Eddie Egesi, the founder of Apricot Branding, has carved a distinctive path in the branding and design industry. What started as a side hustle in college is now a strategic branding firm that serves small and mid-sized businesses in Maryland and D.C.

From Humble Beginnings to Visionary Branding

In college Eddie started a small side business focused on graphic design. He designed books, film storyboards, logos, and advertisements for clients locally and in other states. He also partnered with other marketing companies on small projects. “It all started as a small graphics and design business,” Eddie recalls. 

However, he says, “Creativity isn’t only about visual design. It is more about being able to generate new and novel ideas. The ability to envision new realities is a great gift.” 

Over time, he decided to focus his practice on business owners and noticed that many of his clients were too busy wrestling with the wide-ranging challenges of building awareness, driving engagement, and brand differentiation to tap into their brand’s true potential. Realizing this motivated him to expand into branding, a practice area that blends design and storytelling with psychology, marketing, and business.

Apricot Stands For “New Beginnings”

By February 2022, Eddie leveraged the experience, expertise, funds, and network he had built over the years and rebranded the business as Apricot Branding—a strategic branding firm that empowers visionaries to amplify the impact and maximize the potential of their brands. “The name comes from the warm color apricot, symbolizing new beginnings,” Eddie explains. “When people work with me, I want them to feel like this is a fresh start for their business.”

The pandemic was a pivotal moment for the newly rebranded company. But, while many saw the end in that business environment, Eddie viewed it as a time for reinvention. He leveraged the lockdown period to acquire new skills, forge partnerships, and rethink his strategic direction. “Every business needs to evolve,” he says. Apricot Branding emerged stronger and now offers a wider blend of solutions that include strategic branding, web services, and nonfiction publishing through a new division, Apricot Press.

Serving Visionary Founders

Eddie specializes in the health and wellness industry, and works often with founders in related fields like fitness and self-care. “A key challenge I help client’s address is when their brand does not reflect the quality of what they do or the experience that customers have,” he explains. Eddie’s expertise extends to building clarity, credibility, and engagement using branding strategies and online channels such as blogging, email, and social media.

Apricot Branding’s core offerings include:

• Strategic Branding: Developing tailored marketing plans and brand strategies that translate into impactful visual and verbal expressions.
• Web Services: Creating websites that work cohesively with other digital tools and online channels to drive results.
• Nonfiction Publishing: Helping business owners share their stories and build credibility by becoming published authors while avoiding common pitfalls in the publishing process.

A Deep Connection to Montgomery County

Eddie moved to Montgomery County from Nigeria at the age of 12, living first in Germantown and later in Silver Spring. The local community has played a vital role in his business journey. “The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in connecting me with local clients,” Eddie shares. Before joining the Chamber, most of his clients were based in other states.

He is also a SCORE mentee, leveraging resources to enhance his business. “SCORE referred me to the Chamber, and it’s been a valuable experience,” he says. Partnerships with organizations like the Northern Virginia Black Chamber have further enriched his network and opportunities.

“Stuff I Wish I Had Known:” Eddie Egesi

For those starting their entrepreneurial journey, Eddie emphasizes the importance of strategy. “Business is a long-term game,” he says. “Don’t rush. Take the time to plan and strategize before launching. Once your business takes off, you’ll have less time to pivot, reflect, and adjust.”

He also highlights the significance of partnerships. “Branding is a team sport,” Eddie notes. “Many successful brands have thrived on strategic partnerships. Collaboration is key to growth and innovation.”

As Apricot Branding continues to grow, Eddie is focusing on expanding partnerships and refining services to better serve his clients. His dedication to helping businesses thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape is evident. “When people work with Apricot Branding, they’re not just getting a service provider. They’re getting a strategic partner who’s invested in their success.”