Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherridan Atkinson.
Hi Sherridan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’d always wanted to start a business of some sort but I never knew exactly what. I remember in elementary school summer camp, I had a nail salon business. In middle school, my friend and I started our own knitting company “S&K Knitting Place,” and we would knit beanies and scarves to sell to the kids. I was so dedicated, when kids were texting under their desk, I was knitting under mine.
True story, I can have my 7th-grade chemistry teacher Mr. Tom testify. I just loved the idea of creating and having control over my creation. As I got into sports, that started to drift and I became hyper-focused on my athletics. However, when covid happened and I came home from Turkey in March 2020, I realized I had no control over my future. If I wasn’t playing, then I was just sitting around. My entire identity was based on my sport and so were my finances. I cried out to God, praying and saying to him, “Lord, I never want someone else outside of you to have control of my future. To dictate my identity and my finances.” Many people don’t know, but since I didn’t get a contract to go play in the fall, I actually got a job in September working for a mortgage company from home. I went from being a professional athlete in the top league in Turkey, earning a VERY nice living to moving back in with mom and working a 9-5 making minimum wage. But through that time, I was humbled and found all I have is God. I started changing my mindset, strengthening my relationship with God and took that time to really get my life together. In January 2021, I prayed and asked God, “If this business is your will, make it happen Father. Give me the resources and the connections I need to make this happen.” And He did just that. I started FITTEDTWENTIES owing absolutely no one. No debt, no one else name is on my company but mine. Fast forward to now, I’ve launched and sold out of my pieces within the first two weeks, moved into my home in Calabasas and continue to innovate and find new ways to expand FITTEDTWENTIES.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Once I decided to take this business seriously, it was smooth sailing. The first manufacturer I reached out to was the one I went with. I was able to get all my licensing within weeks, even with covid. The hardest part, I would say is staying motivated to keep working during my season earlier this year. After playing games, I came home and worked on my brand. After a 2 hour match that ended at 11pm and I finally get home after treatment it’s 12. Then I would shower, eat, and work. After workouts and practices, no matter how tired I was, there was still business to be done. I didn’t have any help, so I had to get it done.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
– Professional volleyball player since 2019.
– Played in the top league in Turkey and Korea.
– Played in the first pro league in the states in 2021.
– Highly decorated collegiate athlete.
– Classically trained violinist; can read and write music.
– Most proud of being me.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Long Beach is where I was born ad raised to it’s always home. Pretty laid back. However, people that are in the city usually never leave and they settle for average lives. They lack motivation and I noticed I was a part of that as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: @sherridanatkinson
- Website: www.fittedtwenties.com
- Instagram: @sherridanatkinson
