.
Gameday ritual/plan: Fitness at 5 or Yonder Yoga and the goal of getting good sleep. Since being back in Athens, entertaining friends and family. Trader Joe’s flowers pregame!
Tailgate Recipe: Jittery Joe’s + Independent Bakery + Marker 7 + Five Points Bottle Shop.