We were lucky to catch up with Patrice “Patty B” Boone recently and have shared our conversation below.

Patty B, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

I have failed more than once and would never trade my journey for another. One time does stand out specifically though,

To make a long story short…I left a job before I should have.

The long story. I thought it was time to leap from my job and focus on my business. I did indeed count the cost but wasn’t real with myself and the fact I had no real plan! It was around the time fashion influencer, Kryzada, passed. I am by no means saying she was the reason I resigned from my job with benefits but her words were very influential. I made a move based on emotions as work conditions were nowhere near optimal and I always knew entrepreneurship was the goal.

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.

Well… I have always been a creative and exposed to the world of it at an early age. My grandma, June, always had me doing something when I visited her and my grandfather during summer break while my mother would work the summer session as an educator. I hand painted black figurines, cross-stitched dainty designs and go on shopping trips to places like TJ Maxx, Value City and arts and crafts stores.

The graphic designer in me can be attributed to Future Business Leaders of America where I placed in regional and state competitions in categories such as Desktop Publishing & Keyboarding Applications. During undergrad at Old Dominion University, I chose studio arts versus e-commerce and to this day I haven’t stopped growing as multidisciplinary creative.

As a new homeowner and affected by a layoff during the recession of 2008, I knew the bills were not going to stop so I established a limited liability corporation with the state of Virginia in 2009 and have remained in business through pivots, miscarriages, financial setbacks and self limiting beliefs.

Over the years, I have always had thec same legal business name but have had many dba name changes…! LOL! (Let me know if you want more hear!)

Fringe Creative Co., the business name I have settled into, is a “design den” where I combine creative abilities to visually elevate personal and business brands for purpose, legacy, and increase.

My design aesthetic is “less is more.” Corporate but not stoic. Fun, free with a punch of sass. Because of my rigorous and expansive undergrad curriculum, I capacity to add a fine arts flair to anything I produce. My ability to build genuine relationships comes from being immersed in a wide range of work environments…from essential work during the pandemic to joint base military installations.

I have another business, The PB Pop Up Co., currently positioned as a Photobooth rental company for social and corporate events in Coastal + Richmond, Virginia + DC. (We have the capacity to pop up anywhere though!)

My podcast, The Glow Up Is Being Televised, is a completely new venture and is where a collective of women can safely land as we discuss the good, the bad and the downright ugly through entertaining yet purposeful conversations…all while keeping black women and their multi-cultural crews in mind.

I’m most proud my resilience.and the fact that I have not crumbled under adversity…permanently. I’m proud that I’ve finally accepted the diversity of me..the good, the bad, the downright ugly. I’m most proud that over time God has helped me weave together a brand that allows me to operate in my fullness…take up space and most importantly serve as a creative concierge to help others visually tell their stories, connect with their audiences.

My bio:

With over 40 years of combined industry experience as a multi-disciplined creative, I work best with women of influence who are ready to show up for themselves and level up their personal and business brands.

Overwhelmed with the thought of finding a creative who can actually deliver?

Whether it is a photo session to take candid shots of an engaging moment or designing assets for a corporate event, collaborate with someone who offers a boutique style customer experience and has the proven ability to enhance the visual presence of your personal and business brand.

#collabowithpattyb

*Available for domestic and international travel.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I think the biggest lesson I have had to unlearn is the definition of self love. In a climate that is so self love driven, I have discovered their is an undercurrent to the popular term and it really takes one to be rooted in true identity to walk in the epitome of the weighty set of words. I’m still unlearning and relearning by being on The Potters Wheel of life but I know it’s not temporary things such as spa days, fine dining, luxury clothing, traveling experiences. For me, self love is rooted in the identity and simplest form of God, the Father. God, the Son. God, the Holy Spirit.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been word of mouth. While social media and paid advertising are known to convert leads into paying clients, word of mouth has always assisted me in growing my business. Most recently, I have been developing my email list where I share all aspects of ways to #collabowithpattyb

Contact Info:

• Other: Design Website: https://www.fringecreativeva.com Photobooth Website: https://www.thepbpopup.co Podcast Info; Available on YouTube, Apple, Google + Amazon @fringecreativeco (FB + IG) @thepbpopupco (FB + IG) @theglowupisbeingtelevised (IG) @collabowithpattyb (FB + IG)

Image Credits
First photo (yellow dress): Terrence Keith of Dejaneal Photowerx Yellow Pants: Catherine Holmes All other pics: Fringe Creative Co. (me)