Born and raised in Oak Cliff, Texas Saratta Murphy had no intentions of making bracelets her full time gig. She received her degree in Sociology (which she notes she’s done nothing with) and spent the majority of her adult life as a professional speaker for Monster.com where she participated in countless speaking engagements.

The bracelets came about after an Autism walk Murphy participated in with her family in the fall of 2011. She created blue bracelets in honor of her niece Storm and they were a hit. Saratta launched Expressions Bracelets a few months later in January 2012 and as they say the rest is history.

What’s been the most surprising part about owning your business?

How quickly the company grew and so unexpectedly from something I had no intention of doing. I never expected to make bracelets. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry.

When I think of an entrepreneur and someone who does it successfully, I don’t think of someone who sells bracelets they’re creating.

What part has been the most challenging?

Allowing others to do work for me because I am a hands-on person. I want to make sure that when we’re creating something for a person it is to my specifications. [But I’ve learned] to allow people to make mistakes and not micromanage. My girls actually work from their own houses.

I’d also say allowing other people to be a part of my creative process. If I train them well they’re going to do it well for me. If I treat them well they will produce great things. I’ve just been afraid to let go for fear of doing something wrong. [But again I’ve learned], you can’t grow a business if you’re doing everything yourself.

What would you say is a truth everyone should know about entrepreneurship?

Your failures are only failures if you quit and if you’re constantly wallowing in fear you’ll never be able to get past it.

Your failures are only failures if you quit.

What does it mean to you to be a black girl with purpose?

[Being a black girl with purpose means] to give back.  A portion of our proceeds go to the Hatching Hope Foundation (an organization that works with children with autism) to help sponsor their Autism walk each year.  

Expressions Bracelets also has something called GiveEB where organizations can request bracelets to be made for their events for free.

What is the hardest part about walking in your purpose?

The hardest part [about walking in your purpose] is listening to God and not [trying to] redirect what He’s trying to get me to do. [So basically] obedience.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t know where to start to find their purpose?

Pray and seek God about it. Also begin to discover yourself – read more books, attend classes, do coaching – whatever helps you understand why you were created and what you were created for. That’s how you’ll find your passion.

[Also understand] not everyone is going to have their passion and purpose be what they do for a living.

What’s your go to scripture when you find yourself needing encouragement?

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope.”

When it comes to listening I’m not listening as much as I should be. That’s something I pray for continuously. God guide my path – is this where I’m supposed to be? Is this what I’m supposed to be doing? This verse shows me this is the plan He has for me and often that doesn’t match up with what Saratta Murphy thinks she should be doing.

I’ll be 41 next month and neither myself nor my husband have kids. I thought at this point in life our kids would be in high school but that’s not the journey God had for us.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

One of the things that discourages people so much is getting caught up with social media and other people’s opinions of where you should be in life.

Don’t get caught up in the hype. Sometimes you have to turn a blind eye to social media and step back to regroup. Be mindful of where you spend your free time and what you put your research into.

Be mindful of where you spend your free time and what you put your research into.

Want to stay connected with Saratta? Be sure to follow her and her business on Instagram (@sarattaspeaks and @expressionsbracelets). Also, if you know an organization that could benefit from GiveEB fill out the easy online form and you’ll hear back from a representative from their company.

It’s the season of giving, so grab an Expressions Bracelet today for you or a member of your family. Visit expressionsbracelets.com to start shopping.