Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherita Carthon.
Hi Sherita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
How it all started | I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived on the west side of town with my twin sister, brother, and parents. As far back as I can remember, I have always been in sales! Like most kids, I got my first start in the industry by doing door-to-door candy sales for the school fundraiser. By the age of 10-years old, I was making at least $300.00 dollars a week by walking dogs and re-selling my candy at school. I attended Cleveland School of the Arts and took a deep fascination in drama and media development.
By 13 years old, my parents sold our Cleveland home as we were headed to a mission trip to Zimbabwe, Africa. Only problem was, we never got there! Our Visas were lost en route, and we were stuck in New York City. Our family lived homeless in the Sunday School room of a Brooklyn church for 3 years before finding a stable place to live. I eventually graduated from Madison High School in Madison, NJ. Out of high school, I knew exactly the profession I wanted to pursue: Print Journalism! I wrote for some of the most notable newspapers in the country, including, The Palladium-Item, The Toledo Blade, The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Sun Newspapers, and The American University in Cairo. I attended Wilberforce University and graduated with a BA in Mass Communications. I stayed in the profession for 4 years. Print journalism didn’t intrigue me, and I felt like I needed a career change.
One day, I went to a local BBQ restaurant called “Kym’s Wings,” and they had an advertising board with business cards and ads attached. My #1 thought was, “They could make so much more money if their advertising looked more appealing.” I ripped all of the ads off the board, took them home, and redesigned them. I called up to 55 people. Talking to each person – I explained how I learned about their business and that I had a “business re-design gift for them.” From that group, around 25 people took me up on my offer to do more graphic design work, and that launched my design business. I used this same exact method to work with and brand national celebrities like Lamar Odom, Brandy Norwood [ Branfanland], Actress Brely Evans, Coach Christina Johnson of VHI, Michelle Williams, Producer with The Today Show, Norelle Simpson [ Background Singer for Rihanna, Alicia Keys & John Legend, Marvin Sapp, Chandra Currelley-Young of Tyler Perry Productions and many more. This journey has allowed me to be featured in numerous publications and media, including CNN, VHI [Black Ink Crew], Live with Les Brown, CBS, and NBC.
Outside of doing luxury brand design, I also enjoy hosting funding and marketing mixers and conferences for creatives and entrepreneurs called “Powerbrand Conference & Expo.” We have thought leaders and experts locally and nationally talk about new technology and different ways entrepreneurs can secure financing and elevate their brand strategies in order to stay competitive in the current business market. This year we hosted over 50+ speakers from across the nation. We also had more than 400+ people who attended locally and virtually.
I’m also the author of two books, “The Ultimate You & The Celebrity Sales Method | Volume 1 ” My goal is to simply continue. I absolutely love what I have been called to do. On the homefront, I am happily married to my partner Mark, and I have two children, both attending college. I am a Toastmaster. I am a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. + I have Diabetes II and Lupus.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely has not been smooth! The greatest challenge I face is self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and battling Lupus + Diabetes.
Funny story! In October, within a 3-week span, more than 5 close family members/friends died within days of each other. Those deaths included having to bury my brother and biological father only 6 days apart. My best friend, who helped with my father’s funeral, died 3 days later. In the midst of handling the deepest level of grief ever, I still had to be present and lead a team that was working on the PowerBrand Conference. Not even 3 months later, I suffered a diabetic complication and ended up unconscious in the hospital for almost a week. What I learned is that no matter what happens, you have to stay focused and humble. You can’t control what happens; you can only control your response.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a luxury brand designer. I absolutely love what I do because I am able to literally go in the mind of the customer as they are talking about their vision and create what they envision. I also do this through the “Celebrity Sales Method.” If client is stuck on creative ways to make money or reach their target market, I am able to ask them specific questions about their target market and help them strategize creative ways to “fill the need” and earn an income. What sets me apart from many design service providers is the personalize plans based on who they are as people vs – just making money.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I am not a traditionally “lucky” person. I think my consistency in the field and the relationships I have created with people has afforded me the ability to stay relevant.
Pricing:
- Consultation = $150/per hour
- Graphics = $225/per item
- Media Kits | One Sheets = $225/per item
- Websites = $1,500/starting price
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carthonconsultingroup.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sheritaofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherita.carthon.39
Image Credits
Sherita Carthon
