Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Merritt.
Hi Shayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Over the past 10 years, I have devoted countless hours to my community and work as the current Marketing Director at Cyberwoven.
A proud graduate of the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications, I have spent nearly a decade applying what I have learned at my alma mater to every facet of my life. Upon graduation, I made a name for myself by working as a freelance graphic designer, publicity assistant, and marketing coordinator in Atlanta, Buffalo, NY, and Columbia, SC. It was in these contract positions that I learned and saw the benefit of donning many hats. My creativity, keen attention to detail, strong written and oral skills, and business-acumen, made me an extremely valuable employee.
After building up my resume in Atlanta, I moved back to Columbia, SC, where I landed my first job in the Midlands at Experience SC, formerly the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports, and Tourism, as one of two (2) Marketing and Communications Coordinators.
My position at Experience SC led me to local architecture, engineering, and interior design firm, Stevens & Wilkinson, now SSOE Group. New to the world of architecture and the A/E/C industry, I committed myself to becoming the best Marketing and Communications expert in the building and design field. No stranger to the concept of hard work, I began rising through the ranks, so to speak, thanks in large part to my hard work and dedication, strong communication and design skills, and exceptionally sharp attention to detail. (My co-workers would joke that I was an editor in a previous life.)
At Stevens & Wilkinson, now SSOE Group, I worked in concert with the firm’s principals and department leads on the design of all marketing collateral, advertisements, project proposals, and digital media. Additionally, I was responsible for researching clients (i.e. Business Development), coordinating the firm’s professional association events, and managing the firm’s public relations efforts.
After a successful run at Stevens & Wilkinson/SSOE Group, I took a position with Cyberwoven, a local brand, marketing, and web development firm, in the Summer of 2022 as their new Marketing Director.
In addition to my professional accomplishments, I am heavily involved in several organizations in the Columbia, SC community. I currently serve on the AIA South Carolina Marketing and Communications committee, where I oversee all social media campaigns and strategies for the organization. I am also an active member of the Main Street District’s (formerly City Center Partnership) Marketing Committee, the past Chair of the Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Advisory Board, Marketing Chair of the Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI) Board of Directors, and an Advisory Council Member of ULI South Carolina. I am also heavily involved with the Talented Tenth SC, serve as Chair of the University of South Carolina’s Black Alumni Council, Vice Chair of the Columbia Museum of Art’s Contemporaries Board, and a recent Multiplying Good of the Midlands Jefferson Award Winner.
When I am not busy at work or volunteering my time on local boards, I also run a freelance graphic design business, Louisa Ray Designs (LRD). I try to keep LRD pretty under the radar due to my busy schedule, but whenever I do have the time to work with clients, I mostly focus my work on those in the non-profit sector. To date, I have worked with non-profits dedicated to helping children with autism and developmental challenges, housing rights for first-time homeowners, voter registration groups, domestic violence advocacy organizations, youth mentoring and sports leadership groups, and women-owned architectural firms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not! When I graduated in 2008 with my Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications from the University of South Carolina, the economy was in freefall. At the time, I was living in Atlanta coming off interning at the Georgia Aquarium and 360 Media, Inc, and I was going head-to-head with industry veterans seeking entry-level employment. (While I know everyone is familiar with the Georgia Aquarium, 360 Media, Inc. is a boutique, powerhouse public relations, campaign development, and special events management firm with clients in the hospitality, tourism, music, and non-profit sector. At the time I worked there, a few of their clients included The W Hotel Downtown, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, the NETHERWORLD Haunted House, Underground Atlanta, and Sweetwater Brewing Company.)
It was heartbreaking and definitely tested my resilience, at every. single. turn. I lost count of the number of times a job came down to me and another candidate with more experience. The number of tears I shed early on in my career could probably fill a small lake. When I think about that time, I always remember the phrase, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s how you get back up.” And believe me, I spent a lot of time dusting myself off in the beginning.
And while things were a bit rocky during the first few years of my career, what I will say, what I can say, is that I learned a lot about the power of communication. The number one form of discontent is always directly attributed to poor communication. As a Marketing and Communications professional, I know firsthand that communication is key. Outside of being able to effectively sell me and tell my story, communication is also the lifeblood of any campaign, company, department, committee, or presentation. I am notorious for telling my team to understand the message, stay on task, and overcommunicate whenever possible.
I also learned exactly what type of person I knew I did not want to become, especially in the communications, field. Rocky beginnings often lead to lessons learned. Who I am today, as a professional, as a friend, and even as a loved one, is because of the bumps I encountered along the way. I have become very clear about who I am, what I represent, and what that means for the company or organizations interested in working with me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As the Marketing Director for Cyberwoven, a brand, marketing, and web development firm, I work in tandem with the organization’s CEO and founder, president, and department leaders to further the message and vision of the company.
Founded in 2001 in Columbia, SC, Cyberwoven has become known for creating online experiences that are unique, seamless, and intuitive. With clients located throughout the United States and across a myriad of industries, our team develops successful solutions that are directly in line with the mission, vision, and communications goals and strategies of the organization or brand.
What are we most proud of as a firm? Well, as the Marketing Director, I am most proud of the care and determination we bring to our clients. Each and every member of our team understands the true meaning behind the work curated and the role that same work plays in furthering both our clients and the growth of our region.
I come to work each day excited to share Cyberwoven’s story. I also look forward to helping our future clients expand their understanding of who we are (i.e. our why and our purpose) and how we can work with them to increase their reach at the local, regional, and national level.
Having spent the last 15+ years in the hospitality, tourism, and A/E/C industry, I have a unique understanding of B2C and B2B marketing. My experience coupled with Cyberwoven’s strong brand name and reputation, make for a great pairing – one I look forward to seeing expand over the next few years.
What do we specialize in and what are we known for?
Since 2001, Cyberwoven has launched more than 1,000 websites over our 21-year history for clients in a diverse range of industries. We are an award-winning broad-based digital agency with capabilities spanning website design and development, custom software application development, branding and positioning, content strategy, and development, systems integration, eCommerce, and digital marketing.
Cyberweavers, as we affectionately refer to ourselves, are socially conscious individuals who are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. We are a double-bottom-line company that believes in building more meaningful relationships, making a lasting impact, and moving our clients forward.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a pretty shy child – extremely introverted. I still am in every way except that most people would say I am more of an introvert-extrovert. Because of the nature of my job, I am forced into embracing more of my hidden extroverted self.
Personality-wise, I am very tell it like it is. Not one for gossip or indecisiveness, people tell me I am direct, but very understanding. I did say I am an introvert-extrovert right?
From an interest standpoint, I am an avid reader (a read about 100+ books per year), a lover of art and photography (I have way too many prints hanging up in my house) and design (I love collecting great pieces that I believe have been designed well or look amazing). I am also a huge sports fan. Growing up in Buffalo, you quickly understand that football, hockey, and basketball are a way of life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m5raem/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaylaraemerritt
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/m5raem
Image Credits
Gala Image by Lynn Luc
