Rising Stars: Meet Sabrina Evans of Online Based

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina Evans.

Hi Sabrina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey started long before Thee Social Maven had a name. I have always been the creative one, the person people called when they needed something designed, organized, or branded. But for years, I was behind the scenes, helping others build their dreams while quietly ignoring my own.

I have worked in design and marketing for over a decade, moving through corporate offices, agencies, and small businesses. Along the way, I learned that great branding is more than visuals or trends. It is how strategy and design work together to create trust. That belief became the foundation for everything I do today.

In 2024, everything changed. Two days after my father had a stroke, I received a redundancy notice. It was one of those moments that forces you to pause and decide who you want to become next. Instead of rushing back into another job, I chose to build something of my own.

That choice became Thee Social Maven, a brand and marketing consultancy that helps businesses show up with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Around the same time, I expanded Grafix JA, my creative studio focused on bold, aesthetic-driven design. Together, both brands reflect who I am: a creative strategist who believes your image is part of your strategy and that looking the part is just as important as playing it well.

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 has not been a smooth road, but I do not think entrepreneurship ever is.

When I started Thee Social Maven, I was rebuilding my life from the ground up. Losing my job right after my father’s stroke was one of the hardest moments I have ever faced. I went from working nonstop to suddenly having to figure everything out on my own while being a full-time caretaker. It was an emotional and financial test that forced me to grow in ways I did not expect.

There were moments of doubt and fear. I questioned if I could really build something sustainable while juggling so much personally. But that season taught me that starting over is not failure. It is a strategy.

The hardest part has been balancing creativity with business. As a designer, it is easy to get lost in creating, but building a brand requires systems, structure, and consistency. I had to learn how to slow down, price with confidence, and grow with intention. Every challenge shaped how I now work and lead with clarity, empathy, and focus.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I am a creative strategist who helps businesses pair aesthetics with strategy to build brands that stand out and last.

Through Thee Social Maven, I focus on brand and marketing consulting. I help businesses clarify who they are, position themselves with confidence, and show up consistently online. Whether it is brand strategy, social media planning, or refining a digital presence, the goal is always clarity, consistency, and credibility.

With Grafix JA, I bring those strategies to life through bold, design-led execution. From branding and packaging to campaigns and visuals, this is where creativity meets structure.

What sets me apart is how I merge image and intention. I do not believe in separating design from strategy. A brand can be beautiful, but without purpose it fades. A strategy can be brilliant, but if it looks DIY or inconsistent, it will not connect. My work lives at the intersection of design, direction, and intention.

I am most proud of the fact that both of my businesses were built from a place of purpose after one of the hardest times in my life. They are proof that clarity and courage can rebuild almost anything.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I see risk as part of the creative process. It is what separates dreamers from doers. Growth only happens when you are willing to step into the unknown with a clear intention behind it.

The biggest risk I ever took was choosing myself. After losing my job and caring for my father, the easiest thing would have been to find another 9-to-5. Instead, I decided to build something of my own with no guarantees. It was a risk emotionally, financially, and professionally, but it became one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.

Another risk was standing firm in my belief that aesthetics and strategy belong together. The industry often separates them, but I built my business on the idea that your image is your strategy. That choice required me to educate clients, hold my ground, and build a new standard around what effective branding really looks like.

To me, risk is not about being fearless. It is about moving with conviction, even when things are uncertain. Every bold move I have made has shaped the woman and entrepreneur I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theesocialmaven.com | www.grafixja.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theesocialmaven_ | https://www.instagram.com/grafix_ja_/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-evans-78179a59/