Meet Shakeira Smith | Graphic Designer and Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakeira Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakeira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process for starting my own business was rooted in the desire to regain and maintain independence, bolster my sense of self-worth, and establish a platform for growth as a mother for my children. As I envisioned my path forward, I gravitated toward entrepreneurship, aspiring to be a creator, mother, and provider by pursuing my passions in art and design. Being actively engaged in my community and giving back were also important to me, so I sought a business that could integrate these aspects. Additionally, an integral factor in my decision was to continue being a supportive partner to the person I remain deeply in love with throughout this entrepreneurial journey.

The first step in this process involved identifying my skills, assessing my capacity for quick learning, and determining how I could contribute meaningfully to my community. Through this reflection, Graphic Design emerged as the focal point of my entrepreneurial venture. From there, I began to seek out ways to start without any previously saved capital for initiating a business. This meant I had to figure out how to hit the ground running by leveraging what I already possessed and could quickly adapt.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

What distinguishes me is my ability to elevate businesses as a graphic designer and content creator. Beyond creating visually aligned graphics, I excel in content creation, partnership building, event design, and more. My aim is to make a brand’s story resonate throughout its operations, from visuals to employee management, receipts, and tech implementation. I approach design holistically, focusing not just on appearance but on aiding growth and educating clients on effective utilization. My journey was fueled by passion and a commitment to steady, consistent growth. Overcoming challenges involved learning to adapt and pace myself. The key lesson: prioritize consistency over rapid progress. At Designed By Shakeira, we design with passion and purpose, aligning with clients for mutual growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, I’d make sure to give them a taste of the culture and diverse experiences East Tennessee has to offer. We’d start with exploring the scenic tourist spots in Gatlinburg and Sevierville, immersing ourselves in the local sights and sounds.

When it comes to dining, we’d definitely hit up El Gallo Loco for some authentic flavors, enjoy a cozy cup of coffee at Calamity’s Coffee, and keep an eye out for any pop-ups by Kirks Kitchen in Oak Ridge for some home-cooked food. Yola’s Wingz Pop Ups would also be on the list for delicious chicken and fish.

To soak in the local vibe, we’d spend time at Jackson Square in Oak Ridge and Market Square in Downtown Knoxville, exploring the unique shops and soaking in the city’s atmosphere. For local shopping I’d go to Grove Center and Ridgeway Center in Oak Ridge because of their established businesses that are integral to the community.

For a spa day, Urz Professional is the go-to spot for relaxation and pampering in Knoxville. I always recommend places I’ve personally worked with, ensuring top-notch service and products.

If kids are in the picture, we’d explore the AMSE Museum, Children’s Museum, Muse, and the Knoxville Zoo for a mix of educational and fun activities. For the more athletic types, Nightmare University would be the spot for a group training session or a field day.

As the sun sets, I’d guide my friend to the vibrant nightlife, suggesting events hosted or attended by Tiffany Johnson, a local host and entrepreneur who always knows the best spots for a good time. East Tennessee offers a diverse and exciting mix of experiences, it’d be a week-long visit filled with a lot of memorable moments.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The individuals who played a pivotal role in initiating my business were those who supported my aspirations for growth while I worked on the startup. Foremost among them is my father, who consistently provided support in various aspects. Additionally, Jaraious Sykes, my partner and the owner of Nightmare University Sports Training in Oak Ridge, has been a steadfast supporter across all facets throughout our years together. His influence has been foundational in shaping many aspects of my life.

My family and friends have been invaluable in their support as friends and mentors while I embarked on the challenge of adding more to an already full plate. They ensured I had the necessary support to manage additional responsibilities soon after the birth of my first son—assisting with motherly duties, providing motivation, and ensuring my continued well-being. My son, in particular, served as a significant motivator. Motherhood, for me, signifies not only being a giver of life but also being blessed with the opportunity to design a fulfilling life for my child. Children thrive when they receive love, care, and the freedom to express their creativity in enjoyable ways.

My intern, Jkailyn Johnson, who is currently attending college to major in Mechanical Engineering, has also been an essential part of this journey.

In totality, my family and friends, along with my intern, deserve the utmost credit for the inception of my business and its subsequent progression.

As my business grew, various companies and clients played essential roles in providing platforms and opportunities for further development. Enhance Hustle in Knoxville proved to be a valuable program, aiding me in finding mentors, business partners, clients, and more to scale my business in the Knoxville area.

Noteworthy clients such as Kryshonna Mitchell, the owner of Urz Professional Spa and Suites in Knoxville, Jeremiah Pearson (DJ Jerry J) of Knoxville, Jaraious Sykes of Nightmare University, and Zachary Robinson, the owner of DOORS – Dreams of Oak Ridge Students, along with my intern Jkailyn Johnson, contributed significantly to building my portfolio. The designs and content created through collaborations with them and other events have been instrumental in enhancing my business and fostering community engagement.

While numerous individuals have played crucial roles in my entrepreneurial journey, these individuals, including my intern, stand out as key characters in the narrative of Designed By Shakeira.

Website: DesignedByShakeira.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedbyshakeira/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakeira-smith-5a3a89277

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designedByshakeira/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3H8p6ldnzF_M4OU2KCB5OQ/videos

Other: You can search “Designed By Shakeira” on all my platforms to find me!

Image Credits
Doors – Dreams of Oak Ridge Students Doors.Gives