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Name: Sherilyn Bennett
Business: Camden Lane Creative Agency
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Industry: Professional Services
Reason for starting? I was forced into starting this agency, and I am glad that I did. I have worked creatively in the news arena and well as advertising for over 20 years. After a divorce, I returned home and spent 2 years looking for employment. I found employment with a wonderful agency. When I was laid off, I had been working for that agency for 6 years.
My reason for starting is because, when I received the dreaded pink slip, I knew it was sink or swim for me. I had two sons in college and myself to look after, so I used my God given talent and went to work. I had no idea that I already had the clients to launch my own agency, but that is exactly what happened. I took the funds from the separation package I received and launched a plan. That was 3 years ago. I have not looked back, and my clientele has grown tremendously.
Related: Read about another professional services entrepreneur here.
How do you define success? As I have gotten older my definition of success has changed. I am now 49 years old, and I sometimes think about my mindset as a 20-something. At this moment, success to me equals contentment. Sure, it is wonderful to not have to worry financially, but peace of mind is so valuable to me now. I also feel I am successful because I give back to women who are on the same entrepreneurial journey as I am. My creative agency’s focus is women in business, and we do things to empower and educate them through our LEAP brand. Success means to leave a legacy that other women can latch on to. To be able to empower those who will come after you. That is what success means to me.
Biggest success: Well, I believe my biggest success to date is happening now. My company is in contract to partner with the TBN brand and its new Trilogy Publishing house. For a small creative company, this is major. I will be able to offer my branding suite to their new authors. I recently appeared on Good Day Charlotte on FOX to discuss five ways to build your brand on a budget.
What is your top challenge and how you have addressed it? My top challenge has been time management. Being able to work from home can be a blessing and a curse. I had to learn to have hours as if I was working in the corporate world. It was not easy at first to stay off of the phone and make sure my social life didn’t interfere with my work day.
Related: This Designer Couldn’t Find Cute Shipping Boxes. Now Her Startup Makes Them.
Who is your most important role model? A have a few role models that I admire. They pour into me in different ways. I am grateful for them all.
[box_light]Website www.
Twitter @sherilynbennett
Facebook www.Facebook.com/CamdenLaneCreative Agency
Instagram @CamdenLaneCreativeAgency [/box_light]
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Edited by The Story Exchange