PPB August 2020

Moo r e & Moo r e Me r ch already learned so much that we’ll be ready when the time comes. Another thing that I love is that we’ve had some really great clients; people that we knew initially starting out, that we were able to kind of cut our teeth on. So, if something was a little messed up, it wasn’t as big of a deal as it may have been for someone we’ve never worked with before and didn’t know. Although we do stand behind our products and we are going to make it right for our clients, that was something really helpful in the beginning. For instance, there was a notebook that I ordered, and it was something so simple, but I didn’t check the dimensions. This was a miniature notebook and the client wanted a full- sized notebook. This notebook was so small; that mistake could have been an issue, but it wasn’t. Just having that grace from clients has been really helpful because now we know to double-check and triple- check things like that. PPB Why and when did you join PPAI and how would you describe your experience in the industry so far? Sonjia Smith We are pretty fresh. I believe we joined in December, and we went to our first Expo this past January. We knew at some point that we wanted to get involved with some of the organizations within the industry, and that opportunity came up and we are so glad that we joined. From my own experience, and I’ve discussed this with Quianne and Shandrea, I’ve noticed that the industry seems older. Even when we got on the topic of some of the imagery in the industry, a lot of it seems to be outdated. Being within the industry and even when I had a short stent at a distributor, I just felt that things were so archaic. Now that I’ve joined PPAI, I started seeing more modern and hip things happening. Quianne Perrin Savoy One of the things that I enjoy about our industry is so silly, but it’s that Facebook group, Promotional Products Professionals. It’s a really great resource and things like that are cool because I can go on there looking for a product, then boom, I find it along with a referral. I enjoy the camaraderie and how we help each other in this industry. I like how promotional products touch so many industries and people. I’ve noticed if someone is raving about an event, it’s probably because they got a really good promo item. I just love that part of it and how we can be creative. PPB As Black women business owners, what advice do you have for other minority entrepreneurs, especially other women? Sonjia Smith Get a good mentor to help guide you along the way. Ask questions; don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, seek out other minority business owners. I think that is something that we can all benefit from. Quianne Perrin Savoy I would say to definitely search for podcasts you can listen to. [See PPB’s podcasts on p.83] I am a podcast junkie and there are so many out there. The guests [the podcasts] bring on are often people who you can reach out to in real life and have a conversation with. Normally, those people are looking forward to hearing from you. I would also say to get involved. Have a list of people you want to talk to or meet when you attend a show or conference. Be active on social media. There are hashtags to help connect you with people within our industry. And as much as you’re wanting help, make sure you’re giving it as well. It’s not all about taking but having something to give as well. The last thing I would say is to find ways to partner. Shandrea Patton For someone opening a minority-owned business, I would say stay the long haul. It’s not going to be easy; things are not going to go perfectly the first time around. And to not give up. You may hear a lot of no’s, spend more money than you plan on spending and have a lot of doors close on you, but keep pushing at it because if you have the passion for it, doors will start to open and things will come together. Kristina Valdez is associate editor of PPB. “Youmay hear a lot of no’s, spend moremoney than you plan on spending and have a lot of doors close on you, but keep pushing at it because if you have the passion for it, doors will start to open and things will come together.” —Shandrea Patton 86 | AUGUST 2020 | CONNECT