A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEATURING MIDDLE GEORGIA BUSINESS LEADERS AND WHAT INSPIRES THEM. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

Daemarii’s Unique Boutique

Owner

2384 Ingleside Ave., Macon

vsharp46@gmail.com

What is the mission of your business?

To motivate, encourage and inspire women to be the best they can be every day!

What sets your business apart?

Personal attention to every customer. Understanding the customers and their fashion interests. Stocking merchandise that is up-to-date, eye catching and unique. Fashions for women of all sizes and shapes. When shopping with us, we ensure everyone feels a sense of value and importance. We listen to others and encourage everyone to be their authentic selves.

How did Daemarii’s shift during COVID-19?

Given mandated shelter-in-place and store closure orders, we transitioned from a brick-and-mortar storefront to having a greater presence on social media. We began Facebook Live fashion shows on Friday evenings with a different theme each time. After learning about the PPE shortage, I immediately thought about the safety of our front-line workers — my husband, Eddie Sharp, is also a front-line worker. We wanted to help with the mask shortage and began making masks for front-line workers and anyone in need.

You might not know: I am an LPN by trade for more than 30 years. Really, I’m just a small-town girl from Cochran with a big vision and even bigger dreams. I relocated to Macon 24 years ago, as I have always loved small towns with big history. I wanted to bring a unique blend of style for all people when we opened Daemarii’s. I love fashion and the opportunity to serve as a small business owner in the Macon area. 

How does your business serve our community with inclusivity in mind?

We ensure everyone feels a sense of value and importance. We listen to others and encourage everyone to be their authentic selves.

What can Macon do to better support businesses now?

As many small businesses face unprecedented financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown, I would like to see more support from Macon with the following: 

• Provide assistance to small business owners in applying for funding under the CARES Act.
• Provide grant funding that is targeted specifically for small business owners.
• Provide PPE and sanitation supplies to assist with reopening.
• Establish a website that will serve as an online resource hub for small and local businesses.
• Make small businesses a priority locally.
• Supporting small businesses and helping them operate through the crisis will benefit the businesses, their employees, the local community and ultimately the tax revenue for Macon.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

Hearing about the accomplishments of those I help along the way and making customers feel good in whatever they choose to wear.

What is the most difficult part?

Because I have a passion for the business and love what I do, I don’t find it to be difficult. What I find to be a little challenging is the ability to increase foot traffic.

What is the most common question you receive?

“Where did you get that outfit and how can I get it?”

Any advice for those seeking to get started in your field of business?

Follow your dream and your passion. Know and listen to your customers.

What makes you a strong leader?

My integrity and honesty in dealing with everyone and my commitment and passion make me a strong leader. I also am a hard worker, an excellent listener and I seek to inspire others.

How do you define success?

Communication is the number one key to success. Success is not defined by the amount of money you make or how much you have in the bank. Rather, it’s about how you make others feel. It’s also about how far you have come from where you started.

What are you most excited about right now in our community?

The way everyone has pitched in to help make our community stronger as we move through these unprecedented times discovering what will become our “new” normal.

What was the best business advice you ever received?

In the words of Maya Angelou: “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.”