Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Solomon.
Hi Shawna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started when I was young girl watching my aunt run her salon. It was so inspiring to watch her run and manage her own business. Being a teen mom, I assumed and was told college was out the picture and I needed to work. I worked in her salon when I could, but also worked in banking to pay the bills. Always thinking of ways to make more money. I would braid hair after work & on weekends for extra cash. I began researching and finding creative ways to build a business without the help of the internet.
In the meantime, my mom started a Women Entrepreneur group, and they would meet weekly.
Still working for a bank, I took a transfer to another state. Packed up my kids and went. Only to be told that six months later, position would not be filled. Disappointed and scared. I knew something had to happen to feed my babies with only 3 months of savings left. By now, the internet is a huge thing, and Facebook has just launched.
I did some research on what sells fast, didn’t like what I seen so decided to go to the next best thing, selling lingerie. With no extra money for inventory, I decided drop shipping was the way to go. I created a MySpace & Facebook page and posted my photo of my products. And the sales started coming in. Learned quickly about merchant processing, what’s accepted and not accepted, and the same with website hosting. After more late nights and research. Decided to design my own website, stop dropshipping, and purchased my first box of inventory with my sales.
After about 3 years, it was time to expand. I wanted to tap into clothing for the women I would meet throughout the process. Expanding into clothes, allowed me to meet more women like me, they would come into the store and ask for advice as they shopped and that opened up the consultant in me. In-store appointments turned into full map-out sessions.
Years later, my family had a major emergency and so had to shift away from being in the store. Women were paying me to consult them, but they needed more. I had more, but also wanted to make a bigger impact, reach and help more women like me.
Took a year off to do some case studies with my teachings, put some processes in place, and complete my entrepreneur program. Shawna Solomon & Associates was birthed in 2019 and we officially opened our doors in 2020.
Since, we have assisted over 200 women with scaling their small brands, Facilitated entrepreneur programs for non-profit and local banks.
It’s been a journey with many highs and many lows, but I know of I can do it, they can too.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! Throughout this whole journey, I’ve dealt with every issue being a young single mom. Having to choose between feeding my kids and buying inventory.
Dealing with domestic violence situation where I left and had to start over with everything.
Not knowing or having the resources to help me grow my business.
Being denied business credit because my business wasn’t set up properly.
Losing all inventory to a flood and not being reimbursed because of how the policy was written.
I can go on and on. But these are the things that keep me going with helping others like me prevent them from making the same mistakes I did
We’ve been impressed with Shawna Solomon & Associates, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We assist small brands from a brand image perspective. Helping them build a trusted and credible brand image. Building a solid foundation, showing them how to show up and be taken seriously. Providing strategies for them to attract the market they desire, build a reputable brand, and scale for financial self-sufficiency.
SSA is hands-on. Each staff member is an entrepreneur and has the experience to assist with sustainable growth.
Most proud of watching some clients scale past their financial goals, reaching six figures or more. Others have made progress where they no longer need public assistance. This is huge for me since I relied on assistance as a teen mom.
Watching domestic violence survivors leave their abusive situations and being able to financially sustain and work from home, anywhere. Breaking the cycle of going back.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
LOL! I just start talking openly about my domestic violence situation. Many were shocked that this, along with all the negative I received, has fueled me to help others push through and still be successful,
Teen mom- You can do it!
Domestic Violence Survivor- You can do it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shawnasolomonandassociates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theestylemuva
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnasolomon?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ShawnaSolomon?si=PP2tK7iYb3XB2w2-
- Other: Beacons.ai/theestylemuva
Image Credits
Ray Carrington
Monica Godfrey
Chaka Poole
Marvin Solomon
