We were lucky to catch up with Joanna Sherrow recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joanna, appreciate you joining us today. Before we talk about all of your success, let’s start with a story of failure. Can you open up about a time when you’ve failed?
One significant failure that stands out in my career involved a project where, despite my rigorous checks, the branded font turned out to be incorrect when delivered to the client. It was a moment of surprise and disappointment, realizing that I had missed a crucial detail. However, this failure became a pivotal learning experience. In the aftermath, I immediately raised the red flag with the client, offering a sincere apology and ensuring swift corrections. This incident taught me the importance of transparency and quick action when issues arise. I integrated this lesson into my workflow, making it a standard practice to address any discrepancies promptly.
This failure also highlighted the necessity of admitting when I don’t have all the answers. There were instances where I felt the pressure to be an omnipotent source of knowledge, but clients sometimes tested the limits of my expertise. Instead of pretending to know everything, I now openly acknowledge when I need time to research or seek additional information. This approach has fostered trust and allowed me to genuinely commit to finding solutions.
Another aspect of failure I’ve encountered is dealing with negative reviews. While they can be disheartening, I’ve come to view them as opportunities for improvement. After the initial emotional impact subsides, I analyze what went wrong and take concrete steps to make amends. I’ve even reached out to clients, offering apologies and corrective actions, even when the fault wasn’t entirely mine. It underscored the importance of clear communication, quick problem-solving, and the resilience needed to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. Through such failures, I’ve learned that client satisfaction is at the core of a successful business.
Joanna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Joanna Sherrow is the Founder and Creative Director of SavvyChic Design, LLC, a design and marketing studio, and the CRM Software Solution company EmpowrSoft, both based in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA.
Originally from the Philippines, Joanna immigrated to the United States and embarked on a journey in the world of sales and marketing. Her background in these fields has equipped her with valuable skills, particularly in the art of problem-solving.
What sets Joanna apart is her self-taught journey. She has honed her expertise through dedication and determination, proving that challenges only serve to inspire her. Joanna’s approach to business is marked by resilience, perseverance, dedication, and kindness. She firmly believes in the power of these qualities to drive success, especially for female entrepreneurs who often face unique challenges on their entrepreneurial paths.
Joanna Sherrow is not just a business leader but also an inspirational force. She serves as a shining example of how to navigate the intricate world of entrepreneurship, demonstrating that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, success is attainable. Her legacy is one of empowerment and encouragement, motivating others to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles on their journey to success. Joanna Sherrow is a beacon of inspiration, showing the way to triumph in the business world, even when it feels impossible.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2016, I started freelancing and was a bit unsure about technology. But then, I discovered a liking for digital stuff, especially making online courses with Kajabi, and became an expert in this field. Slowly, I went from not understanding tech to seeing its potential in coding and online things.
Now, there’s a new part of my story. I’m getting into something called CRM with Empowrsoft CRM. It’s like blending digital marketing with a tech thing called SaaS. This isn’t just a work change but a personal one, going from someone unsure about tech to someone dealing with it. My journey keeps going, full of surprises and learning, and now we’re using CRM with our main business, SavvyChic Design. It’s like a big step in making things better with tech.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In my business journey, I learned a big lesson about being resilient. At the start, I was excited about getting any clients to make my business grow. But then, there was a project that didn’t really match what I could do well. It was a tough decision, but I chose not to take it.
This turned out to be a key moment because it taught me to stick to what I’m good at and not just take any job for the sake of it. Even though it seemed like a setback at first, saying no to that project helped me attract the right clients who appreciate what I offer. It’s like standing up for what you believe in, even if it’s hard, and it ended up making my business stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savvychicdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savvy_chic_design/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joannaohj
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-sherrow/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyChicDesign
Image Credits
Joanna Sherrow | SavvyChic Design