We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ricky Terrell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ricky below.
Ricky , appreciate you joining us today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?
The best boss I’ve ever encountered was in the military and he was my Staff Sergeant during the first year of me being in the Army. He was so compassionate with us and always gave amazing advice going above and beyond to help us. A few months into me getting adjusted to my duty station I wanted to go to school but I needed a laptop and at the time couldn’t afford one so I got discouraged. I came to work thinking no one would be able to tell that something was bothering me and he immediately noticed and called me into his office. We sat and talked and he offered me so much useful advice on how to maneuver with a few issues I had at the time including me having to push back school until I could buy a laptop. Later that evening I get a knock on my barracks door and it was him with a laptop in his hand. He had an older laptop that he used for work and never got rid of it and gave it to me so I could start school. I was even sick one time and he dropped off soup and crackers so I could feel better. He never had to extend himself to us like that but he did, that’s just who he is and I’m forever grateful for that. He was firm but kind, he knew how to get through to people without belittling them and always made room for others feelings while simultaneously leading us in the right direction. He taught me that you can be a great leader and not have to compromise your personality to do so. He taught me that you can get respect from people without having to tear them down to receive it and that looking out for the people you care about really goes a long way so shoutout to Christopher Baxter for having a huge impact on my life and leading me so gracefully.
Ricky , 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?
I’m a visual artist and designer based out of Chicago and I’ve been a designer for 12 years and 3 years full time as well as a visual artist for 7 years and 4 years full time. I paint on canvas as well as body painting, hand painted custom furniture, shoes, clothes, and face painting. I also have experience in teaching art to the youth which was a truly beautiful experience getting through to them. I have a creative lifestyle company called SorryImLate. LLC that is comprised of my creative talents and products outside of my canvas works. I stand out from the crowd because I choose to be myself while maneuvering different projects and displaying those projects to the world, bearing my whole heart and creative mind. It’s pretty cool I’m really excited to grow further within my brand.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I feel like being myself really catered to the foundation of the market I’ve reached. Being myself, being loyal to my clients/customers, showing excellent customer service and giving them quality products helped build my reputation majorly. People love when they can feel comfortable with a brand or service and so I always strive to take care of my people, sometimes adding in little special gifts with purchases and going above and beyond when bringing their ideas to life.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me honestly has been word of mouth. I’ve been absolutely blessed to have people around that speak my name in so many rooms to bring more people to my brand for all of the artistic services I provide.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abstractedbyricky.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: @visualsbyricky