Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shy’Ora Tolbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shy’Ora , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My strong work ethic derives from my family upbringing, characterized by a legacy of entrepreneurship. Observing my late grandfather, Edward C Woods, a serial entrepreneur, I gained early exposure to various ventures, from tree cutting to owning and operating coach buses. My mother, similarly entrepreneurial, managed diverse businesses including body sculpting, drug testing, CPR training, and even an online jewelry store. Accompanying them, I absorbed invaluable lessons in diligence and diversification of income streams. Despite managing multiple enterprises, my mother prioritized familial responsibilities, exemplifying the balance between professional pursuits and family support. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my approach to work.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m ShyOra Tolbert, founder of a dynamic creative design agency, By Goods Design dedicated to elevating brands through innovative design strategies. With a focus on creative direction and strategic planning, my agency serves numerous small businesses across Chicago and Northwest Indiana. In tandem with my design agency, I am also the founder of Irenic Goods, an environmentally-conscious streetwear brand. At Irenic Goods, we merge culture and consciousness to deliver products that resonate with our ethos and values, aiming to make a positive impact at the intersection of fashion and sustainability.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The cornerstone skills pivotal to my journey have been resilience, a robust work ethic, and a propensity for risk-taking. Resilience is imperative in entrepreneurship, as setbacks and failures are inevitable; the ability to rebound is crucial. Likewise, a steadfast work ethic has been fundamental to my approach, driven by a personal commitment to excellence across all aspects of my business endeavors. While perfection isn’t the goal, giving my utmost effort is non-negotiable. Finally, embracing risk has been integral. I’ve consistently bet on myself, recognizing that taking calculated risks is often necessary for growth and success in business.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
As an entrepreneur, navigating overwhelm is a common challenge. My approach involves taking a moment to pause and breathe deeply, allowing myself space to regain clarity. Next, I engage in a systematic assessment of the situation, prioritizing tasks to avoid stagnation. Rather than dwelling on what’s beyond my control, I concentrate on actionable steps within my reach.
Contact Info:
- Website: bygoodsdesign.com
- Instagram: @bygoodsdesign/@irenicgoods
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shyoratolbert
