We were lucky to catch up with India Sage Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

India Sage , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur until they realize what it takes to go from idea to execution. I don’t think, in the beginning, creators and entrepreneurs are as transparent with their journey as they could be. And I believe the intersection of your reality plus your vision for where you are headed plays a major impact in other people’s lives, and we should be more comfortable with sharing that.

With that being said, my journey from idea to execution has not been the easiest. I actually found that it was so much easier to work a 9-5 instead of running a 25-8. Last year, I had the opportunity to go back to managing a company full-time as a brand manager. I said goodbye to the team and years of work I put into building my agency. Not because I was saying goodbye to the branding agency, but because I knew I had to 1000% focus on the development of this company I made a commitment to.

I believe the same desire I had opening and operating my agency was the same energy I took into my 9-5, and it showed and proved to me why I became an entrepreneur in the first place. At the core of who I am, I love to serve people. And I believe the highest form of serving someone is helping them bring their vision and ideas to life beyond my capability to see it.

I didn’t become a business owner by choice. I actually started out working for a creative brand design company and then became a partner before deciding to transition out of the partnership and go full time. I knew I had a really great solution and service to offer business owners who were ready to lead their brands forward to the next level, whatever their next level was. From there, I gained the education needed to establish the foundation of my business so that I could target my first client.

My first client actually came through my split from the partnership, and although I was going through a major transition out of a partnership, I was still able to maintain my services and begin to build a team. That team helped me grow and expand in ways that I needed to in my earliest years of running my agency. I’m grateful that despite a major life transition, I still decided to keep going despite. And I think that’s important for new business owners to understand: there are the learning years to really grow, develop, and strengthen your skill set. And then there are the years when it’s time to work, and that’s what you need to do, until one day you look up and see the fruit of your labor.

I am for sure not at the level that I imagine for my future, but I am a hell of a way past the ‘idea’ of it. I am creating the impact I want to see in the world, not just for myself but for visionaries worldwide.

India Sage , 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?

I’m India Sage Williams,

I am the founder and CEO of ISMA Brand Development Research, Design, and Tech Agency. We exist to lead brands forward.

I started this agency as a result of my passion for media and communications. I studied Mass Communication as an introduction to the media industry and after a few years actively engaged in the field, I eventually slowly transitioned into Brand Strategy.

I was extremely talented in helping others communicate their struggles, goals, and vision and helping them develop a strategic plan to reach new levels. My time in the media industry taught me more about the psychology behind what people pay attention to, and through marketing and branding, I learned what people will not only give their time and attention to but also what they would be willing to pay for. In my line of work, I teach clients how to speak that language and communicate with their audience as well in a way that resonates with them and makes them want to invest in that said brand. I found my way into the industry and became a business owner because I identified two things: 1. There was a need and 2. I had a solution. Those are two valid reasons to start a business. Another way is by validating your offer and proving that this service is of need to the type of people or person that would desire your item, product, or service. I learned that most of us want the same thing through our experiences: quality customer service; it makes everything better. And in a nutshell, quality customer service can be the core value that really makes you elevate your brand in every aspect. I always wanted to lead forward with excellence and core values that could be seen instead of expressively having to say it. And over time, my team and I certainly did. I’ve also had times in business when we did not exactly get it right, and I had to take accountability, reposition our brand. There is nothing wrong with repositioning or pivoting as the girls would say. I implore anyone to move forward beyond anything that is no longer serving them, be it missed opportunities, bad habits, people, places, or things. Just keep growing. That is the purpose of life. To learn and grow. I think that’s what sets me apart as a business owner because as I am growing I am not afraid to share my entrepreneurship story. I used to be one of those entrepreneurs that feared transparency; I rarely showed my work because I didn’t want people all up in my creative business. Cause I’m an artist at heart and sensitive about my stuff. But those days are over. I think it’s important to talk about your work and what you do, and how you can help others. I always consider who else I can serve instead of ‘how much money can I make’; the money comes and goes. Relationships are important. This year I have been most proud of my ability to rebuild while also showing the process and not being afraid to stand out in a crowd of everyone who is doing the same thing. I’m most proud of the success that my clients have experienced as a result of my agency’s management, strategy, and personal brand development sessions. And I am extremely excited to be taking my company on tour and working with some amazing entrepreneurs around the world. Following us on social media and preparing to subscribe to the website are the only ways to keep up with this impactful movement.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

At India Sage Media Agency (ISMA), we offer 360 integrated services that support business leaders, providing trusted, reliable, and results-driven solutions. From strategic planning and data analysis to brand identity development and management support, we’ve got you covered. But our commitment doesn’t stop there.

