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

Alright, Shalonda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry?

From my experience, Corporate America in this industry doesn’t always take the proper measures to ensure the success of a brand after effectively branding the client. For example, I only take clients that I know I can effectively market and brand based on where they are going in their near future with their brand. I know my niche and I always make a deep enough connection with my clients in order to feel the pulse of their brand and even step into their shoes as a business owner. I make their branding efforts my own so that the new marketing and branding structure we offer them feels personal and represents the company accurately.

I make sure to tap into the mission and vision of the company and take on the mind of their target audience. I feel sometimes corporate branding firms are more “cookie cutter’ and they may design a fitting brand and give good branding structure but they aren’t typically invested in their success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure! I believe I am best known for my Marketing and Branding expertise and I’m the proud owner of Identity Marketing and Branding and Silk Coffee Company. Gleaning from over 15 years of marketing and design experience, I truly have a passion for helping entrepreneurs bring their business ideas and visions to reality. My personal investment in the success of others has afforded me the opportunity to work alongside numerous business owners as they work to further develop their business strategies, corporate branding profiles, and overall marketing goals.

Along with working with several for profit businesses, I also serve several non-profit and ministry organizations in the areas of marketing, branding, and media. I have worked in full time ministry for over 15 years and have served in various ministry positions that have greatly added to my leadership and business experience. I pride myself in taking my client’s vision and literally maximizing every resource and tool necessary to help bring it to life. My desire is to bring greater awareness to the digital marketing platforms and sources available to nonprofits and bridge the technological gap so that ministries and nonprofits thrive!

My business, Identity Marketing and Branding, offers a variety of customized digital designs & services including:

Company Branding Options
Website Development
Website Management
Consulting Services
Digital Marketing Designs
Print Marketing Designs
Printing Services
And More

I am most proud of my connection with my clients. I’m invested in their success. Designing elements of their brand is only one small portion of what I do. I also consult with their marketing teams to make sure they understand how to take their brand forward. From understanding appropriate social media management practices to effective email marketing campaigns, we teach and train on it all. I also teach marketing and branding classes to a few local organizations on a regular basis to their students and entrepreneurs as well.

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

I recently began to pivot my own business strategy from multiple clients who needed small services (website design, digital flyer designs, etc) to clients who needed my expertise and training only. I had a goal to only take on more clients who needed the training aspects of what I do for their organizations rather than the smaller services.

I had to pivot because I began to get burnt out from managing so many different projects that I was finding myself becoming impatient with clients. I found that my passion truly resided in helping people and sharing my knowledge over having multiple projects that I wasn’t connected to.

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

I believe my reputation was built by authenticity and quality work. I deliver a quality product with real and honest advice and expertise for my client’s vision. I don’t want my clients handicapped in any way. So I provide all the resources, training, and help they need to succeed. I don’t want them to miss opportunities for greater exposure because they aren’t aware of the tools and resources that are available in the marketing world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.identitymarketingandbranding.com
• Instagram: @idmarketingandbranding
• Facebook: @identitymarketingandbranding