Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Smith.
Hi Janice, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Many things brought me to where I am today, like all of us… For most of my life I’ve worked high pressure jobs, all centered around commercial real estate, commercial real estate finance, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. After graduation from Seton Hall University, I started my business career learning the basics in that field from a mortgage banking company in Chatham, NJ. After that, I began working in Manhattan, the place I was born, for major money center banks.
I used to ride horses as a kid, but with the commute from northwestern New Jersey to Manhattan every day, and then the birth of my son, I didn’t have time in my life for hobbies. I was offered the opportunity to reimagine and create a top tier CMBS Servicing group for a large bank headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and we relocated to Union County, NC. Even though the job was as or more demanding than my NY stint, the commute was so much better, that it allowed me to act upon my love for horses, and I began to value peace as a greater part of my life.
I eventually purchased 52 acres of cow pasture in Union County and began the journey of realizing one of my dreams of having an equestrian center that I could share with others who were just learning the value of peace in their lives.
Over a period of 7 years, I built a 24 stall stable, a guesthouse that could double as an event/meeting center, a hay barn, an 80 x 200 covered, lighted arena and, eventually, the big house on the hill…the bed and breakfast also my home that is an integral part of The Inn at Rosehill & Rosehill Stables. It has been quite a journey, which has culminated in me running the property (while still maintaining a full-time corporate position in commercial real estate ops and securities data management).
Rosehill is where I find my peace, and I am happy to share it with others, where my guiding principles are: “For the Good of the Horse” and “Be the Change”, where kindness and grace prevail. Sometimes peace is just a short distance away, under the starry skies in the NC countryside.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The position I took, and my life in Charlotte, offered me some of the most challenging and difficult times of my life including working on the 9/11 disaster. In spite of those challenges there were moments of pure brilliance and creative energy where I was able to grow the business to the 4th largest and highly rated CMBS servicing group in the U.S. while managing through some huge personal challenges including a divorce. It has not been an easy road, but in retrospect, I feel blessed that by each challenge I could seize the opportunity to grow.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to loving spending time at my farm, Rosehill…I enjoy acrylic, watercolor and oil painting, drawing, and writing poetry. I am looking forward to eventually retiring from my corporate responsibilities and spending days on the farm, growing flowers and organic gardening, playing with my horses, and enjoying the sunsets with a nice glass of wine.
I love that I can share the peaceful and beautiful energy of Rosehill with others, it makes me happy to see how our guests enjoy the atmosphere that has been created here.
I’ve been blessed by the ability to recognize opportunities when they have presented themselves to help me create this place.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We hope you have the opportunity to visit us for an overnight stay, or enjoy one of the upcoming equestrian events we have here at The Inn at Rosehill & Rosehill Stables.
Pricing:
- 2026 Overnight Stay Queen $189+tax
- 2026 Overnight Stay King $215+tax
- Day or Overnight Stall $35 + $25 cleaning fee
- Arena Rental for Equine Event starts at $500/day
- Call us for customized Wedding Venue pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosehillinnnc.com
- Instagram: rosehill_inn_and_stables
- Facebook: The Inn at Rosehill & Rosehill Stables
