Rebirth of an Entrepreneur: My Journey from Incarceration to Business Success
Hey there,
I've shared a lot about my inner personal life, but for those who truly know me, you're aware that I'm a serial entrepreneur. The fire of entrepreneurship burns deep within me. I thrive on business development, especially during the exciting startup phase. In fact, I often describe myself as a "fire starter." My Instagram bio used to proudly declare, "I create ish." I’m a creator, I'm passionate about new beginnings, birthing businesses, developing concepts, crafting brands, and shaping business models. However, if there's one aspect I'm not particularly fond of, it's babysitting a business as it matures. It's like dealing with a child in their terrible twos – you're almost eager to pass them back to their parents. That's me when it comes to managing a business. I relish the initial stage and the thrill of creation.
This passion for entrepreneurship is rooted in my identity as a lifelong learner. I thrive on acquiring new knowledge, love the art of research, savor the stories and wisdom shared by others, and consider myself both a forever teacher and a forever student.
Now, let's step into the business conversation. Before my journey to prison, I was a working professional and a professor at North Carolina A&T. I had a steady income, predictable salary, benefits, and retirement plans. Working for the state provides a sense of stability, although I acknowledge it's often an illusion. We all know that circumstances can change in the blink of an eye.
Contrast this with my entrepreneurial lifestyle, which I've embraced for nearly 25 years. I say "25" because my entrepreneurial journey began around the time I had my first daughter, who is now 25. So, it's a convenient way to keep track of the years. About 25, almost 26 years ago, I embarked on my entrepreneurial path. Entrepreneurship flows in my veins, passed down through generations. My grandfather was a farmer and a store owner in our community, and it's a part of my DNA. My family boasts entrepreneurs in various fields, from trucking companies to nursing homes to IT – you name it. Entrepreneurship is ingrained in me, and I've dabbled in a wide range of businesses over the past 25 years, often joking that I've had more businesses than most people have changed their underwear. From lace front wigs to blow-up latex balloons, my entrepreneurial journey has been an eclectic ride. Maybe one day, I'll write a book about it and trademark the catchy title – "From Lace to Latex."
Fast forward to my return home. I made a conscious decision to dive headfirst into my entrepreneurial endeavors. I told myself that I wouldn't seek a traditional job. However, as the initial fear began to set in upon my return, I found myself grappling with financial insecurity. I once had the comfort of a stable job, but now I was faced with what felt like an empty slate. The prospect of starting from scratch terrified me. I even applied for jobs and went as far as having an interview.
Then, a close friend reminded me of my true aspirations. She recalled that I'd committed to living in my full-time entrepreneurship and building the businesses I'm passionate about. With her words echoing in my mind, I declined the job offer. It was a pivotal moment where I reconnected with my entrepreneurial spirit, even when fear was knocking at the door.
For the past nearly 90 days, I've been living by the principle of "eating what I kill." And let me tell you, I've brought down some pretty impressive prey. In the coming posts, I'll share more about the ventures I've been involved in – from real estate to various business opportunities.
I want to emphasize that I've built a reputation as a formidable businesswoman. I've achieved impressive numbers, and in about five days, as I hit my official 90-day milestone, I'll have a solid figure to quantify my accomplishments.
These achievements are particularly noteworthy because I've accomplished them as a formerly incarcerated individual, someone who returned to a community where my case garnered significant attention. I was also in a very dark place just over a year ago, and that's why I resonated with Megan Thee Stallion's song "Cobra" – it mirrored my journey. I'm here now, though, and I'm back, ready to make my mark and kick some ass.
My return is a testament to the grace of God, and I'm also here to support and inspire others who are reinventing themselves, who are bouncing back, because it can be done. You can break free and thrive on every level. So, stay tuned, because there's a lot more to come.
With gratitude and hope,
Sharita
