From Student to Empire Builder: Sheridonna Wilson's Journey at Bryant & Stratton College 

How a graphic design student discovered her true calling and built a fashion empire! 

When Sheridonna Wilson first walked through the doors of Bryant & Stratton College in Liverpool, New York, she thought she knew exactly where her path would lead. As a new mother and wife pursuing her dreams, she enrolled in the Graphic Design program with clear expectations. What she discovered instead was something far more powerful: the foundation for building not just a career, but an entire empire. 

Today, Sheridonna is the Founder and CEO of multiple successful brands including Sheridonna Designs, Unity Fashion Institute, and Sheridonna’s Beauty Salon. Her journey to becoming a respected fashion designer, educator, and entrepreneur began with the transformative experience she had as a student at Bryant & Stratton College. 

Finding Her Foundation: The Early Days 

Sheridonna’s path wasn’t conventional. Having moved to America from Kingston, Jamaica, just before her tenth birthday after her father’s passing, she faced unique challenges like not having a social security number until much later in life. These obstacles only strengthened her resolve. 

“I’ve always known there was nothing average about me,” Sheridonna reflects. “At Bryant & Stratton College, I was balancing being a new mom, a new wife, and pursuing my dreams. I even attended Cosmetology School at night while studying Graphic Design during the day.” 

The demanding schedule might have overwhelmed some students, but for Sheridonna, it was preparation for the multi-faceted businesses she would eventually build. “Attending Bryant & Stratton College taught me to show up for myself no matter the obstacles, because my future depended on it. Snow days didn’t stop me, hardships didn’t stop me, and generational patterns didn’t stop me.” 

The Professors Who Changed Everything 

What truly transformed Sheridonna’s trajectory weren’t just the technical skills she learned, but the mentorship she received from three exceptional professors who became her guides, mentors, and champions. 

Professor Bill DeForest served as more than just an instructor, he became a mentor, father figure, and friend. His philosophy, “You have to know the rules before you can break the rules,” initially seemed harsh but proved invaluable. “Today, I teach my own students the same philosophy,” Sheridonna notes. “Without his guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to build the strong foundation I now use in my businesses.” 

Professor Lee Shelton provided the pivotal moment that redirected Sheridonna’s entire career path. Despite being enrolled in graphic design, all Sheridonna’s projects gravitated toward fashion, modeling, and style. Professor Shelton noticed this pattern and made a life-changing observation: “You’re a fashion designer.” Coming from Kingston, Jamaica, Sheridonna hadn’t been exposed to the world of fashion designers growing up, but her spirit knew who she was before she did. Professor Shelton, an animation alumna from Syracuse University, encouraged her to apply to Syracuse University’s Fashion Design program, a recommendation that would change everything. 

Professor Regina Edwards-Drum tackled one of Sheridonna’s greatest fears: public speaking. “Before her class, I was timid in small groups, even though I was the host of a large awards show at the Palace Theatre,” Sheridonna recalls. “She taught me to breathe, relax, and speak as if I were talking to friends.” This confidence would later prove essential as Sheridonna launched her international podcast and TV show, “Sheridonna’s Diary of a Fashionista.” 

Building Skills for an Empire 

The technical skills Sheridonna acquired at Bryant & Stratton College became the backbone of her business operations. Learning Adobe Suite programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign on Mac computers gave her the tools she needed to create full identity packages for all her brands. The graphic design expertise she gained allowed her to maintain complete creative control over her visual branding, which is a crucial advantage for any entrepreneur. 

The program’s versatility proved equally valuable. Classes in public speaking and writing complemented her design skills, giving her “an extra edge” that would prove essential in her roles as educator, podcast host, and business leader. 

Leadership in Action 

Bryant & Stratton College didn’t just teach Sheridonna technical skills, they provided opportunities to develop leadership experience before graduation. As president of the Graphic Design Club and contributor to the B&SC Bobcat Newsletter, she learned to “implement leadership before graduation and step confidently into Entrepreneurship.” 

This early leadership experience prepared her for the multiple roles she would eventually take on: CEO, creative director, educator, and humanitarian. The intimate class sizes at B&SC facilitated collaboration and gave her direct access to professors, which created an environment where she could ask questions and receive personalized mentoring. 

The Ripple Effect 

Sheridonna graduated from Bryant & Stratton College with a 4.0 GPA and went on to Syracuse University, where she graduated with high honors. The impact of her B&SC education extended far beyond her personal success; the skills and confidence she gained became the foundation for creating opportunities for others. 

One of her former students, whom she had taught during her time at Syracuse, later reached out during an Instagram Live session saying, “Mrs. S, I miss you, and I want you to continue teaching me fashion design.” When Sheridonna explained she had moved to Maryland, her former student suggested, “You should teach online.” That simple request sparked the birth of Unity Fashion Institute, her online fashion education platform that now serves so many! 

A Legacy of Excellence 

Today, Sheridonna’s empire spans multiple industries such as luxury sustainable fashion design, beauty services, education, and humanitarian work. But she traces it all back to the foundation she built at Bryant & Stratton College. 

“My experience at B&SC was transformative, supportive, and inspiring, and I’m grateful for every lesson and opportunity I received there,” she reflects. “B&SC is more than a college, it’s a place that equips you with the tools to step into your purpose and thrive.” 

Her advice to current students echoes the lessons she learned during her own journey: “Know yourself. Trust your instincts. Pursue what excites you with diligence and purpose. Remember, your dreams will make room for you.” 

Her journey from graphic design student to multi-industry entrepreneur proves that with the right foundation, mentorship, and determination, students can build not just careers, but lasting legacies that impact generations to come.