We were lucky to catch up with SHERNAE JOHNSON recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, SHERNAE thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

More Than A Mannequin started out as a wardrobe styling firm. We were made up of a few editorial and personal stylists executing projects with fashion publications, elite model agencies, ad campaigns, celebrity collaborations, and so much more. Once the events of 2020 unfolded, things took a drastic halt. I am very passionate about fashion and creating so to be in such an uncertain state and not sure when in-person sessions would be possible again, I did what needed to be done and that was to pivot. I took my love for styling and transitioned it into branding. I see branding as styling for businesses and brands. I’ve created and designed every website I’ve ever owned along with the brand it was for (and that’s more than I will count). So, this transition was a natural one for me. Today, More Than A Mannequin is a creative firm that specializes in branding, website design, event management, and of course, we still offer editorial and personal styling services.

Another reason I took my company in this direction is because so many people are starting small businesses, becoming influencers, and in need of personal branding. While people are catching on, I still see so many journeys starting at the wrong step. Establishing a cohesive brand before doing something like creating an Instagram account is crucial. I noticed so many small businesses popping up in the last 2 years that needed work in this area and saw a way that we could leverage that need.

With Mude Beauty Bar my goal, my vision, and what I am manifesting is to be an experience from beginning to end. An oasis for people to come and enjoy their “me-time.” I would like for people to feel like they are coming in for more than just an errand they check off of a to-do list. Customer service will be superb from booking to the end of the service (one of my biggest pet peeves is horrendous customer service).

My plans for this studio include opening doors for hungry & talented beauty specialists, hosting memorable events, and becoming a well-known brand within the beauty industry. When we open, we will have lash extensions, microblading, nail services, and apparel; however, we will be actively scouting for a studio manager as well as talent in the following beauty specialties: waxing, makeup, skincare, and massage. We will be an all-inclusive beauty studio!

SHERNAE, 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?

Long story short, I got into the fashion industry at a very young age. My ability to draw went from still figures to fashion designs, which led me to get into modeling at 16 years old. Once I graduated high school, I went to a design school in Atlanta, where I continued designing and began modeling professionally. Fast forward, designing and modeling turned into wardrobe styling and manifested into what More Than A Mannequin is today.

Overall, I have always been a determined, strong-willed person. I’ve wanted to be my own creative boss my entire life because I like to do things my own way (which is usually more efficient, if I do say so myself). I believe in using your gifts to help others and that’s why I am so passionate about the work I do. It isn’t medicine or law but it is equally as important and I enjoy helping others realize their dreams and potential by bringing their ideas to life.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

This one was bittersweet. A few years ago, I was a struggling, young entrepreneur trying to network and get to know the right people. I was hungry to be taken seriously in the fashion scene of Miami. It may have been too soon but I wanted my own space. A creative studio for More Than A Mannequin to have its own HQ for photo shoots, private shows/events, and just an office space to scale the business. At that time of my life, I was renting a room from someone that was advertising on Craigslist. Towards the end of my lease I was introduced to someone that was renting the upstairs loft portion of their office space in the arts district called Wynwood. I couldn’t afford to rent my room and rent the loft at the same time. So, I gave notice to the girl I was renting the room from and put down my first month for the loft. Back then, I was so driven to force my dreams to come true that I gave up my home to have a space. Where did I live?

HA! I was working at a luxury fitness club, where I was the opener. I mostly worked from about 430a-1p full time. So, I was able to sneak into one of the manager’s office to sleep and get up early enough to shower and get ready in the locker room. I did this for about 7 months. Since I had been there for a few years, I knew the building in and out so getting in and out wasn’t hard at all.

For me, my business was the priority. It was my baby and what do mother’s do for their children? ANYTHING. I’ve always read and studied about other successful people and their journey and one of the main constants was that they weren’t afraid to sacrifice and neither was I. Sure, life got tough but I never shed a tear because I put myself in that situation. During that time of homelessness, my business had one of the most successful months it has ever had. I was extremely proud of myself and my team.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth, social media, and in-person networking events.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.morethanamannequin.com | www.mudebeautybar.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/stylistshernae | www.instagram.com/morethanamannequin | www.instagram.com/mudebeautybar
• Facebook: www.instagram.com/stylistshernae | www.instagram.com/morethanamannequin1 | www.instagram.com/mudebeautybar

Image Credits
Shernae Johnson