We had the good fortune of connecting with Aarika Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aarika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve never fit the mold. I started my career in Marketing and Communications young and hungry – essential qualities to get tons done and be awarded extra responsibilities. I soon began to see that “extra” does not always equal good. In most cases, it just means a longer work week with no bump in pay or title or respect.

As an intelligent observer in the workplace, I could quickly determine when I was in a broken system. I tried many times to be the catalyst for change, identifying areas for improvement and offering strategic plans. As a little ole employee, this did not go far. I was frustrated with each new organization and position. And then I got frustrated with being frustrated and decided I should run something for myself. I didn’t want to solve THEIR problems. I wanted to solve my own.

I started my first business called Brandfarmers in 2012 with a partner. That went amazingly well, but I pivoted into a Health and Wellness specialty, becoming sole proprietor of my second business Whole Fit in 2016. During pandemic and after having a baby, I switched it up yet again. In 2020, I returned to the “general” world with my third business Synergist – welcoming all types of brands, embracing that my work would be very dynamic and truly believing that We Are Greater Together.

So, as of now, I’ve technically owned three businesses. I constantly think about the traditional American Rat Race that I’m avoiding. I am grateful for the autonomy and flexibility I have claimed. I love helping my clients tell their stories and spark action, creating sales tools that look great and function great. I’m blessed to be able to simplify the complex and keep stress low (kinda). I really don’t think I could go back. #bosslady

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My company Synergist offers Marketing For Hire because… We Are Greater Together. I believe in doing good work with good people, and that combining our expertise leads to awesome solutions.

About ninety percent of my business is Website Design and Development. It took me a while to accept that since I have a litany of other experiences in all things marketing. I discovered that I totally enjoy the website medium for powerful visual storytelling and information organization. And of course, basically all businesses in this age need a website for legitimacy.

Synergist is a one-woman show, but I readily enlist subcontractors and manage vendors for a holistic approach that best serves clients. I’m proud of a diverse background and the ability to adapt – being the orchestrator or complimenting an existing team, leading in front or operating incognito.

My clients appreciate the ongoing, colloquial nature of our relationships. We can be real with each other. We can be honest and transparent. Their goals become my goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my goodness, I love Spartanburg, South Carolina. OneSpartanburg was actually just recognized as the 2021 U.S. Chamber of the Year. There’s a lot of support here for entrepreneurs and small business owners. There’s a wonderful array of people, activities and culture. A quick must-do list…

*Hub City Farmers’ Market, for incredible produce and homemade goods
*The Pharmacy Coffee, for Little River Roasting Co. drinks in the refurbished Montgomery Building
*The Kennedy, for dinner with divine small plates in a Gatsby inspired setting
*Mary Black Rail Trail, for a nice jog, bike, doggie play sesh and more
*FR8yard, for a funky beer garden with live music

#onespartanburg

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Joe. Without his unquestioning support of me pursuing my dreams, I may not have been able to choose. I may have been consumed with surviving and never given the chance to thrive. He’s the breadwinner, so I have much less pressure directly on me to provide for our family. He surely wishes me to be happy – and knows that happiness has an amazing ripple effect for us all.

Website: greatertogether.co

Other: Email… boss@greatertogether.co

Image Credits
HEATHER MARIE CREATIVE LLC

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