Kiari Smith is a 28-year-old single mother, a busy certified nursing assistant and a woman worth getting to know.

Born in Memphis and raised in Brookhaven, Smith thinks of herself as a true hometown hard worker.

“I’m a workaholic,” she said. “I love to work, and, right now, I have two jobs.”

She and her 8-year-old daughter Zamiyah recently moved to Cherry Street, and her favorite room in their new home is the kitchen.

“I love to cook everything but dressing,” she said, sighing. “That’s the one thing I can’t make.”

Her culinary passion stems from her mother Zipporah Smith, whom she considers Brookhaven’s finest cook.

“My mama cooks for everybody,” she said.

Smith is a member of St. James Baptist Church, and — when she’s not worshiping — she enjoys visiting her loved ones.

She said, “I’m always hanging with my best friend.”

Much of her time is also spent with her long-term boyfriend, William Dixon. Their favorite date night haunt is Golden China on West Congress Street.

Smith’s most prized possession is her cell phone, which she keeps handy at all times.

“I love to text, talk, all of the above,” she said.

If she could have any super power, Smith said she would like to read minds.

“I want to know what people think about me,” she said with a grin.

Powerfully self-assured, Smith believes confidence is her finest quality.

“I just love being me,” she said.

Story by Trapper Kinchen