About Cortney

master designer | serial entrepreneur | philanthropist
master designer
serial entrepreneur
philanthropist

My Professional story

I use my creative skills to help experts and entrepreneurs elevate their boring brands.

I’m a serial entrepreneur, award-winning graphic designer, web designer, brand strategist, and personal branding expert. Over my 14-year career, I’ve started 5 businesses, published Mississippi’s first business magazine, wrote & published 4 books (and books for others), Co-Founded Vicky Cakes (America’s 1st Black-owned pancake mix in national grocery stores), and built a multi-six figure, international design agency.

Some know me as “The People’s Entrepreneur” because of my philanthropic efforts and genuine passion to empower, inspire, and uplift others.

I’m dedicated to helping you along your journey of life and entrepreneurship so you can look professional online, make a living doing what you love, and feel supported along the way.

Let’s make it better by going up together.

My personal story

I’m a boy from the trailer parks of Mississippi who grew up to be a genius.

Seeing my single mom survive through tough times showed me that I could handle anything. After flunking out of college, I got married at 21 years old without a house to live in or a job to provide for my wife. Nine months after we said “I do”, we lost our house and moved in with Mamma into my old room. To make matters worse, we got pregnant with quadruplets; unfortunately we had a miscarriage.

This was the darkest time of our lives. The only way we got through it was by sticking together and always being emotionally available to one another.

This was the catalyst that drove me to adopt the “Up Together Mentality”. My new wife and I fought together and created a real life for ourselves.

After moving out of Mamma’s house and getting our own place, I quit my manual labor job at Sears after a year. I started a graphic design and web design business, and we’ve been on a roll ever since. Of course, it hasn’t been without challenges, but those challenges have made me stronger and more resilient.

I recently wrote down my entire life in bullet points. In doing so, I realized how many traumatic events I’ve been through. These experiences have shaped my worldview, decision-making, and confidence. By acknowledging, healing from, and learning from my trauma, I now leverage it to instill life lessons in my children and impact the lives around me.

I hope and desire to use my life experiences to inspire people worldwide and be a positive role model for fatherless young men, the kind of role model I didn’t have when I was in their shoes.

That same desire to inspire people led me to discover my slogan: “Let’s make it better by going up together”. I’ve realized that the best thing about the journey to the top is helping someone along the way. Apart we can make it, but together we can WIN!

Are you looking for an engaging guest for your next podcast episode?

Interview me On your Show to discuss branding, business, and marketing

As a podcast host myself and previous live radio host, I understand what it takes to run a successful show. I know how to give actionable information to listeners (not just theory), speak in soundbites for marketing, give concise and detailed answers, have professional audio quality, and feed off your energy as the host to make it one of the best interviews you’ve ever had.

I’ll also promote the hell out of your episode and show. Your podcast will be featured on my website’s Up Together Community page, and I’ll share it on all my social media channels.

I’m sure my audience will love your show and become subscribers, and I’m excited to help you reach new listeners.

Let’s make it better by going up together!