We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amari Dickerson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amari below.

Amari, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

When I think of a hero, a lot of people come to mind. My mom is, and will always be my hero. However, my children? My children saved me when I didn’t even know I needed saving. My son, Antonio is the sweetest boy I’ve ever met. I can remember crying about silly things like a B on a test or just being overwhelmed and he just looked at me and said “don’t cry”. My daughter, Ava. She was recently diagnosed with autism and she has little to no fear of anything or anyone! They are the little people I never knew I needed, but I could never live without. When life got hard, I would want to give up. When school got hard? I’d want to quit. Thanks to Antonio and Ava? Quitting is NEVER an option. I want to achieve any, and everything. Thanks to Antonio and Ava? I am always happy and smiling. Thanks to Antonio and Ava? Im still standing and I feel as though I can do ANYTHING! My babies saved me and helped me become whole again.

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.

My name is Amari. I am the proud owner of The Mari’s Marvelous Creations, LLC. I customize anything from t-shirts to chip bags! Since starting my business, I’ve lost connections with people, gained connections with others, made zero sales, and made over $500 in sales in one week. The road to get to where I stand today was not easy. I’ve bought materials that I will never use, I have made mistakes on shirts and had to do them over. However, each trial and tribulation is what got me to the success. Recently, I took a leap of faith and began offering party services. I can say it was the BEST decision I have ever made. Because of my faith, I know I can do anything I set my mind to! The best is yet to come!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been offering promotions and handing out business cards to current customers. Sometimes as business owners we forget that our customers can market too! Word of mouth is the best advertisement for a business and offering a promotion for referrals? Seals the deal!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I can remember being 15 and being so excited to drive. It was at the age of 16, I was diagnosed with a cone dystrophy. An eye disease that affects your eyesight in bright areas, especially outside. I’d learn that I would not be able to drive, I would struggle when using the computer, I would lose my sight at a young age, and more. I had to rely on others to get me places. This was the HARDEST transition because not only was I excited, I have always been independent and not being able to drive would take that independence. Now? I’m fine with it. I enjoy being able to nap on car rides since I’m always the passenger and I’ve learned that though the situation may be tough? Somewhere, someone is going through something much worse. I learned to stop sweating the bad things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMMC
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMMC1?mibextid=LQQJ4d