We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tawanay Bryant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tawanay below.
Tawanay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Here is a story of how SB Management & Marketing was founded, based on the journey of its founder, Tawanay Bryant.
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The story of SB Management & Marketing doesn’t start in a boardroom or with a stroke of venture capital. It starts with the end of one life-changing chapter and the beginning of another.
For 16 years, my life was the Army—a world of discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking. It was a career that taught me resilience and the power of a team. But in 2012, I retired, ready for a new mission: entrepreneurship.
The idea for SB Management & Marketing wasn’t a single lightbulb moment. It was a slow burn, an observation that grew into a conviction. As I stepped into the civilian business world, I was surrounded by passionate, brilliant people—especially home-based business owners and new entrepreneurs—who had incredible ideas but were struggling to be seen.
I saw them trying to juggle everything: product, sales, operations, and marketing. They were wearing all the hats, and they were burning out. They had the drive, but not always the resources or the know-how to build a powerful marketing strategy. They couldn’t afford the massive retainers of big-city agencies, and they were left trying to figure it all out on their own.
That’s where the idea clicked. What if I could use my background in strategic planning and leadership, not for a military operation, but to help these entrepreneurs launch and grow? What if I could provide a service that was accessible, personalized, and effective, specifically for those who were starting from the ground up? I saw a need to help them succeed *without* breaking the bank.
That was the “what.” The “how” was the real challenge.
Moving from the structured life of the military to the wide-open, unpredictable world of a start-up was a shock. There was no handbook, no commanding officer telling me what to do next. The first days and months were a blur of figuring things out.
My home office became my new battlefield. Instead of battlefield logistics, I was deep-diving into business logistics. I had to figure everything out from scratch:
-Legal & Setup: What’s an LLC? How do I register my business? I had to research and file all the official paperwork to make SB Management & Marketing a real, legal entity.
-Defining Services: What *exactly* would I offer? I knew I wanted to help, but I had to package that help into clear services: brand strategy, social media management, and marketing consulting. I had to create a “menu” that made sense to my target client.
-Finding Clients: This was the big one. I had a service, but no one knew about it. My first steps were pure hustle. I networked with the two friends who needed some social media help. Then, when my husband asked if they were paying customers. I knew I needed to talk to other local business owners, which led me to being able to build a partnership with my first Business Bestie, Crystal Black Mills, the owner of Crystal Black Mills & Associates. I took on small projects to build a portfolio and prove I could deliver results.
-Work-Life Balance: This was, and still is, one of the biggest challenges. After 16 years of a very defined schedule, I was now my own boss. It was tempting to work 24/7. Carving out a healthy work-life balance when your office is ten steps from your bedroom was a new kind of discipline I had to learn.
It was a risk. Launching a business right after retirement, with limited resources and no guarantee of a steady paycheck, was not for the faint of heart. There were countless nights of doubt. But I knew those business owners were out there, struggling with the same problems I knew I could help solve.
That potential—the idea of empowering someone else to achieve their dream—was the fuel. The real launch wasn’t just the day I filed the paperwork. It was the first time I helped a client land their first big contract. It was the first time I saw a business I consulted for truly start to grow.
SB Management & Marketing was born from a passion for serving others, a trait I carried over from the military. It was built on a foundation of grit, strategic thinking, and a deep-seated belief that everyone, especially the small business owner, deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams. That’s what got me past the idea phase and into the trenches of execution, and it’s what still drives the company every single day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My Story: From Military Strategy to Community Building
For folks who haven’t heard my story, my journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t a traditional one. My life wasn’t always about business plans and networking events.
My professional life began in the United States Army, which was my home for 16 years. That career was my foundation, teaching me everything I know about discipline, leadership, strategic thinking, and the incredible power of teamwork. In 2012, I retired, ready to take on a new mission.
That mission became entrepreneurship, but my “why” has always been the same: to serve and empower others.
The idea for my first company, SB Management & Marketing, was born from an observation and a passion. As I entered the business world, I saw so many people with amazing, brilliant ideas—especially home-based business owners and new entrepreneurs—who were struggling. They were trying to get started, build from the ground up with limited resources, and didn’t have the marketing budgets of big corporations.
I knew I could help. I saw a way to translate my military skills in strategy, resourcefulness, and leadership into a new mission: helping these entrepreneurs succeed without breaking the bank.
