We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheena Hartley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We live in a world that separates others rather than unite them. We’re separated by class, religion, race, ethnicity, hair, gender, sexuality. Anything you can think of will put 2 people in 2 different categories, simply by just looking at them. I wanted to create something that was so simple and bold, it made people question themselves. That’s why I started with “Respect Everyone.” It seems so simple, yet we don’t do it. I wanted people to look at my brand and see what it looks like to respect those that look different from them. To look at my brand and see that it’s okay to love someone who has a different background than you. “Everyone Brand” represents unity of all races, religions, genders, and sexuality. We believe that the best way to unite others is by loving and being kind to those that are different. With noticing the social climate that our country is in, right now we all need a deep transformation across all equality platforms.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Over the past few years one of the hardest things I’ve had to overcome as a new entrepreneur is being consistent. I struggled the first year of my business because I was not constant with my customers. I wasn’t posting, marketing, advertising, putting out new merch, making sure I’m engaging with my customers. This is all still a learning progress. I am also an educator, and I teach high school algebra 2 and geometry. I had to find a way to balance my schedule to make sure that I am still putting in 100% effort into my brand. I spent months preparing for a Re-Launch, and that’s exactly what I did. I spent hours revamping my website, target audience, creating a new merch, designing a whole new platform so that the “Message” I am trying to portray, represents my “Brand.”

Our message isn’t like anyone else, Our message is to simply “respect those that are different from you, regardless of where they come from.” I have created a brand where every article of clothing is printed with simplicity of words or phrases that make you question your own character. For example, “is it really that hard to respect someone different from you?” is a phrase on one of our shirts that forces you to read it and want to answer it internally. Everyone Brand is all about SELLING the MESSAGE, and then selling the brand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Sunday: Brunch at Oak Monday: Josephine $10 Crab Boil
Tuesday: Games night (Andretti’s, top golf, Main Event Bowlereo Bolling)
Wednesday: Edgewood Pizza
Thursday: Colony square for lunch, Paint and Sip
Friday: Edgewood or Buckhead for bars
Saturday: Dinner at Roc South and party at Gold room

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My closest friend, confidante, and mentor, Summer J is the owner of The Barber Code and Coded Transportation. I’m constantly watching, learning, and growing from her. If there’s one thing I have learned from her, it is to always give my customers the best service, and to always conduct business the RIGHT way the first time. Doing business the right way will always save you in the end. At times we all get stuck when sales aren’t up or customers aren’t accepting our business. Over the past few years, Summer has been one of my number one encouragers to keep going, keep pushing, and to keep dedicating more and more time into my brand. I value every conversation and advice that she has ever given. I pray that God continues to bless her business and her family.

Website: everyonebrand.org

Instagram: everyone_brand

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eveyONEbrand

Image Credits
Models: Aubre Teal Jamell Powell Javonne Scott Michael Owen Jordan Noil Arianna Williams Peter Ngo Caleb Outlaw Wathna Chhim Gerson Montano Photographers Sierra Reed William Stewart Remy Crispin

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