We recently connected with Sharmon Lebby and have shared our conversation below.

Sharmon, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

The biggest difference between my brand and the industry standard is my unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration and community over competition. While many businesses tend to guard their information as proprietary, I choose to take a different approach.

I firmly believe in openly sharing knowledge, insights, and resources with others. Having worked with numerous nonprofits and startups, I have experienced firsthand the value of receiving even the slightest bit of helpful information. I have no desire to see others struggle when I hold the information that could potentially assist them.

Though some may take advantage of this open approach, I firmly believe that each of us possesses a unique essence that sets us apart. There will never be another individual or brand quite like you or mine, and no one can replicate what we do with the same authenticity and finesse.

Making a difference requires a willingness to step outside of our self-centered pursuits and extend a helping hand to others on their path to success. When we shift our focus from ourselves to the greater goal, remarkable things can happen. It’s not about establishing dominance, but about creating an environment where collaboration and support flourish.

In the fashion industry, we can draw inspiration from iconic brands such as Chanel and Gucci. Despite their shared focus on fashion, each brand has managed to carve out its own distinctive path and connect with a unique audience. Both have achieved remarkable success. This serves as a powerful reminder that there is ample space for all of us when we embrace our individual approaches and foster an inclusive mindset.

Sharmon, 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?

My background lies in the field of Biology, where I obtained my degree and worked as a researcher. However, even throughout that time, I was working with nonprofits and small businesses, offering assistance in any way I could. Helping others and fostering community has been a driving force in my life.

Over the years, my professional endeavors have taken various forms, but my true calling emerged when I started a clothing line and collaborated with like-minded entrepreneurs to build a community organization and eventually a nonprofit. Through these experiences, the importance of community and collaboration became the defining feature of my goals.

Now, I offer a range of products/services/creative works that cater to the needs of my clients and the community at large. Whether it’s through my clothing line, consulting services, or creative collaborations, my primary focus is on solving problems and making a positive impact.

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

There’s a fundamental principle that I adhere to: do the work and do it well. It’s not just about delivering a product or service; it’s about going above and beyond to exceed expectations. By consistently providing exceptional work, I strive to build a reputation as someone who can be relied upon.

In the realm of running one’s own business, the saying “your network is your net worth” holds even more significance. The strength of your network directly impacts your success and growth. By consistently delivering exceptional work, building meaningful relationships, and harnessing the power of word-of-mouth referrals, I aim to continuously expand my network and elevate the value of my brand.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As creatives we’re often told to stand behind our art and that not every client is for us. While that is true to an extent, I had to unlearn focusing on my personal preferences and focus on delivering what the client envisions.

I remember a time when a client requested a specific element to be included in their logo, and initially, I was hesitant. I didn’t want to bring something into the world that didn’t resonate with my own artistic sensibilities. However, I realized that it was my responsibility as a professional to embrace their desires and transform them into something exceptional. Shifting my mindset allowed me to create a design that not only fulfilled the client’s wishes but also became something I could genuinely stand behind.

Part of being an authority in your field is having the knowledge and confidence to explain why certain aspects or ideas may not work as effectively. It’s important to communicate these insights to the client. However, there may be instances where it’s more beneficial to provide what they’re asking for and then present an alternative to demonstrate why it may be a superior option.

Contact Info:

• Website: blesseddesignsco.com
• Instagram: @salebby, @blesseddesignsco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharmon-lebby/
• Twitter: @comicallyclumsy
• Other: blesseddesignsco.com/sharmon blesseddesgnsco.com/consulting