One of my biggest fears up (aside from losing loved ones) until that point had been to lose that job, and the security it brought with it. I had no idea what I was going to do. The job market was very competitive at that point, and I applied for just about any and every job I could find. Nothing came through, and I started taking on freelance work, basically as a last ditch attempt to make a living. I didn't know it at the time, but I was laying the foundation for what would become Cherokee Graphic Design. I didn't allow myself to dream that. Basically my goal was survival...not starting a business. Miraculously it has grown to include a variety of services, serving a variety of wonderful customers. My journey has been very challenging, but I have been very fortunate. I am not what I consider a success story, but my modest achievements have been more than what I ever dreamed possible. My experiences have given me a unique perspective, and a much greater appreciation for each and every customer, no matter how small their project or budget was. I have never forgotten the how, when, and where, this business started. I owe debts of gratitude to many people who helped make this business happen, debts I could never possibly repay. My belief is that any measure of success is based mostly in determination and perseverance rather than talent. Others may feel differently, but I believe there is luck involved as well. Sometimes little things like being in the right place at the right time makes great things happen. But in the end, it is a person's determination and perseverance that get results. When you don't even allow your mind to entertain the thoughts of giving up, or failing, because it is simply not an option. Talent alone will not make that happen. So that's where it all began. I hope to have the privilege of your business soon. Robert Kelley, Cherokee Graphic Design |
began in January of 2009, and it has been quite a journey.
The business was started in probably one of the worst possible times
in recent memory, due to the difficult state of the economy, and many
companies downsizing or otherwise reorganizing. As a matter of fact,
this is the reason why the business was founded...struggling in a very
difficult job market after a downsizing. I had been at a company for
nine years, starting out as an entry level factory laborer, and worked
up to the head of their graphic design department, and suddenly found
myself out of a job.
