We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheena Perkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheena, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

There are three things I think are essential to be successful as a small business owner. The first essential thing is strategy. It took years and honestly I am still developing my business strategy. A business strategy is the road map to success including the goals you set out to accomplish and how you will differentiate yourself from others in your market. There will be different strategies for various areas of your business and may be fluid in nature. I also think providing value (importance of benefits over the price) to your clients and your audience is an important part of success. By understanding what appeals to the client and helping them see the value of your service (or product) they in turn are loyal and will send their friends! Lastly, I think it takes tenacity to sustain a small business in the face of challenges. In the beginning you may struggle to find a niche, your target audience and/or the ups and downs of sustainability. More commonly, we often spend wasted time looking to the left and the right or falling for current trends or shiny objects in your market. It’s important to remain focused on your mission and buckle up for the long game. The race is not given to the swift so be ok with your pace in your own race.

Sheena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hey there! I’m Sheena. I am the owner and creative behind Shee Design Studio (SDS). Shee Design Studio is a web and graphic design company based in Miami, Florida. I began designing my first website almost 7 years ago (2015) after my then two month old son fell asleep around 2am. Being home on maternity leave for months, I needed an outlet so I began creating what was then my blog. After a year of blogging I was asked to lead and manage the update of my Sorority’s local chapter website and later the Sorority’s Regional website. While launching and managing those projects at no charge, I decided to relaunch Shee Design Studio from an online store selling apparel and custom gifts to web and graphic design. I am currently in the process of further niching down eliminating graphic design, systems setup and automation service. I have designed ebooks, guides, flyers, newsletters and more. I am excited to hone in on my zone of genius and my most requested service, web design. SDS currently targets small business owners by empowering them with strategic web design and stunning visuals on their website. I am pleased how the business and myself have evolved and my commitment to staying curious and learning. I am even more proud of the designs, value and service I have provided my clients with so much more to come. SDS mission is to understand who you (and your brand) are, how best to interact/communicate with you and your audience, and how to bring our clients’ vision to life. The added value is my experience with systems and automation. I am able to identify processes on their website that may be negatively impacting their client’s journey and experience with them.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My best and primary source for new clients has been referrals from previous clients or family/friends. I honestly struggle with being consistently present on social media. Despite not being consistent with online marketing, I appreciate and value organic referrals as it builds trust. It tells me I exceeded their expectations and delivered an excellent client experience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom. The freedom to express and share my gift with the world and more importantly on my schedule. Being a creative gives me a sense of purpose, provides a happy place and pushes me to think outside the box.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sheedesignstudio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sheedesignstudio
• Other: Email: info@sheedesignstudio.com

Image Credits
Nate Veal Photography L. Borne Photography