Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Sherrill

Ruth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

In 2017, Ruth Sherrill, a powerhouse in both the world of professional athletics and academia, found herself at the intersection of passion and purpose. Armed with a B.S. in strategic communication and an M.S. in marketing & promotions, Ruth embarked on a journey to not only keep her mind immersed in the industry but also to lend a helping hand to colleagues seeking a unique touch in their marketing endeavors.

What began as a personal commitment soon transformed into a groundbreaking venture – Ruth Sherrill Marketing Services (RSMS). Ruth, recognizing the lack of representation and support for BIPOC womxn-owned businesses, envisioned an agency that would be a beacon of diversity and empowerment. RSMS is not just a marketing agency; it is a celebration of culture, a haven for versatility, and a testament to the understanding of diverse audiences and clientele.

As Ruth excelled in delivering exceptional results for her clients, she delved into research that revealed a stark reality. Out of 19 million small business owners in America, only 9.5% are black-owned, and less than 2% are both queer and black-owned. Moreover, the disheartening 45% failure rate among these businesses fueled Ruth’s determination to make a difference.

At the core of RSMS’s philosophy is the belief that creating a great place to work is the catalyst for great work. This commitment to a vibrant company culture sets RSMS apart, not just as a business but as a movement for change and inclusivity.

RSMS, driven by a passionate team of curators of culture, harnesses industry expertise and proven marketing strategies to showcase its clients to the world. The agency’s unique and authentic social selling technique, applicable to any industry, ensures that the content created not only resonates but converts.

The promise of RSMS is simple yet profound – to deliver quality, enticing, and original content that not only meets but exceeds the business needs of its clients, elevating their brands to new heights. Clients turn to RSMS to outsource their marketing, sales, branding, and social media efforts, allowing them to reclaim valuable time and focus on the core of their business.

Operating on the pillars of individuality, inclusivity, impact, and the seamless integration of industry and creativity, RSMS strives to be a pivotal brand in the BIPOC LGBTQ+ service sector. The agency measures success not just by conventional metrics but by guiding clients through proven marketing steps that target their ideal audience, establish their value proposition, and create meaningful channels for relationship building and connection.

As a full-service team specializing in marketing, sales, and branding strategy, RSMS is not merely a service provider – it is a partner in defining its clients’ place in the world. The agency envisions a future where it stands as a beacon, creating inclusive spaces for creativity, enhancing the impact and visibility behind its clients’ voices, and challenging messages that do not align with the modern view of humanity, equality, and creativity. Ruth Sherrill Marketing Services is not just rewriting the marketing narrative; it is redefining the future of inclusive and impactful storytelling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Running and operating Ruth Sherrill Marketing Services (RSMS) has not been without its obstacles. Ruth Sherrill, a powerhouse in professional athletics and academia, faced several significant challenges on her journey to creating a successful digital marketing agency dedicated to supporting BIPOC womxn-owned businesses.

Initially, Ruth had to reconcile her dual passions for athletics and academia with her desire to make a significant impact in the marketing industry. Balancing these diverse interests and forging a path that could encompass them all required deep self-reflection and strategic planning. She learned what it means to be someone who is multi-passionate and versatile with her creative process from training, traveling, learning, and managing she has been able to find a holistic balance with her work and her wellbeing that she incorporates to her business daily.

One of Ruth’s primary motivations for starting RSMS was the lack of representation and support for BIPOC womxn-owned businesses. This realization came with the daunting task of addressing systemic barriers and biases in the industry. Ruth had to navigate an industry that often overlooked the needs and potential of marginalized communities, working tirelessly to create a space where diversity and empowerment were at the forefront.

Delving into market research, Ruth uncovered stark realities about the entrepreneurial landscape. With only 9.5% of small business owners in America being black-owned and less than 2% both queer and black-owned, she was confronted with the high failure rates of these businesses, around 45%. This data fueled her determination, but also highlighted the uphill battle she faced in creating meaningful change and offering tangible support.

At the core of RSMS’s philosophy is the belief in a vibrant company culture as the catalyst for great work. Building and maintaining such a culture required significant effort. Ruth had to foster an environment of inclusivity, creativity, and passion within her team, ensuring that her company culture not only attracted top talent but also retained it, all while maintaining high levels of productivity and innovation.

Ruth’s commitment to delivering exceptional results meant that she had to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously refine her strategies. This required a deep understanding of diverse audiences and clientele, as well as the ability to apply authentic social selling techniques across various industries. Ensuring that the content created by RSMS resonated and converted was a constant challenge, demanding relentless dedication and expertise.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

building meaningful relationships within the community and the industry was a daunting yet fufilling task. This involved not only networking but also establishing RSMS as a trusted partner for BIPOC womxn-owned businesses. Ruth’s background in professional athletics, where community and cultural exchange were integral, helped her understand the importance of genuine connections. However, translating this understanding into the digital marketing realm required persistence and strategic outreach.

As RSMS grew, balancing the needs of clients with the agency’s own growth became increasingly complex. Ruth had to develop scalable processes, manage a growing team, and ensure that the quality of service remained consistently high. This balancing act was crucial to maintaining the trust and satisfaction of her clients while expanding RSMS’s reach and impact. Launching new initiatives, such as digital courses to make marketing information more accessible, required innovative thinking and significant resource investment. Ruth had to ensure that these initiatives were not only effective but also aligned with the agency’s mission of supporting those who couldn’t afford retainer services.

On a personal level, Ruth had to accept and embrace her multi-passionate nature, ensuring that her career remained dynamic and fulfilling. This meant continually challenging herself physically and mentally, balancing the demands of running a business with the need for personal growth and satisfaction.

Through determination, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to her values, Ruth has overcome these obstacles to establish RSMS as a beacon of diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment in the digital marketing industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the belief that creating a great place to work is the catalyst for great work.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

Social Media Packages: $2,000-3,400
Brand Portfolio Creation: $1250
Content Creation: Logo design, graphic design, brand identity creation, copywriting, social media templates and more. Pricing is based on the project.
Website Design: Based on your Business needs we will create your portfolio, website, e-commerce, or Shopify site designed with your specific goals and functionality needs in mind.

Speaking & Events:
1. Content to Profit: learn how to establish a bold and authoritative presence online through powerful content and how to generate profit from it.

2. Become an Influential Voice: Learn to overcome your mindset, master your message, and increase your impact and presence online.

3. Master Your Brand Story: Learn the art of storytelling to build a trustworthy connection and relationship with your audience.

4. Succeed with a Multi-Hyphenate Lifestyle: Learn how to create space for the different layers of your passions in your life. Learn holistic systems for organization and time management, overcome fear, understand the difference between your most authentic calling and imposter syndrome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ruthsherrill.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingbyruth/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@marketingbyruth?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1