We recently connected with Risha Ferdinand and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Risha, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
By being the only one in the room, that look like me, made it easy to stand out….I was already standing out lol
Instead of looking at what I didn’t have, I made myself aware of what and who I have. As I placed emphasis on my strengths, it inevitably shifted everyone’s focus on it.
I can recall someone once asked a client of mine “how can someone from a third world country help you who are living in a first world country?” My client quickly rose to her feet and listed all the results she got from having me as her business consultant and strategist. At that moment, I realized that I am different! Not because of my address but because of the value I deliver.
There are so many average people around that it takes little from me to be extraordinary. We live in a world where people are delivering mediocre and substandard work, lacking integrity and accountability, that once I remain true to myself, uphold integrity, transparency and respect, I automatically set apart myself in the room.
In times past, I felt embarrassed for being different. I didn’t want to show my face on camera, I didn’t want to speak and I did not disclose where I am from. Back then I knew the level of work I can give and results that comes with it, but I focused on my differences.
My differences were actually my gain!
Today, I proudly state where I am from and wear it as a badge of honor. I continue to deliver high level work and stand firm on integrity. As such, the clients I work with are overly satisfied and my competency continues to blow their minds. They have become my marketing team without I having to ask.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
In 2018, my life took a transformative turn as I embraced full-time entrepreneurship, a decision I’ve never regretted. Though I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2011, it was a side hustle while I pursued a promising career in Corporate. By 2017, I faced a pivotal choice: the security of a steady income or the freedom to control my time. I chose freedom. I officially registered Strategic Business Management Agency in 2018, and the growth I’ve experienced since then has far exceeded my initial expectations.
In February 2020, I expanded into the international market, offering e-Commerce and marketing services tailored to product-based businesses. The global pandemic brought unprecedented growth opportunities, and I used social media to amplify my visibility, demonstrate my expertise, and attract clients. To date, I have worked with over 200 boutique businesses—97% of them located in the USA, with others across the UK, Australia, Canada, Ghana, and the Caribbean.
By 2024, I distilled my knowledge and experience into a textbook, Ready Set Go: The ABC’s for Product-Based Businesses. This book serves as a step-by-step guide for aspiring entrepreneurs and those who’ve started but stalled along the way. It has had a transformative impact, providing practical activities that have sparked significant progress for many.
While not everyone can join my one-on-one Board Meeting Program, this textbook ensures that anyone can access the strategies and business advice needed to consistently generate sales and profits.
Now is the perfect time to have a product-based business, as demand for tangible goods remains strong. The key to success lies in offering a product that meets a hungry market’s needs. For example, I helped an eight-year-old women’s jewelry store restructure its operations and marketing, resulting in an increase in monthly sales from $12k to $60k in just six months. This success led to the creation of six new jobs and the addition of two storefronts.
Another client from California, in the women’s apparel industry, has also seen remarkable results. After 12 months of collaboration, she not only cleared debt and won legal battles but also created more jobs and is preparing to open her fifth storefront. Together, we increased cash flow and established a financial strategy that will sustain her business for the long term.
Success may look different for every business, but the ultimate goal is always the same: increased sales, profitability, and job creation.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that were most impactful in shaping my success are adaptability, strategic thinking, and relationship building.
The business landscape is constantly changing—new technologies emerge, markets shift, and customer behaviors evolve. Being adaptable allowed me to navigate these changes with confidence, learning and pivoting quickly when necessary. Early on, I embraced flexibility, recognizing that sticking rigidly to a plan could limit growth. Entrepreneurs need to be open to evolving their methods, and that often means continuous learning and a willingness to change course when opportunities or challenges arise. Whilst the Covid-19 Pandemic brought about a level of uncertainty, I was able to quickly adapt hence the reason for my business successes.
I’ve always been driven by the bigger picture. Whether helping clients build their brands or working on my own ventures, I focus on long-term goals while also making tactical decisions that support immediate growth. Strategic thinking isn’t just about planning; it’s about execution and the ability to prioritize actions that drive results. I used this skill extensively in scaling my own business and helping others do the same. Remember this, Knowledge is not power. Execution is the power!
In business, relationships are everything. Whether with clients, partners, or employees, I have always prioritized authentic connections. Building trust and maintaining strong relationships were key in expanding my agency globally and working with hundreds of clients across different regions. A genuine commitment to helping others succeed has made all the difference. You must be willing to serve people. When you lead with servanthood, the relationships built will transcend seasons.
I urge readers to maintain curiosity and a commitment to learning. The most adaptable entrepreneurs invest in acquiring new skills and broadening their knowledge, even beyond their expertise. Embrace experimentation and adapt strategies based on market feedback. Enhance strategic thinking through critical analysis, evaluating situations from various perspectives and assessing the long-term implications of decisions. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge your viewpoints and help refine your strategies. Initiate by authentically building your network; genuine relationships thrive when approached with care and a focus on contributing to others’ success. Listen attentively, seek to understand others’ needs, and prioritize service over personal gain.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Growing up in a household that sold snacks in our community, I naturally found my way into the retail product industry. As a child, I would carry my bag of snacks to school along with a sales copybook, eagerly recording each sale and calculating my earnings using my fingers. What started as a fun activity at a young age was, in reality, teaching me valuable lessons in responsibility, money management, inventory control, and sales strategies.
Reflecting on my life, whether it was at school, church, in community groups, or at work, I was consistently tasked with selling retail products—and I always hit my sales targets.
Now, after working with over 200 entrepreneurs at different stages of their retail business journeys, I’ve been able to pinpoint their needs, recognize common mistakes, and observe successful patterns. This experience has allowed me to tailor my services to meet the specific challenges they face at each phase of their business growth.
I work with:
(1) Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Those looking to start a retail product business, whether online or with a brick-and-mortar store.
(2) Emerging Businesses: Entrepreneurs who have launched their store but have not yet reached $100K in annual sales.
(3) Growing Businesses: Retail businesses that have started but are striving to hit the $1M annual sales mark.
(4) Scaling Businesses: Retail companies that have surpassed $1M in annual sales but need operational and strategic support to strengthen their business structure and scale further.
Each of these ideal clients requires different levels of support, so I’ve developed specific offers for each.
“Ready Set Go: The ABC’s for Product-based Businesses”: This textbook is perfect for those just starting out or working to reach their first $100K in annual sales. It’s a step-by-step guide that ensures they avoid the common pitfalls of rushing ahead without a solid foundation.
Board Meeting Program: Designed for businesses striving to reach $1M in sales. Over 12 weeks, I work closely with them to audit their operations, create strategic plans, and execute to meet their goals.
Year-Long Program for Scaling Businesses: For companies exceeding $1M in sales, we focus on restructuring, hiring the right talent, managing key performance indicators (KPIs), and implementing systems to support scalable growth across new areas.
By addressing each business stage with tailored strategies, I help clients accelerate their success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://strategiesforboutiques.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rishaferdinand_sbmaltd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risha.ferdinand
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/risha-ferdinand/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rishaferdinand
