When one of your oldest friends in PR says she has a mompreneur you need to feature you listen. Learning about Shamanda I was definitely impressed and I’m betting you will be too! This mom is proving you can be and do any and everything if you put your mind to it. I’m happy to introduce you to our latest #MompreneurMondays mom Shamanda Burston.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
In high school I completed a career assessment. The results indicated that I would match well with a career as a psychologist. After researching the work of a psychologist, I knew it was a perfect fit. As a child and throughout my teenage years, I was always helping someone or providing solicited advice.
What were you doing before you came up with the idea for your business?
From 2009 to 2014 I worked full-time while in college and graduate school. I did not have any breaks in between. My focus was on building the foundation to launch my businesses and brand.
How did you come up with the name of your business?
The name of my business/brand is SB Enterprises. It is an umbrella under which I run various businesses. Of course, SB stands for “Shamanda Burston” and Enterprises is defined as “a project taken on that requires boldness and energy”. My business is focused on everything from being a Licensed Therapist, Executive Producer of a web series, a boutique real estate brokerage firm, professional speaker, and FUTURE author.
Why should we support your brand?
I am a reflection of any person whom is striving for more out of life. I identify with so many people from various walks of life. My life and story mirrors anyone from teenage parents, growing up in poverty, millennials beginning professional careers after college, students striving to find their purpose/direction, parenting while striving to maintain work/life balance, young professionals navigating the world of social media, dating, and other life “stuff”, saving and investing in your 20’s and 30’s, etc. I write a bi-weekly blog on various topics and recently launched a bi-weekly web series focused on various topics for young professionals. I also speak at various events and provide consultations on the above mentioned topics.
When did you start Your business?
My business was officially launched in 2015.
Why did you start your business?
I truly value and advocate Entrepreneurship. I believe that we all should develop a small business of some kind. My business/brand is my story and journey. It is my passions and purposes in action. I could not NOT start this business (smile). It has always been in progress.
Three things you’ve learned since starting the company.
1.) Protect your business and brand.
2.) Only work with people who are passionate about what they do.
3. Stay humble and willing to learn more.
Where do you see the business being in five years?
My business/brand will be featured in various national magazines, including Forbes 30 Under 30. My business will positively affect families through providing employment, training, and assistance to families. It will provide an example to other young women and men that regardless of where we begin we can accomplish our goals and dreams.
In fifteen?
I will be retired and my children will be responsible for the day to day operations (smile)
Who is your biggest supporter?
My mother! She shares all of my social media posts and brags on me to everyone she meets. I love her!
Who is your biggest inspiration?
Of course, my children. They are very supportive and encouraging. My daughter tells me every day that I will be famous…especially in stores where EVERYONE can hear her. (laughs)
Three brands other than yours that you support.
1.) Of course, my marketing team at JSW Media. I am blessed to have an amazing publicist, Jameka Whitten, who believes in my brand and businesses. During our initial consultation she didn’t think I was crazy for aspiring to meet Oprah, so I knew she was the one! (laughs)
2.) Chelca Publishing, my videography & photography team! Chuck Holiday is super patient and awesome with producing my web series, website and photos. He focuses on the details to bring to life my vision every time. Super grateful!
3.) Ethan & Zoey are my go-to wardrobe stylist team. I show up for a fitting and they get it right every time. I can always depend on those ladies to provide a look for any event.
**I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my awesome hairstylist LaDonna Stanfield at StylesbyLaDonna. She is awesome, reliable and dependable. I couldn’t pull off my events without her!
Parenting advice you would like to share.
Be patient with yourself as a parent. We were not provided with a “how to parent” manual before we left the hospital or adoption table. We are going to get some things wrong and our children may not “like” us every day. Study and learn your children. Each child is different with individual needs.
#momguilt – do you feel it? How do you cope?
Absolutely! I experienced #momguilt intensely while in graduate school and working full-time. It was a daily struggle to leave my children at daycare to engage in other responsibilities. I coped by reminding myself that working hard now is to their benefit. The more I worked, the easier their lives would be via financially, socially and environmentally. I reminded myself that it was a temporary sacrifice that I had to make. I also discussed it with them and made time to check in with them daily.
Favorite knock knock joke.
Hmm, (laughs)
Knock, Knock!
Who’s there?
Anita!
Anita who?
I need another minute to think it through….HAHA! (imoms.com)
