Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sherell Mckamey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Sherell, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
I took the risk of becoming a small business owner not knowing if I would succeed or fail .It’s like everything else in life it has it’s good days and bad .Sometimes I want to quit because sales are slow or it just isn’t cutting it .But I love doing it I can’t just quit even if I am only making stuff for myself or family for gifts I love wood working .People think that your a business owner you get to do anything you want and call the shots ,to some extent yes but it’s a lot of work and you win some and loose some money ,customers, friends , battles …etc.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I began wood working at a young age because I always was interested in what my dad was making or wanted to be right with him being curious as a kid would be . When I was old enough and got brave enough I started wanting to run the saws, planer and all that good stuff .Dad showed me how to use all that and I watched real close to see what or how he would do things .I grew a lot by him letting me learn and ask questions and having hands on . He was always saying you better becareful with that still to this day . I started out small making stuff from pallets and scrap wood before I ever bought any wood . Then I had my sisters asking me to make signs or wooden trays . And seems like from there it just kinda took off .I look back at some of the first things I made for my sisters and I’m like that is terrible lol I feel like I have came a long ways . I try and get the best quality of wood there is to have the best turn out . I think my signs are set apart from other because of quality materials .I listen to what they are wanting in an item to make it meaningful or special for them .Something that you just can’t go by from a store . My little side business may not be much but I am very proud of how far I have came and the customers that are still with me today . I want people to know that I can meet there needs I want to be able yo provide that special wedding gift or one of a kind sign wether it be a family saying or an inside joke . I take pride in my work and I love doing it when you love something it isn’t a job !
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective is definitely been by word of mouth from my clients that have been with me since day one . I also use Facebook ,instagram to advertise specials and post images of custom orders . I try and do sales on things also and giveaways .
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I started small on Facebook and I wasn’t on Facebook for a very long time .I finally decided I was going to just do it and see what happens . It’s hard to get followers and very very very hard to get people to share ,like ,engage in you items you post especially in a small town . You try everything from giveaways to free design of choice .I have 3 sisters that share and like and comment and help me out so much of each person would do that could you imagine what kind of business small businesses would get ? It would be unreal . If your just starting to build your social media don’t give up .i have my days were I want to give up but just keep posting and keeping your page active it will take some time but don’t give up . 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sherellscrafty?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherell.mckamey.5?mibextid=LQQJ4d