Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Mabone.
Hi Rhonda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Sharise. I am the owner of Sharise Designs & Prints. I grew up in Eads, TN, moved to Memphis, TN after graduating from Fayette-Ware High School in 1997. For years, I worked in the health care field and for different companies but have always wanted my own business. I was told I was crazy for wanting my own business. I was told it will never work. But I kept praying and asking God for guidance.
I loved graphic designs and I STEPPED OUT ON FAITH in 2016 to become a full-time graphic designer. I was determined to work for myself, Sharise Designs & Prints. I would design for family members and close friends. They kept me busy designing flyers, business cards, yard signs, and invitations. I decided to add more to Sharise Designs. So I started designing and printing graphic t-shirts. That is when I found out I am a true HUSTLER. I would sell t-shirts out of my car at the corner stores, I had a special for every holiday, and I printed hundreds of shirts for family reunions.
I mastered making t-shirts so I added Obituaries to my inventory. That is when I discovered my niche. When I was younger, I would fold and staple obituaries for my aunt, not thinking I will make a career out of a business with obituaries. But I fell in love! Found my passion. I love meeting with families, listening to them reminisce about their loved ones. I drive to the family houses, funeral homes, and restaurants to meet with families across the Mid-South.
February 2021, I was blessed to open a location in Bartlett, TN. My business expanded! It is no way I can run my company alone. I have 4 magnificent team players and we have completed over 1,200 obituary designs at Sharise Designs & Prints. I am THE OBITUARY LADY!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I started my business with hard-earned money! I did not have a handout or loan. I worked 24/7 and saved money to start Sharise Designs & Prints.
One of the hardest times for me would be when my cutter or heat press would break down. That happened to me on several occasions. I think I overworked the machines lol. I had 2 set-ups to keep up with my orders. Another hard moment was waiting for my printer to produce my layouts once designed. Since then, I have purchased my own printer so that’s no longer an issue.
It has not been a smooth road. The hardest time for me was August 2016 when my Father, a birthday twin, was murdered in his own home. I did not want to design, I did not want to do anything, I was in shock for months. My customers loved my work, but I felt like it wasn’t my best. I was missing a big part of my life. It took time but I thank God for prayer and growth because now I am back and happy when I meet my customers. Whenever I feel down, I listen to my video recordings of my dad encouraging me, saying he is proud of me.
Another hiccup for me was the pandemic! I went from printing 10 programs a month to 10 programs a week. The death rate increased and so did my numbers. I could hardly keep up with the customers. Not only was I overloaded with work, but I also could not meet with my customers face to face. I used facetime and other video apps to assist during the pandemic.
We are still practicing social distancing and sanitizing our office in between families.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sharise Designs & Prints. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sharise Designs & Prints is located in Bartlett, TN. We are a graphic design company. We design flyers, invitations, tickets, programs, signs, menus, posters, bookmarks, and business cards. We specialize in Obituaries. We design obituaries, funeral programs, for families all over the country. We are known for our 100 for $99 special.
We do not use templates. Each program has its own special design. We do character designs for kids, basketball and football layouts, numerous colors, and themes. All of our work is printed on color, cardstock paper, with a glossy finish. Not only do we specialize in obituaries, but we also have singers, preachers, and caterers for repasts. Contact us if you need vendor’s information for t-shirts, casket wrap, dove release, or carriage ride. Sharise Designs & Prints is a 1 Stop Shop for funeral needs.
I am beyond proud of Sharise Designs & Prints. I look forward to teaching others how to complete graphic designs. I plan to open several locations starting 2023 with location #2.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is to allow people to help you. I would always turn down help. My friends would ask to volunteer. They would see me up for days, getting out orders. I really needed their help but my pride was in the way. Once I accepted help, I was able to complete more orders.
Pricing:
- 100 programs for $99 *color *glossy *cardstock
- Business cards 100 for $35 *design fee is extra
- Flyers 100 for $35 *design fee extra
Contact Info:
- Email: sharisedesigns1@gmail.com
- Website: https://sharise-designs.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharisedesignsandprints/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.mabone.9/
Image Credits
Errance Davis (Billions Davis) of BillionWayz TV