What I Do and My Family of Brands
At its core, SB Management & Marketing is the engine for my passion. It’s the company I founded to provide strategic support, consulting, and marketing know-how for small businesses and startups. The main problem I solve is for the passionate business owner who has a great idea but is struggling with the “how.”
But as I built my business, I realized that marketing and strategy were just one piece of the puzzle. True success—and true fulfillment—comes from building a community. My other brands are all an extension of this core belief; each one is a different way to empower, connect, and support people.
T’s Coffee & Brews: This brand was born from my belief that the best connections happen over a great cup of coffee (or brew!). It’s not just about serving caffeine; it’s about creating a sense of community and fostering the very relationships that I had in the Army. It’s a space for connection, collaboration, and conversation.
Three Chics on the Square: Born during the pandemic, this venture (which I share with phenomenal business partners) became a haven for aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s a physical representation of my mission—a place where new business owners could find a home, resources, and a supportive network to launch their dreams.
Geranium Women’s Ministries: This is a passion project very close to my heart. Its mission is to nurture and empower women, helping them grow in their faith and personal lives. Through publications like “The Garden Magazine,” we provide encouragement and a space for spiritual growth.
Georgia Acton Children’s Business Fair: My passion for entrepreneurship starts young. As the Co-Chair for this event, I get to help the next generation of leaders. We believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes, and this fair gives kids a real-world platform to create a product, build a brand, and sell to real customers. It’s about planting the seeds of entrepreneurship early.
What Sets Me Apart
I believe what sets my work apart is twofold: my holistic approach and my military background.
A Holistic, Community-Focused Approach: I don’t just offer one service. Whether I’m building a marketing strategy, serving coffee, or mentoring a young entrepreneur, my goal is the same: to build relationships and empower people. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a consultant; you’re getting a partner who is invested in your success and the success of the entire community.
A Military Mindset: The 16 years I served in the Army are at the heart of everything I do. I bring a level of discipline, selflessness, strategic thinking, and a purposeful mindset to every project. Starting a business is a risk, and it’s not for the faint of heart. I use the same skills I learned in the military—strategy, resourcefulness, and a healthy dose of “faith” risks—to mitigate those challenges for my clients and partners.
My “Why” and What I Want You to Know
What am I most proud of? It’s simple: helping others grow. The journey from a 16-year Army career to a home-office entrepreneur and now a multi-brand business owner has had its challenges. There were nights of doubt, but the potential reward—empowering others to achieve their dreams—is what fuels my fire.
The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that my passion is genuine.
I am a strong supporter of small businesses and building a vibrant local economy, especially in the south metro Atlanta area.
My mission is bigger than just any one business; it’s about building a network of community collaborations and creating opportunities for “business incubation” at every level.
Ultimately, I believe in connecting the community and empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s an incredible adventure, and I’m passionate about bringing others along for the ride.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The journey to funding Three Chics on the Square is a direct reflection of my core belief in strategic resourcefulness—a skill honed in the military and applied during the challenges of the pandemic.
Here is the story of how that initial capital was secured.
💰 The Strategic Pivot: Funding Three Chics on the Square
The idea for Three Chics on the Square—a business incubator designed to be a supportive home for aspiring entrepreneurs—was conceived during a moment of intense challenge for small businesses: the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the world was shutting down, I saw an urgent need. Small businesses were being hit the hardest, and they needed more than just advice; they needed a physical, low-cost place to launch and grow with guaranteed support. This crisis highlighted the importance of community and collaboration.
Securing the Initial Capital: Pandemic Money
Unlike my other ventures, SB Management & Marketing (funded through personal capital and grants) and T’s Coffee & Brews (personally funded), the initial push for the incubator space required a dedicated capital injection.
The key to securing this initial capital was strategically leveraging the various relief programs and funding opportunities created in response to the pandemic. The process went like this:
Identifying the “Mission Gap”: The first step, a habit from my military days, was a thorough analysis. I saw that local and federal programs were making COVID-19 relief funds and grants available to businesses that could demonstrate a clear economic impact and a plan for survival and growth.
Targeting Economic Relief Programs: Instead of chasing traditional bank loans, I focused on programs designed to stabilize and support local economies, specifically those grants aimed at revitalizing small business infrastructure.
