Throughout the month of March and Women’s History Month –
FM Expressions is highlighting our very own women leaders in screen printing!
Join us as we celebrate and recognize these outstanding women leaders making a difference daily at FM – showing us authentic leadership, responsibility, and community in our industry.
Meet Sherry Flowers. FM’s Production Supervisor.
Sherry started her career at FM 6 years ago. Sherry’s curiosity and eagerness to learn have afforded her exponential growth within the company. She originally was hired for press utility, then supported the pit crew, and transferred to the screen room, which finally lead her to the present day as the Production Supervisor.
Sherry is known for her dedication, work ethic, and joyful spirit. Sherry says everyone has their own way and style to lead their team, but she chooses to lead out of the love of her heart which is why she’s known company-wide as “Mama Bear.” Sherry loves her team and is very protective of them. She can reprimand them but can also give out hugs and encouragement to team members when they need it.
Sherry credits her success to the many great mentors around her. She says open communication is key to her and her team's success and she’s very appreciative of mentors like Willie, Neda, and Carrie for being so fantastic and helping her get to where she is today.
When Sherry isn’t leading the production floor at FM, Sherry enjoys spending quality time with her family, and her 3 children and is a proud fisherwoman! “I’ll catch them, you clean them, I’ll cook them, and we can eat them.” 😊
Sherry's son, Sedique, and her two daughters, Kaynara and Lejon
What is it like being a women leader at FM Expressions?
This company doesn’t have a problem promoting female leadership. In other companies and at different times it wasn’t a thing, but FM has always embraced us women leaders! There are so many of us. Every day, I feel empowered and proud to be where I am.
How has a mentor impacted your life and/or career at FM Expressions?
Willie – Willie helped mold me and guided me throughout my career and was always willing to answer any questions I had because he saw a potential leader in me. I credit my success to him.
I called him constantly to ask questions. He was a great boss, and he really led the floor and helped us all. He taught me that everyone needs structure and discipline. But work should also be fun, we should laugh and enjoy each moment. I want my team to have fun and enjoy the day-to-day as Willie taught me.
Tell me the importance of mentorship for women and girls.
It’s important because females are often overlooked and the same for ethnic groups. I treat everyone the same. I love everyone the same. It doesn’t matter what your gender or ethnicity is, at the end of the day everyone is equal. Everyone has the same opportunity and if you put in the work, I promise I will help you get there any way I can!
How can we better support women in screen printing?
If they don’t see you, demand that they see you. FM believes in second chances. The company believed in me and if you put in the work, you can accomplish anything.
If you want it bad enough, there is a lot of room to grow here. I'm the perfect example. I stepped up and moved myself up with hard work and dedication. Put in the work and you can grow!
Who is a woman that inspired you at FM Expressions and why?
Neda and Carrie – are so supportive, inspiring, and intelligent. The technical and professional terms that their brains hold onto amaze me too! I hope to know that much after I’ve been here that long. 😊 I love both Neda and Carrie dearly, they are truly wonderful ladies to be around and work with.
What advice would you give to a woman who wants to pursue a career in apparel decoration or screen printing?
Come on! Put in an application and the work and I will teach you!
Tell me your favorite quote.
Bruce Lee — 'Showing off is the fool's idea of glory.'
Who is your favorite female artist?
I’ve been listening to a lot of H.E.R. recently! I love her music. It makes me feel good.
Who is your favorite woman author?
When I was younger, I loved reading everything by V.C. Andrews.
How do you support feminism and gender equality in a male-dominated workplace?
I tell you some of these women are damn good operators! I make work fun so it’s not so stressful. Patsy is such a good operator. I like to play fun games and tell the guys that Patsy is smoking them, and we make it a fun competition! Female operators are fantastic, we can do anything the guys can do! I love to uplift my women team members daily and remember when the time is right for you, there will be an opportunity for you.
Who is your favorite female historical figure?
Maya Angelou
How has women’s history shaped your life?
People fought for us to be able to do the things we are doing today. I’m going to continue taking full advantage of being a woman and letting my voice be heard.
How can we build on these successes and create a better future for all women?
Make your voice heard. Go out and vote when you get a chance, and speak up when there’s a promotion opportunity and you believe you are deserving. That’s exactly what I did. You matter and your voice matters too.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
My message to everyone is, we all make mistakes, and we all have a past, but what matters is right now. What matters is that we continue to push forward. If you mess up, I’ll ask you what you learned from that. Learn something and move forward. Don’t cry about it, keep going. Know what you did wrong, next time you do it, you’ll get it right.