Mercedes Sykes of All States on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Mercedes Sykes and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mercedes, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first minutes of my day starts with prayer first. You cannot start the day without first giving God thanks. Then I check my emails and respond to request. Afterwards, I start my morning routine and love on my kids before I have to really get my day started.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey. My name is Mercedes site. I am the owner of The Branding Link, where I am the creative analysis that execute the brands of one’s vision. I am committed to building a brand that not only thrives in the marketplace, but also serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment for others. I craft bold, magnetic experiences that make your business unforgettable. I know what it’s like to have a vision and feel stuck trying to bring it to life, so my mission is to help entrepreneurs and small business owners step into their power, own their story, and attract the clients and opportunities they deserve. My business journey has been fueled by a deep dedication to innovation, resilience, and community impact through every business that I touch. My motto is “Good branding is necessary for elevation.’

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
There was a time I couldn’t fully see the vision I had for myself. I knew I wanted to create, to build, and to impact, but I didn’t yet realize the full scope of what I was capable of. Before I could see it, though, there were people who did. Social media mentors (those in the industry) who challenged me, friends who cheered me on, and even clients who trusted me with their dreams. They recognized the fire, the creativity, and the leadership in me long before I could name it myself. Their belief became my mirror, helping me see not just who I was, but who I could become.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of being underestimated—or worse, overlooked. I’ve often worried that putting my ideas and my voice out there wouldn’t be enough, that I wouldn’t be taken seriously. But over time, I realized that growth only comes when you face that fear head-on, trust your vision, and show up anyway. The moment I stopped letting fear dictate my choices, I began stepping fully into my power and my purpose.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If you asked my closest friends, they’d tell you that what really matters to me is impact—making a difference in the lives of others and helping people grow, both personally and professionally. They’d say I care about building something meaningful, leaving a legacy, and creating spaces where others feel seen, supported, and empowered. They’d also point out that I value authenticity, creativity, and the freedom to express myself fully, whether it’s through my work, my brands, or the way I show up in life. At the heart of it, what drives me is connection, purpose, and using my skills and energy to uplift others while staying true to who I am.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not fully stepping into my purpose and chasing the vision I have for my life and my business. There’s a part of me that knows what I’m capable of, and not pursuing it—to the fullest—would feel like letting fear, doubt, or hesitation win. I’d regret holding back my creativity, my ideas, and my ability to impact others because I was too afraid to take risks or put myself out there. My biggest regret would be looking back and realizing I didn’t do everything I could to build, create, and leave a legacy that reflects who I truly am.

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Image Credits
Headshot: Kamera Girl

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