Jessica Sharp, owner of Ink & Cotton in Valdosta
Jessica Sharp, age 28, recently joined a growing number of fellow millennials when she opened her own business. According to a recent report by America’s Small Business Development Center, millennials represent one of the most entrepreneurial generations in U.S. history.
Located in Valdosta, Ink & Cotton provides screen printing, embroidery, and customized promotional items. Sharp is confident in her leap of faith, even though she admits there have been some challenging times.
“It sometimes feels like one step forward and two steps back when you’re first getting started,” she said, “but you have to keep pushing forward.”
With the ups and downs of starting a new business, Sharp was excited to receive a financial boost when she won the 2018 Southwest Georgia Bank Business Plan Competition. As this year’s winner, Sharp won $10,000, along with more than $20,000 of in-kind services.
“Winning the business plan competition is such an honor,” Sharp said. “The money will help me grow the business and provide a greater impact on our community’s economy.”
Sharp, who opened Ink & Cotton in October 2017, said the business is more than customized promotional items. “We take a consultative approach to help our clients create a brand that promotes the true identity of their company or organization.”
Young Entrepreneur
With what she describes as an “entrepreneurial spirit,” Sharp has been working toward opening her own business for several years.
“Since I graduated from college, I have been planning on finding a way to best utilize my experience and education,” said Sharp, who graduated from Valdosta State University (VSU) with a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in 2013. “I am doing something that I really enjoy.”
While working in the graphic design industry throughout high school and college, Sharp continued to hone her artistic skills.
After graduating from VSU, Sharp landed a job with her alma mater in the creative design department, where she developed a variety of marketing materials including the university’s website.
“Working at Valdosta State allowed me to not only gain valuable graphic design skills,” she said, “but to also build a network of potential clients.”
“Going to both the SEEDS Center and the SBDC was essential in starting my business and winning the competition. I highly recommend any business, new or established, to utilize these services right here in Valdosta.”
Community Resources
Before opening Ink & Cotton, Sharp sought assistance from the SEEDS (Sowing Entrepreneur and Economic Development Success) Business Resource Center and the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at VSU.
“Going to both the SEEDS Center and the SBDC was essential in starting my business and winning the competition,” Sharpe said. “I highly recommend any business, new or established, to utilize these services right here in Valdosta.”
Two of her champions were Betty Morgan, vice president for the SEEDS Center, and Walt Moore, a consultant at the SBDC.
“Betty Morgan provided statistics pertaining to the screen printing industry in our region, which helped me outline my potential business growth,” Sharp said. “Since I won the business plan competition, she has also helped Ink & Cotton by implementing promotions and advertisements.”
Having worked as a graphic designer at VSU for several years, Sharp was familiar with the SBDC but did not realize the magnitude of assistance they could provide.
“I am not a numbers person,” Sharp said. “Walt Moore helped tremendously in putting together my cash flow projections and needs for starting capital. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive adviser every step of the way. He treats your business like it was his own and gives the best advice possible for every business situation that could arise.”
Sharp said writing the business plan helped her better define Ink & Cotton’s overall business concept and realistically explore all options.
“The business plan allowed me to put my ideas on paper,” she said, “and make a thoughtful and intentional guide for where I want my business to go in the future.”
Christyn Challender, left, manager, and Jessica Sharp, owner of Ink & Cotton
Team Effort
Sharp’s professional experience has taught her that building a solid team is vital to the long-term success of Ink & Cotton.
Serving as co-manager is Michael Schrader, Sharp’s fiancé, who will also supervise the screen printing department.
“Michael has years of experience under his belt,” Sharp said. “He has worked in both small print shops and larger companies. Having 10 years in the industry has helped him gain expert knowledge in the screen printing production process.”
Christyn Challender, a graduate of VSU with a degree in business administration, will serve as the front-line manager.
Using a model of individualization, where each customer is provided one-on-one support from the inception of the design to delivery of the highest-quality product, Sharp knows that having an experienced front-line manager is of paramount importance.
“Christyn brings more than 10 years of retail and management experience,” Sharp said. “and she will fill additional jobs as the business continues to grow.”
Sharp said she is fortunate to have a knowledgeable and dedicated team, and together they are ready to tackle any job.
Visit Ink & Cotton at www.inkandcottongoods.com