Exclusive with the SavvyChic Design Founder, Joanna Sherrow
Joanna Sherrow is the Founder and Creative Director of SavvyChic Design, a Design and Marketing Agency in Georgetown, Kentucky that provides Website Design and Development, Branding and Graphic Design Services and Social Media Management to small businesses and course creator/online educators. Since 2016 SavvyChic Design has consistently provided strategic designs that are on brand and help businesses with all things tech.
For more information on SavvyChic Design, visit their link here.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Joanna: I immigrated from the Philippines, I was longing to build connections with like-minded individuals and I started to go online to see what I can do. I have always worked in sales and marketing for years so I know I can use years of experience in this field, so I decided to do Networking Marketing, I sold lipstick and jewelry and started to learn about personal branding online. From there I was able to show up online but this type of business was not for me but during this time I also learned how to create my own graphics and people started to ask me if I can do some designs for them. From then on I was able to hone my skills as a self-taught designer and has opened more doors to the entrepreneurial world.
How did you get started?
Joanna: I was working as a Shoe Store Manager and after work, I always end up scrolling endlessly online or on Facebook watching nothing worthwhile and I told myself I need to make better use of my time. So I was looking for a like-minded community online and I landed in Networking Marketing, during this stint I was able to learn about personal branding and how I need to leverage my own brand to build an audience and I decided to do my own graphics that I post online to create engagement but overtime that business did not work out but people started to notice the graphics that I do and they started asking if I can do something for them and their business. So this is how I got started with my design business. It started as social media graphics, then I transitioned to branding, then as clients started to ask if I can do website design I started to teach myself more about this. I never had a design or graphics educational background but I do have the sense of creativity and the eye on what works for someone’s business when it comes to design.
What is the most memorable thing you’ve done since you started your business?
Joanna: Working with Canva as one of their Canva Certified Creative. This is a group of users who are asked to join to be part of their brand ambassador. I was part of the 1st batch that got invited in 2018. With this, I am able to communicate with Canva Team directly, test new features that will soon be rolled out to all users, and be invited to be part of the Canva Creator Program to create templates for their Canva Library where millions of users can use.
What is one book you recommend, and why?
Joanna: Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
The title of the book is how I live my life and run my business when I get stuck. I always say I can figure this out. As a self-taught website designer and graphic designer, I needed to figure things out on my own. I am looking for resources to help me. This book has helped me and reminded me that I got that when you put your heart and mind into something you will figure things out and no challenges can stop you from attaining what you want to achieve.
What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
- Dubsado — This is what I use for my CRM, this tool has changed my business from the workflow, forms, invoice this tool has helped streamline and create more processes in my business. CLICK HERE
- Trello — I have tried multiple Project Management Tools for my business but I ended up coming back to Trello. The simplicity of this tool has helped me communicate with my team and client when it comes to all put projects
- Canva — Collaborative Design is what Canva offers to small businesses. My Clients love collaborative work where they can do the edits themselves after we’ve designed what they need. Get 45 Days FREE CANVA PRO using this link.
In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Joanna: I want to leave a mark to my stepsons how working hard and making things happen is something they can do for themselves too.
The legacy of resilience, perseverance, dedication and kindness is what i want to leave on the world
In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Joanna: This journey is not for the faint of heart, it will be hard work. If you are planning to leave your 9–5 job you may end up working 24/7 in the beginning of your business.
But this journey is worth taking. You need to give it your business, show up consistently, invest in your business but most of all invest in yourself. Find mentors/coaches who can help you. Build relationships with like minded entrepreneurs.
Build partnerships with entrepreneurs.
To keep up to date with Joanna and her journey, connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
