Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabryia Reese.
Hi Sabryia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In the winter of 2016, I became homeless with a 1.5 year old little girl. I spent over a month trying to secure a shelter space after being told I may not be accepted into the shelter if they feel I can live with someone else. I then had to attend what’s called “the back to work program” where people sat around from 9am-5pm on computers filling out job applications. It was such a depressing experience because I saw people well into their 60’s with degrees crying in the hallways because they did not have jobs people like them or I. And even though I was in there with them also mentally distraught, people kept coming to me for answers. I started to realize the only way out was to become the solution. So, I pushed past the tears and started looking into business classes to figure out how. A friend of mine recommended Rising Tide Academy in Jersey City. I applied and was selected to attend on a scholarship.
Every week I traveled from Sheapshead Bay, Brooklyn to Jersey City, sometimes with a stroller because I didn’t have babysitting and I sat in each class pushing myself as hard as I could. I graduated and by the end of the program, my business idea went from helping people get back into the workforce to me helping people start their businesses. I taught myself web and graphic design and quickly realized not only was I great at this, but clearly it was my calling because each person I worked with expressed they had been praying for someone to understand their vision and only I was able to understand and execute it perfectly. I faced homelessness again in 2019 but at the end of 2020, I packed my car and drove down to Atlanta and was able to get an apartment for me and my daughter. The air is clear, entrepreneurs are more welcome here and I don’t know how but by the grace of GOD, my bills have been paid. I am hoping to figure out how to expand, secure contracts and funding and eventually become a solution for people who are in need of government assistance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been quite a rough road. Briefly explained in the last question. I struggled with homelessness twice. I never had a support system so a lot of endeavors I wanted to attend, I couldn’t because not everything was kid-friendly. Lack of knowledge or finance. I am grateful however!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My clients call me “The Fairy Brand Mother,” I specialize in bringing vision to life by executing responsive web and graphic design, custom content and brand strategy. Most of my clients need full branding, from Web sites to establishing their brand presence.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I have taken HUGE risks, like driving 2000+ miles to live a better life. I learned in life not everyone’s journey is the same and you can’t allow someone else’s season to deter you from doing whatever it takes to fulfill your own purpose. Risks are needed to grow and elevate. It’s not up for debate. Sometimes the risk is greater then expected but it’s always worth it.
Contact Info:
- Email: Biz@makeyourimagematter.com
- Website: makeyourimagematter.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/image_matters_llc
Image Credits
Colored hair images by Brown & Sons Photography (brownandsonsphotography.com) website also done by me Head shot (black and white suit by: Brandan Rashad (brandanrashad.com) All graphics by me “The Fairy Brand Mother”
