We recently connected with SHANNA JOHNSON and have shared our conversation below.

SHANNA, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

We are committed to providing opportunities to qualified individuals who deserve a second chance, even if they have a criminal background. We believe in creating successful outcomes for everyone involved.

As the Director of Operations, I earned a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation Getting Talent Back to Work certificate. This certification demonstrates our dedication to expanding employment opportunities for individuals with conviction histories. By doing so, we not only help them and their families, but also contribute to the economy as taxpayers. It’s a win-win situation for all of us.

At SADA we specialize in t-shirt and large-format printing. Whether you need shirts, hoodies, pillows, mugs, tumblers, or other substrates, we’ve got you covered. In 2023, we expanded our services to include large-format printing, while marketing to event venues, hotels, storefront businesses, and event planners. Our offerings now include backdrop banners, floor decals, yard signs, car magnets, and storefront decals.

What sets us apart is our commitment to providing on-the-job training programs for women who deserve a second chance. Many of these women have served time in prison or have been previously involved in the criminal justice system. Through their employment, they learn valuable skills such as managing inventory, labeling products, and maintaining a clean and organized warehouse. They also gain proficiency in using various software and systems to track inventory, process orders, and generate reports. Additionally, they develop problem-solving and organizational skills, which are essential for success in any field.

We truly believe that everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. By supporting our business, you are not only receiving high-quality products but also making a positive impact on the lives of these women.

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

At the initial start of SADA, in 2020, we began printing tee’s and promoting women’s empowerment, equality, and community. We believe in making a statement and encouraging everyone to do the same. That’s why we specialize in printing statement t-shirts that allow individuals to proudly make a statement on their chests.

In addition to our commitment to equality, we also understand the challenges faced by small businesses like yours. That’s why we offer affordable custom printing services to help you promote your brand or business. We believe that start-up costs should be kept to a minimum, especially in the first year of operation.

To assist business startups, we have a special offer available. For only $40, we provide 1000 high-quality business cards, compared to major outlets that charge $17.99 for just 100 cards. Additionally, we offer 500 two-sided business flyers for $100. We are confident that our prices and quality exceed expectations.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My journey began with DIY projects. While my daughter was in college at Bethune Cookman University, I found myself at home on workers’ compensation, feeling bored out of my mind. But then I discovered my love for DIY projects and decided to invest in a Cricut Explorer, a die-cut machine.

Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! I found it incredibly easy to use and started creating all sorts of designs. I started by placing vinyl on cups, then moved on to shirts and bags. It became a passion of mine, and I started making these personalized items as gifts for my loved ones.

But then something amazing happened. I realized that I could actually make money from my Cricut projects. It was the easiest way to turn my hobby into a small business. So, I started learning more about design and even how to sublimate on different substrates. I mastered t-shirt design and began sourcing supplies from local trade vendors to keep up with the demand.

Fast forward to 2020, and I officially formed SaDA. It has been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received along the way.

In 2021, with a year of expenses saved up, I resigned from my job and became a full-time entrepreneur. There have been some valley experiences and hills to climb, but I still operating as a full-time entrepreneur.

Our small business still provides some unique and personalized items.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

As a small business, we understand the importance of having streamlined systems and processes in place. In the past, we encountered various challenges and experiences that have shaped our approach. We have successfully tackled these hurdles and are now better equipped to serve our clients and grow our clientele.

We started as a home-based business and took t-shirt orders over the phone or everything was handwritten. That process was overwhelming and we needed a streamline way to take orders.

To address the overwhelming influx of text orders and personal calls, we implemented a user-friendly website on Shopify. That platform allowed a seamless order placement. We also provided customers with the convenience of ordering directly from our social media platforms (@shesauthorized). This integration has greatly enhanced the experience for our customers and they became repeat coustomers and our clientele grew.

In addition, we created a procedure document that serves as a step-by-step tutorial. This document not only eliminated any confusion but also acts as a valuable reference for completing tasks efficiently. This resource has streamlined our processes and ensured a smooth collaboration.

To manage our business operations effectively, we incorporated the following software:

1. Asana: We utilize Asana Project Management tool to create custom workflows and automation. This enables us to stay organized and ensures that all tasks are completed on time. You can learn more about Asana at Asana.com.

2. 17hats: This software has been instrumental in managing billing, scheduling, meetings, and email marketing. It provides us with a centralized platform to handle these essential aspects of our business. For more information on 17hats, please visit 17hats.com.

3. Shopify: Our user-friendly e-commerce platform, Shopify, offers customizable templates, apps, and marketing tools for our website. This allows us to provide you with a seamless online shopping experience. You can explore our website at shopify.com.

We are confident that these enhancements not only made our business operations easier to manage but also resulted in increased productivity, improved customer satisfaction and increased revenue.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shesauthorized.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shesauthorized
• Facebook: facebook.com/shesauthorized
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/shesauthorized

Image Credits
Man Pressing Shirt: Cory Adams employee, Videos cutting vinyl: Shanna Johnson, Owner