From Marketing Executive to Brand Liberation Guru, Sherry Sutton empowers entrepreneurs to build profitable, purpose-driven brands.
Most of us have experienced that “ick” feeling that hits just below the sternum when a friend, coworker, or acquaintance reaches out by phone, email, or social messenger with that self-serving pitch to introduce a product or new service. It just feels gross because that is the only time we ever really hear from that person. It is an immediate turn-off and keeps us from engaging with them on a regular social basis because it just feels so fake. The best term to date for such a feeling is the “Spammy Ick” – as dubbed by Sherry Sutton.
It is the dread of sounding like “that person” which prevents so many entrepreneurs from networking to build their authentic brand, which takes marketing and, most importantly, relationship building. “Don’t be a Spammy Weirdo,” Sutton implores. People want to do business with people they can relate to—real people.
If anyone knows about building your authentic self and rebranding, it is Sherry Sutton. A 30-year marketing professional for large international corporations and an accomplished photographer, Sutton found herself miserably married and unfulfilled—exhausted from pretending. After decades of playing the roles of overachieving student, fashionista, corporate cog, and dutiful wife while living an unfulfilled and self-medicated existence, one pivotal day, the masks slid off. Sherry was left wondering who she was and what she even wanted to be.
“I was raised by more mature parents with old-fashioned values. Women didn’t need to be educated because we were supposed to marry men who were so that we could stay home and raise the children, keep the house, that sort of thing. But I wanted more.” Sutton had worked so hard to check the boxes to be pleasing to those around her. She was a high earner, and their lifestyle was dependent upon that level of income. But when she had her son, the work-life balance was much more work-centric. “I wanted off the corporate ride. I wanted to embrace my passion for photography to be more available to the family,” she explained. Such a change would take concessions and a move to a more affordable area of the country.
Soon enough, the Suttons relocated from New Jersey to Texas, and the sudden change in schedules made for much more together time as a couple. “It turned out that we did much better when we were not together so much,” Sutton described. “And the cut in income became a huge problem for lifestyle expectations.” They were no longer a good fit. She was embracing her artistic side, living much more boldly than the wife her husband had met and fallen in love with. But Sherry could no longer be contained. Now in a new state and away from her friends and support system, she began to spiral after the separation.
Oddly enough, it was a Facebook post from an acquaintance that Sutton says saved her life. “I was coming out of a particularly bad bender, feeling raw and like I had failed myself again, when I saw this friend's post that read, ‘90 days sober!’ It hit me square in the face. I had a real drinking problem, and if I didn’t get help now, I might not make it through this.” It was at that moment that Sutton reached out and asked for help.
The recovery process helped Sutton to reevaluate her life and choices—the multitude of layers of masks she had accumulated over the years. As those masks started to fall away, the real, multifaceted, talented, and authentic Sherry emerged. It was through that process that Sutton reclaimed her true power.
“As women, we spend so much time and energy caring for others that we bury our own needs and desires—our dreams. It is those dreams that make us who we are and provide the ability to connect with other like-minded individuals.”
Recently, Sutton hosted a TEDx Talk where she shares how some of life’s darker aspects help us connect as human beings and make us better leaders. “We're pack animals, wired for connection, wanting to fit in at all costs—it’s our nature,” Sutton describes. Thus, the fear of being socially isolated or ostracized is deeply ingrained in our makeup. That fear of being rejected or socially isolated prevents us from investing time in promoting our businesses, especially if we're the face of the brand.
But that is where we begin to find that authentic power that belongs to us. By blending content creation, brand strategy, and marketing “therapy,” Sutton helps uncover the strengths and unique characteristics that drive real connection through tailored strategies focusing on authenticity. Every new layer discovered moves entrepreneurs beyond generic marketing clichés.
The benefit for entrepreneurs and high earners is building a brand that aligns with their values and purpose. When we begin to harness the power of such an alignment, we naturally increase influence and impact in our industries. Through such impact, we create profitable growth without compromising authenticity. And that is what creates a legacy.
Being comfortable creating an impact is particularly challenging for women who often believe that it’s inappropriate to share their voices. “Taking up space is a fundamental human right but we're so scared of rejection that we play small, " Sutton explains, “ Especially women. But if we are willing to be brave, and create lives built on purpose and helping others, then that fear diminishes. As women we just need to be willing to hold one another up so we can be who we were really meant to be.”
Through a beautifully woven history of modeling, improv acting, public speaking, marketing, and photography—a powerful combination of skills—Sutton shares the struggles she’s endured, which have only enriched her ability to connect deeply in the relationships she invests in.
Her heart-centered approach shines in her new podcast, "Heart of the Hustle." There, she guides clients through the process of finding their voice, uncovering their passion, and sharing their authenticity in business. These conversations provide entrepreneurs with reels, videos, and soundbites for their own marketing efforts—helping them step into their authentic power and build a brand that truly represents who they are.
Sherry Sutton is more than an award-winning entrepreneur—she's a brand liberation guru, an advocate for authenticity, and a champion for entrepreneurs who are ready to make an impact on their own terms.
"Taking up space is your right, but fear of rejection limits us."
"We're wired for connection, wanting to fit in."