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

Hi Charna, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I started SB Wil Designs LLC I was in what I considered a crossroads position: continuing with a hobby or taking my hobby and turning into something profitable. I had been designing for fun and favors for almost 10 years before I took a chance on myself and recognized that my skills and expertise was something that more than my friends could profit from and that I could really make a living off of. But imposter syndrome is real and I often found myself questioning how good I really was. As I continue to get over that, I recognize that in so many other new entrepreneurs as they come to me for services, and the biggest thing I find they need is creative inspiration to keep pushing. I love providing that. At SB Wil Designs LLC my motto is Making Your Vision Reality, and I love to do just that! I love to have conversations with the entrepreneur who knows what they are passionate about but lacks the creative direction to convey it, or the entrepreneur who knows what they want and lacks the creative skills to produce it, and every other type in between. From reading their order form, to the discovery call where I get to know them, their business goals, their passions and inspirations and convey that into their branding and the excitement that they feel when I capture it brings me a satisfaction I couldn’t get outside of the creative world. I also love to leave them with a hint of confidence to chase their goals and charge their worth, because they feel their brand speaks quality and professionalism and they won’t be taken as a joke in the professional world. Creatives bring color to the black, white and gray of the business world and color is what I specialize in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So I am a forever learner, and that’s what I encourage every professional to be. Always, always, always invest in yourself and keep cultivating your craft so you can provide more to not just your customers but to the next generation of entrepreneurs. I’m always trying new software and programs to create new designs, I have a certification in Social Media Strategy that helps me provide my customers with more than just design expertise when developing their brand but also the opportunity to start their businesses off in the world of social media, and my most recent accomplishment is a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. So my customers know that when they come to me, I am staying up on not just the creative side but the expertise to really make their brands shine in a forever changing world. Was it easy? Absolutely not! Everyday it’s a challenge to challenge your mind, stay on top of my cue, and have a healthy personal life. But having the support of my loved ones makes each accomplishment worthwhile. The best advice I can give on overcoming challenges is setting a schedule and sticking to it. My calendar has all of my goals and responsibilities on it and I only shift what needs to be shifted. Working for yourself requires so much discipline because it’s easy to push things to later when you only answer to yourself. You’ll be paying for it at 3am I promise. If I haven’t learned anything else I’ve learned to give myself grace when I slip, but always get back on the horse. It’s possible, if I make it possible. What I want the world to know about my brand? I want the world to know that when you work with SB Wil Designs you’re not just getting a designer, you’re getting a temporary business partner who is just as invested in your brand as you are. Every decision is made with you with your goals and vision in mind and when our partnership ends, you leave with just as good or better than you came with.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So I’m the worst person for this question because I’m such a homebody and COVID has made that more than ok! But, I do have a few spots on my must see/do list: Nouveau Bar and Grill in College Park has the best drinks and brunch is amazing! Slutty Vegan downtown because EVERYONE should try it at least once I’ve discovered I love Indian food and Desi Spice Indian Cuisine has the best! The Atlanta Comedy Theatre in Norcross has great shows with known and up and coming talent And the Krog Street Tunnel has some of the best graffiti street art in the city! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m really thankful for my collective of SheEO’s who pushed me and told me that they would be my first customers if I would be brave enough to take that leap. I cherish them. So to my ORDApreneurs, Ci Brie and Sam, the Sweet Business collective and of course my Angel Investor and consultant sister Monika, thank you for being the creatives and business partners I would be lost without!

Website: sbwildesigns.com
Instagram: instagram.com/sbwildesigns
Facebook: facebook.com/sbwildesigns

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