At ISMA, our reputation in the market is built on our deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly those who, like myself, juggle the responsibilities of parenthood, life, and business leadership. As a mom and business leader, I’ve experienced firsthand the complexities of managing a business while also nurturing a family. This personal experience has shaped my approach to serving entrepreneurs and business leaders.

We recognize that traditional government business development programs and agencies often overlook the holistic needs of entrepreneurs, focusing solely on business-related support. However, the reality is that personal and professional development are deeply intertwined. Entrepreneurs need support not only in refining their business strategies but also in managing their personal well-being, navigating the nuances of mental health, healthcare, mentorships, partnerships, relationships, identity, and work-life balance.

Our commitment to offering comprehensive initiatives, including our “Rebuild Your Life and Brand” workshops, reflects our belief in the importance of addressing the whole entrepreneur. These workshops delve into critical areas of life that impact an entrepreneur’s journey, providing guidance and support beyond just business tactics.

Furthermore, I am excited to share that we are currently on our “Build a Brand” tour, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs through practical workshops and discussions. We are thrilled to announce that our next tour stop is in Wilmington, Delaware, where we will be hosting our workshop at a peer space, Haute The Studio, on May 19, 2024. For more information and updates on the tour, interested individuals can visit my Instagram profiles @indiasagethebrand and @indiasagemediaagency. Additionally, we will be bringing our tour to Atlanta in August, and we have plans to visit additional states in the near future, expanding our reach and impact.

If someone would like to book the tour for their organization, company, community, or educational institution, they can email info@indiasagemediaagency.com for workshop package information.

Moving forward, we aspire to differentiate ourselves by filling the gap left by traditional support systems. We aim to serve as a bridge between government agencies and the entrepreneurial community, advocating for more holistic resources and tailored solutions. By amplifying the voices and needs of entrepreneurs, especially those balancing multiple roles, we seek to empower them to thrive in every aspect of their lives.

We have built our reputation by going above and beyond to find innovative ways to support the people we serve. This dedication has helped us earn trust, credibility, and loyalty amongst our audience.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media isn’t just about posting content; it’s about creating genuine connections and fostering meaningful relationships both online and offline, and having something of value to offer. My journey of audience building began with a holistic approach that combined online engagement with offline networking opportunities.

I leveraged speaking engagements, events, and conferences that weren’t necessarily industry-related to showcase my expertise and connect with diverse audiences. These opportunities allowed me to establish credibility and spark conversations that extended into the online realm. Additionally, participating in expert conferences and leadership groups helped me network with like-minded professionals and attract followers who resonated with my vision.

In parallel, I explored unconventional avenues such as pop-up shops and community events to forge authentic connections with local communities. These offline interactions helped humanize my brand and create memorable experiences that translated into online engagement and follower growth.

Social media played a crucial role in amplifying my presence and reaching a wider audience. Platforms like Instagram allowed me to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal insights, and valuable content that resonated with my target audience. Leveraging features like Instagram Reels helped me engage with followers and showcase my creativity effectively.

Moreover, being featured in various publications further extended my reach and credibility. These media features not only elevated my profile but also attracted clientele on a national level. By strategically aligning myself with reputable publications, I was able to solidify my presence both online and offline, establishing myself as a trusted authority in my field.

For those starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to focus on authenticity, consistency, and community building. Engage with your audience genuinely, post valuable content consistently, and actively participate in relevant conversations both online and offline. By adopting a holistic approach to audience building, you’ll organically grow your following and establish a strong presence on and off social media. If you need step-by-step guidance, reach out to my agency at info@indiasagemediaagency.com.

Contact Info:

• Email: Info@indiasagemediaagency.com
• Website: www.indiasagemediaagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiasagethebrand/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Theindiasage/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-sage-williams-634a752a4

Image Credits
Alexander Bolt @alexanderbolt_