Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Crosby.
Carmen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been drawn to living creatively – I’ve been drawn to art since I was a very small child (I still have paintings from elementary) and have actively made a point to fit in artistic endeavours frequently. And when I say creative living; it’s not limited to scenarios focused on art, I would consider solving difficult problems in clever ways, learning to skate, cooking an elaborate meal, etc all part of the ways I’ve vowed to find creative outlets.
Growing up in the midwest in a low-income single mother home allowed me the opportunity to be nimble and imaginative with my time and resources. We couldn’t always buy additions so I would find ways to make them myself – I am a very proud DIYer. I would redecorate the house, revamp furniture and clothing from the thrift store, sew things from scratch. Now I should note that both of my parents were in my life, we just lived in separate homes, but both of my parents agreed that education and artistic freedom were extremely important. I’ve only now really realized as an adult how “little” we had; we actually had more than enough. My perspective is one that I am sure is shared with many in this country, as I lived in an entirely black community but attended school in a predominantly white affluent community. This opportunity in such a segregated city only gave my the best skills in teaching me how to relate and talk to just about anyone. During these years I was able to start growing technical skills in architecture, design, and art. Studying both architecture, design, and photography in college coupled with an array of friends only propelled my interest in connecting with many different people.
My work experience, and I’ve worked since I was 15, has also had a huge part in creating the person that I am today. I worked retail for what seemed like forever! Forcing my naturally shy, introverted self into the world of sales, commission, operations, and visual merchandising has taught me how to be “on”, polished, and always how to remain calm while someone spews hate for not being able to make a return, ha! But seriously, the business acumen, marketing, and empathy for other humans in general I can give thanks to my time working retail. From there I oversaw multiple departments at a contemporary art museum – this was the position that really taught me that I can handle and do absolutely everything – operations, customer service, retail shop design, buying, e-commerce, events management, ux design, – I mean the list goes on. It’s overwhelming how much I owned while in this position but it was the first time I felt my real impact on a space and culture. I learned how to be an entrepreneur, take care of others, and gain a real confidence. From sharing half a donut with Amy Sherald, successfully planning a twerk-tastic concert of Big Freedia, to successfully converting everyday visitors in contemporary art fans – this job was an absolute dream! I admittedly sometimes tell people that I “shared a meal” with Amy Sherald lol, but I digress, I just loved working there!
Fast forward to now – following my move to Atlanta during the pandemic, after giving birth to my firstborn, and graduating from Georgia tech with a UX, UI degree – I’ve launched a consulting business and e-commerce brand solely from word of mouth and sheer determination. I am at a starting point but have never felt more up to the task than I do now! The pandemic put so many things into perspective so I am focused on creating a life around freedom and have been blessed to help other grow their businesses and personal lives around the same ideals. I have a talent for figuring things out with little to no resources and am consistently striving to connect with and help others solve their problems in the easiest way possible.
Stay tuned because consulting and e-commerce is just the start – I’ll be hosting events and workshops again in the next few months as the world continues to get safer.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
You know, so many things have always come so easy to me, like I would get As without really studying, could wing it on interviews and get the job, that I sometimes felt that as an adult this set me up for failure. When things come easy to you, you don’t get prepared for the actual hard work of life or when something really difficult comes along you feel as though life owes you something. Prior to my mother passing, of course, there were hard moments but nothing like the grind I was prepared for. She died suddenly and I had nothing! I slept on couches, worked multiple jobs – that grind and hunger I’m thankful for because I would have been too comfortable and never really strived if this never happened. I remember planning my months on the paper calendar and I would have something like 3 days off a month. I would take the brightest highlighter and outline them. Oh I would go to school from 9-5, work 6-2am and there was a time that I would get off from that job attempting to buy $2 worth of food at fast food restaurant and my card being declined! I’ve worked so hard for this “freedom” now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Again because I have so much experience I’ll call myself a Creative Project consultant or just Creative. Currently, I project manage, provide ux, ui, and general design services, as well as business operations consultations. I assumed that after graduating from Georgia Tech in March 2021 that I would apply for a design agency of some kind and work a ux position full time but I’ve been able to start building a business in ATL. I’m so thankful to this city for that; it really promotes entrepreneurship. And most of my clients are black women! For me, this is so amazing because this is a community I’ve been praying for. My daughter just turned 6 months and I am so proud to say that I’m running this new business and started an e-commerce brand as well.
What makes you happy?
There are small things like my favorite food craving that is finally satisfied, the ocean waves, snagging a product on release date that is sure to sell out but what makes me the most happy is my little family (toy poodle, cat, 6 month baby, partner) plus the community I’m currently blessed to be building here. I’m also happy for the state of mind to truly focus on doing things in this lifelike focusing on finding ways to maintain freedom. Recently making a living hasn’t been a hindrance or main focus of my existence like it has in the past – work fits into my life versus the other way around; I am able to put my family time first. This life is so fleeting so I’m most happy focusing on my family, traveling, connecting with new people, and creating a life with the freedom and means to do so.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@carmendenise.com; info@shop-nise.com
- Website: www.carmendenise.com; www.shop-nise.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarmendenise/; https://www.instagram.com/pronounced_nice/
Image Credits
Images with orange backgrounds Photographer: Tiffany J Sutton; 2019 Email: sutton.tiffany@gmail.com Website: tiffjtiffsutton.com
