We recently connected with Sterling Davis and have shared our conversation below.
Sterling, appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?
The neighborhood businesses offered me, an elementary kid, odd jobs that put a little money in my pocket and taught me the value of hard work.
Sterling, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My story begins in Reading, Pennsylvania, where I grew up in a world filled with contradictions—love and hardship, chaos and resilience. My parents, despite their struggles with addiction, were full of love, and they, along with the community around me, helped shape who I would become. I learned early on that life doesn’t give you an easy road, but it’s the people you meet along the way who make the difference.
The neighborhood businesses became my early mentors, offering odd jobs that put a little money in my pocket and taught me the value of hard work. In those moments, I learned that resilience is born not just from overcoming obstacles, but from finding purpose in the struggle. Each job, no matter how small, was a steppingstone toward the future I envisioned for myself.
Diversity became my greatest teacher. Growing up with friends from every corner of the world, I learned the power of empathy, compassion, and inclusion. Sharing family meals, attending church services, and being welcomed into their homes showed me that strength lies in unity, and that we are always stronger together.
By the time I entered my teenage years, life took me on a new path—one that involved navigating the foster care system. Moving from one foster home to another exposed me to different family structures and ways of living. Each foster family opened their home, expanding my understanding of family and the endless possibilities for my future. They showed me that even in the most uncertain of times, there is hope.
These experiences are the foundation of the business I run today. I don’t just sell products—I build connections, create community, and foster inclusivity. My upbringing taught me that life is about lifting each other up, about finding purpose in adversity, and about using your story to inspire change.
My business is driven by this purpose: to create something that reflects the lessons I’ve learned, the communities that shaped me, and the belief that we all have the power to rise above our circumstances and make a difference.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When I started Be HUE.MAN Brand, I focused on being authentic and sharing my personal journey. By consistently posting creative, meaningful content and engaging with my audience, I was able to build a community. I showcased my unique designs and used trending hashtags to increase my reach. Collaborating with other small businesses also helped expand my audience.
Advice for Beginners:
Be Authentic – Share your story and values to connect with your audience.
Engage – Respond to comments and interact with your followers.
Use Visuals and Hashtags – Post high-quality images and use relevant hashtags to boost visibility.
Collaborate – Partner with others to grow your audience.
Stay Consistent – Growth takes time, so be patient and keep posting.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A major pivot in my life happened when my child went off to college. For years, my identity had been centered around being my child’s mom, and when that chapter closed, I found myself asking, “Who am I now?” That question marked a turning point in both my life and career. I realized I needed to reconnect with something that had always brought me joy—creativity.
That’s when I decided to launch Be HUE.MAN Brand. Starting the business during the pandemic wasn’t easy, but it gave me purpose and a way to channel my emotions into something meaningful. I pivoted from focusing solely on family to focusing on building a brand that embraced creativity, inclusivity, and community. It wasn’t just a career change; it was a reinvention of who I was, and I’m still on that journey today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.behuemanbrand.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/behuemanbrand
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/behueman
- Other: www.tiktok.com/@behuemanbrand