The Proposal: Community Investment: The proposal for Three Chics on the Square wasn’t just about renting a space; it was about creating a business incubation model that would directly address the pandemic’s impact by:
Creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs who had lost their jobs or were launching a new venture during a downturn.
Boosting local commerce by filling a vacant commercial space on the Square.
Providing low-cost entry for new businesses reducing their financial risk during an unstable time.
The Result: Strategic Use of Pandemic Funds: By demonstrating a clear, strategic plan to use relief funding not just for survival, but for community-level business growth, I was able to secure the necessary capital from these programs and grants. This money was instrumental in:
Securing the lease for the physical space.
Covering initial operating costs and necessary renovations to transform the space into a functional incubator.
This strategic funding was the calculated leap of faith that allowed us to move from the idea of a safe harbor for entrepreneurs to the successful launch of Three Chics on the Square, proving that resilience and strategic funding could thrive even during a crisis.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
That is an excellent question, and it gets to the heart of what separates a sustainable business from a fleeting one.
My management and entrepreneurial philosophy have been significantly impacted by two categories of resources: the indispensable classics that provide the framework, and the mindset resources that keep the fire burning through the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.
Here are the resources that have significantly impacted my approach, particularly as a veteran and a leader in organizations dedicated to veteran cohorts:
Essential Resources That Shaped My Thinking
1. The Core Strategy: Creating The Blueprint
Resource: The Small Business Bible by Steven D. Strauss
Impact on My Philosophy: This book serves as the “Regs and Manuals” of my entrepreneurial journey. While the military taught me strategy and execution, this resource provided the framework for the civilian business world—everything from legal structure to financial planning. For veteran entrepreneurs, it is vital to translate tactical knowledge into an operational civilian business structure, and this book provides the necessary blueprint.
Veteran Relevance: It reinforces the concept of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Discipline in every facet of a business, from budgeting to marketing, ensuring the business is built on a solid, compliant foundation.
Resource: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
Impact on My Philosophy: This classic taught me to stop being a “technician” (doing all the work) and start being an “entrepreneur” (designing the system). My military experience instilled the discipline of setting up systems for everything—because if a task can’t run without you, the mission is not truly scalable.
Veteran Relevance: It addresses the “superhero syndrome” common in highly capable veterans who feel they must do everything themselves. This book pushes for Delegation and Systematization, essential for moving from an individual operator to a true business leader.
2. The Mindset and Energy: Navigating the Human Element
Resource: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
Impact on My Philosophy: This is an eye-opener for how to navigate human relationships and team culture—something deeply relevant to the military experience. It emphasizes the importance of a positive, forward-thinking attitude and leadership that uplifts a team. It’s about driving a positive culture that attracts and retains high-quality people.
Veteran Relevance: My transition taught me that a positive command climate is just as vital in a coffee shop or a consulting firm as it is in an infantry unit. This resource provides a simple, actionable roadmap for maintaining morale and purpose within the team.
Resource: We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
Impact on My Philosophy: Beyond the title, the core concept is the empowerment of women—an area that directly aligns with Geranium Women’s Ministries. It details a realistic path to creating the support, confidence, and financial plan needed to achieve audacious goals. It helps shift the mindset from simply earning a living to building generational wealth and impact.
Veteran Relevance: It encourages bold, calculated risk-taking and owning one’s worth—a mindset that often requires a paradigm shift when transitioning from a salary-and-benefits military life to an entrepreneurial one based on profit and value.
3. The Unwritten Resource: My Military Training
While you asked about books and videos, the most significant resource that shapes my entire management and entrepreneurial thinking is my 16 years in the U.S. Army.
Resource: Leadership and Strategy Manuals (Military Education)
Impact on My Philosophy: My entire philosophy of strategy, resourcefulness, and calculated risk comes from my training. Entrepreneurship is a series of calculated missions where you must use limited resources to achieve an objective under uncertain conditions. This is the definition of a military operation.
Key Lesson: My best Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) taught me the importance of building relationships through Networking, Networking, Networking. That principle has been the single most critical factor in the success of SB Management & Marketing and the establishment of Three Chics on the Square—because every business is built on trust and connection.
These resources, combined with the discipline of military life, form the bedrock of my approach to leadership, business growth, and community empowerment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sbmanagemrkt.com
- Instagram: ts_coffee_brews
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tawanay
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tawanay-bryant-a3625914
