We recently connected with Shayla Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Shayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

Whew!! Unexpected problems and/or issues can and WILL happen! A lot of times, we think that we are prepared for the unexpected, but we never really are.

There was this one time I was gathering all of my packages to go out the next day. I just knew all of my shipping labels were on the right packages! Boy, was I wrong! One of my long time customers reached out to tell me that she loved her products, but it wasn’t what she ordered. I responded with my apologies and got her correct order shipped the next day! All I was thinking is “OMG, who else has the wrong order?” “How could I do this?” Maybe about a week later, my customer who was a new customer, reached out about her order being wrong and boy was she HOT; she needed her package for the next day! I apologized and made it right and LUCKILY, she lived in my city and I was able to hand deliver it to her! Because of my awesome customer service, so I’ve been told, she is STILL a loyal and faithful customer til this day!

Issues will occur, but it’s all in how you handle them in the end!

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.

Hey y’all, HEYYYYY!!!! I am Shayla J. the Owner and Creator of the brand, Belle Beads and More! I created Belle Beads and More in March of 2017 because of my love for unique accessories. I always knew that I wanted to start a business, I just needed the motivation to get me going! One day, while sitting in my living room with my mom, I told her that I was ready to start my business. She said to me, “You can do whatever you put your mind to, Pumkin! Do it!” And from that day, I knew that it was time for me to start this journey!

Belle Beads and More has been going for six years strong and my brand is only going to get better! What keeps me going is the fact of knowing that I provide products that keep my customers coming back! About 95% of my pieces are created by me and are made with love! I provide items that are listed on my site already and also items that are custom to your liking.

My why? I enjoy being in my own space creating things that I know my customers feel good in! I know that when I release new items, they are going to be 100% LOVED!

What has kept me disciplined for these six years is my faith in God! There are times when I don’t feel like I’m in the right creative head space and I just pray to God and instantly, the fire in me is lit! Not every day, week, or month is perfect, but the fact that I can create things using my gift from God, keeps me afloat!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

“Surround yourself with like-minded people”

This quotes is vital as a business owner! Growth for me is surrounding myself with people who are already doing things that I aspire to do. If you’re the smartest one in the room, it’s time for a new room of people. No, this does not mean kick people to the curb, but how else do you expect to grow?!

I’m into watching TedTalks on YouTube, I follow people on social media who speaks about business growth, and I read books about business. A few of my fave books are Rich Dad, Poor Dad…The Perfect Day to Boss Up…Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Create the content! Create the content! CREATE THE CONTENT!!!!!

Talk to your followers! They want to see and know that you are just like them! I’m a shy person, but when I get in front of my followers, I open right on up! LOL! You just potentially got 10 or more sales by just showing your face and connecting! As a small business owner, you have to build those relationships and earn your customers trust! You have to just be YOU!!!!

Contact Info:

• Website: BelleBeadsandMore.com
• Instagram: _belle_beads
• Facebook: Belle Beads