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

Hi Shelsey, why did you pursue a creative career?
Since high school, I have always been passionate about art. I remember receiving several different pathways as add-ons to my diploma. I participated in marching band (color guard) and did four years of both graphic arts and marketing. I was able to let my creative juices flow. My ultimate dream was to work in fashion/fashion marketing but I took off on a different journey. Later in life is when I found myself back, back where I know I needed to be. For me, creativity is how I release and relax. My mind is always wandering so art keeps me attentive and focused.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been passionate about art, from performing arts to creative design. Growing up, we always “know” what we want to do in life but at the same time we may face different obstacles that may deter us from where we are headed.

It has always been about presentation for me, so I was always into marketing and design. My dream was to attend SCAD and even after receiving a scholarship, I had truly gotten a bit discouraged and had a change at heart. Long story short, I became an educator because of the love that I have for my community and the passion with the well-being and success of children.

A few years back, I decided to be that plus more Creating avenues for Black individuals to succeed in life. I wanted my community to know about Black owned businesses, I wanted to help Black owned businesses build their brands, to help those non-business owners find a career that they loved. So I begin designing logos and writing resumes.

Overtime, this has turned into so much more and I am forever thankful!

The biggest lesson that I have learned along the way, “NEVER GIVE UP!” It may sound a little cliché, but it’s the absolute truth. When you feel like no one is watching, there is someone behind you, peeking in your direction, rooting for you and supporting you. Your work will not go unnoticed.

I want the world to know that Get Black and Branded, LLC may not have it all together right now, but we have something. With every struggle and every sacrifice, comes true success.

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?
Well, I am in Covington, just outside of Atlanta. Pretty much everything we do is in the city but we do have some great eateries out here. So, with this being a week long trip, we would definitely have to hit 20 west and jump on 285 or 75! It’s so many different things to do in the Atlanta area, a week would do it no justice.

But since I’m more on the calmer, chill side, I definitely like my peace of mind. I would start with always having breakfast in my neck of the woods. To get that nice southern breakfast that we all love, we’d likely visit Town House Café. History is so important to me, so we would take a day to visit the King Center, his home, as well as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. A more upbeat day would likely consists of a little shopping. I know out of towners hear Lenox and want to visit, so we may do a mall run there. Find something nice to where and go enjoy some vibes and hookah at Boogalou.

There are some places that I haven’t visited myself, that I would love to see but this is just a little start.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, my son, his face, his smile, his presence, is my number one drive and passion behind everything that I do. Knowing that he looks up to me and the things I do, means so much to me. He definitely keeps me motivated. Also, my mother! She has been a go-getter in all that she does. She has always been a giving and loving person. There has never been a time when I haven’t witnessed her helping someone in need. Her carefree, worry-free personality and advice is what pushed me to take this leap of faith,

Instagram: @BlackAndBranded

Linkedin: Shelsey Reed

Twitter: @BlackAndBranded

Facebook: Get Black and Branded, LLC

Youtube: https://youtu.be/dL1MMvdnvro

Other: Email: brandedba@gmail.com

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