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Exploring Life & Business with Jonatta Harmon of FBTS

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonatta Harmon

Hi Jonatta, 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?
I’m honored to share a bit about my journey with you. My story is deeply rooted in my faith, and it is this unwavering belief that has guided me to where I am today and keeps me focused on where I’m headed. God is at the center of everything I do, and my faith is the cornerstone of my identity.

From a young age, I’ve always had an innate desire to build authentic connections and strong relationships. Little did I know that this calling would eventually lead me to founding and leading an innovative branding agency. My entrepreneurial gifts were first evident in mid-childhood to my teenage years, where I used to do hair, nails, and sell what I believed were “gourmet” cake slices. I even partnered with a high school friend to create a mobile store selling cakes, snacks, and more — essentially, we were ahead of our time with an on-foot food truck!

Fast forward to 2019, fresh out of a divorce and with a one-year-old daughter, I felt a strong push to do more. I knew there was more for me out there, and that deep desire to help faith entrepreneurs establish and grow their brands took off. I started my first online business as a brand coach, before transitioning into brand design and placing focus on serving women entrepreneurs by building their visual brands. This shift was driven by my foundational desire to build authentic connections and strong relationships, and to help others do the same in their spheres of influence.

As an advocate for female founders, I believe it’s very important for women entrepreneurs to step into their destined places of serving humanity and being prosperous. It’s necessary for me to be a voice for women in the online marketplace, empowering them to make their mark and thrive.

Today, I am blessed to be the founder of FBTS, an innovative branding agency that focuses on humanizing brands. Our mission is to empower female founders, startups, and corporations to authentically connect with their communities and increase their marketability through strategic branding, messaging, and design.

Additionally, I host a brand new podcast — The Brand BIG Podcast, where we highlight and platform highly successful female founders. We delve into the bold, innovative, and genuine stories behind their brands, celebrating their journeys and the impact they are making.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Great question! No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. But I truly believe that anything you are called and chosen to do will come with its own set of challenges. Some of the most critical challenges in my journey have been centered around me taking risks and becoming who God created me to be.

I’ve faced challenges like reaching out to clients, starting a business, and growing it without always having a clear example or roadmap to follow. The online marketplace was a new territory for me, and being willing to stand out and be different came with its own hurdles. I’m not going to pretend that I’ve always known exactly what I was called to do or that I’ve always been confident. It has taken a lot of leaning into God’s plan for me, being in relationship with those assigned to speak into my life—leaders, mentors, coaches—and being in community with other women of faith.

The journey has taught me to trust in God’s timing and to embrace the process of becoming. Each challenge has been a stepping stone, shaping me into the person I am today and preparing me for where I’m going.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about FBTS ?
Absolutely, I’d love to share more about FBTS! As mentioned previously, we are an innovative branding agency with a focus on humanizing brands. In a marketplace increasingly driven by AI and automation, my partner, Bright, and I envisioned a brand that emphasizes the most valuable asset of any business—its people.

FBTS began as a one-woman show where I offered one-off marketing solutions under a different name. Back then, as a new business owner and founder, navigating the online space was challenging. Finding my audience and generating revenue wasn’t easy, but it was a pivotal training ground. I initially started with the aim of coaching other business owners of faith on how to build successful brands online. Despite being new to it, this experience provided invaluable training in public speaking, understanding consumer buying behavior, leadership, and enhancing customer experience.

With over a decade of experience in customer service, local government, and project management, I refined and utilized these skills when FBTS evolved into a branding and web design agency. Our mission became clear: to make branding better by focusing on the human element.

What sets FBTS apart is our belief that every client and company we work with represents a generation. Each has been given a mandate to solve a problem for people who are in need, whether physically or spiritually. This perspective makes it vital for us to bring the humanity aspect to the forefront of every brand we build.

I’m most excited about how our brand champions authenticity and meaningful connections. We empower our clients—female founders, startups, and corporations—to authentically connect with their communities and increase their marketability through strategic branding, messaging, and design.

For our readers, I want you to know that FBTS is here to elevate your brand by focusing on what truly matters: building genuine human connections that resonate and make a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to redefine your brand, we’re dedicated to helping you succeed in a way that honors who you are and the people you serve.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes! I am a firm believer in the power of having those who have been where you are headed in your life. Coaching and mentorship are incredibly valuable, and it is vital to have someone of integrity to train and pour into you. This person should understand your current position and have a clear vision of where you’re headed. Having been through similar experiences, whether in life or business, they can offer insights and guidance without limiting your potential for expansion.

Personally, I have both a spiritual leader, Apostle Trilby Ball, and a business mentor, Krystal Portorreal. These beautiful, powerful women have been instrumental in my growth. I’ve learned the importance of remaining teachable, humble, and honoring the relationships that are authentic. Being blessed to have relationships like these will help you mature and achieve great things in life.

Additionally, being mutually supportive by investing in your leader’s or mentor’s, resources, and/or business is key. This reciprocal relationship not only strengthens the bond, but also shows your commitment and respect for their guidance.

When it comes to networking, focus on building genuine connections rather than simply expanding your contact list. Attend business events/conferences, join business masterminds or communities related to your industry, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people whose work you appreciate. Be authentic in your interactions, and always look for ways to add value to others. Networking isn’t just about what you can gain; it’s about creating meaningful relationships that can support and uplift everyone involved.

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