Sherrie Savage’s entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea: a self-published coloring book. As an illustrator, she sought a unique way to promote her work beyond social media and found that hosting pop-up coloring events at local eateries was a great way to raise visibility about Naturally Illustrated in the community. What it didn’t raise however, was revenue. Sherrie was determined to find a way to leverage her newfound audience to build an enduring business. Thus, the concept of the Coloring Museum was born—an interactive art space where guests could color black-and-white murals by local artists.

Initially, Sherrie’s vision was that she’d fold these two business concepts into one brand. “In my mind, Naturally Illustrated and the Coloring Museum were one and the same,” she said. However, when it came to detailing her vision in a formal business plan, she floundered. “I had multiple businesses in one business plan and I was not thinking at that moment that that’s what it was. So it was very confusing and I think I was getting frustrated because people couldn’t understand what my business was,” she added.

A referral by local entrepreneur Tafari Roberts (read Tafari’s story here) connected Sherrie to Brooke Ratliff, Small Business Coach at Operation HOPE, for a new perspective on her dilemma. Sherrie valued Brooke’s candid feedback, which was shared in a way that felt constructive.

“I appreciate her and everyone else who’s been very patient with me as I’m pushing back. It’s a delicate balance being an entrepreneur because at the end of the day, especially in the beginning stages, you want to listen, you want to receive information so you can be better, but by the same token, you need to be confident about what you’re doing.”

Ultimately, Sherrie acknowledged that while Naturally Illustrated inspired the Coloring Museum, it was best to separate the concepts into two distinct businesses.

For entrepreneurs who are looking for a fresh perspective to grow their business, Sherrie’s journey offers four valuable lessons:

Lesson 1: Clarity is a Business Imperative
Like many entrepreneurs, Sherrie found herself with a business plan that was more of a patchwork quilt than a clear roadmap. Although she could see the vision clearly, potential partners and mentors struggled to grasp it.

This is a critical takeaway: if others can’t understand your business in its most simple form, it becomes harder to gain support, secure funding, or build a loyal customer base.

Lesson 2: It’s Okay to Pivot—Even Late in the Game
Sherrie launched Naturally Illustrated in 2016. It wasn’t until 2023—seven years later—that the proverbial lightbulb fully clicked.

Entrepreneurs often feel pressure to get everything right at the start. Sherrie’s journey proves that evolution is not only natural but necessary. Each event, business workshop, and competition—even the ones that felt like a waste at the time—played a role in refining her vision. Everything that she went through helped shape her business into what it is now.

Lesson 3: Marketing Matters as Much as Product
A powerful learning moment came for Sherrie when she watched other entrepreneurs struggle despite having amazing products. Passion and creativity are important—but they need to be matched by a thoughtful strategy for reaching customers.

Lesson 4: Seek Mentors Who Will Provide Honest Feedback
Brooke became more than a mentor; she became part of Sherrie’s informal advisory board. Honest guidance, encouragement, and directness helped Sherrie step into her role as a confident businesswoman. She also pays it forward, offering support to fellow entrepreneurs who may be feeling lost or overwhelmed.

As Sherrie reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, she’s gratified to know that she’s not just running a business, she’s revitalizing a community: The Coloring Museum is being constructed on the same spot as a hardware store she used to visit with her grandfather in Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood. Sherrie is also launching a 26-foot Coloring Truck to bring the museum experience on the road.

Sherrie’s story is a testament to perseverance, flexibility, and the power of mentorship. For any entrepreneur feeling stuck, confused, or ready to give up: know that the path to growth often runs through the struggle.

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