Rebirth of an Entrepreneur: My Journey from Incarceration to Business Success
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.
Embracing New Beginnings: My Journey of Reinvention
This journey may be filled with uncertainties, but it's these very uncertainties that make life beautiful. So, as I approach my 46th birthday, I embrace the challenge of starting over, rekindling my spirit, and crafting a life that's uniquely mine.
The Greatest Homecoming on Earth
It's GHOE, baby! If you're not familiar with what GHOE is, it's the Greatest Homecoming on Earth - the homecoming celebration of North Carolina A&T State University. I'm an Aggie through and through, with not one, but two degrees, and I even had the privilege of being a faculty member there for a few years. My days of GHOE go way back; it's practically in my DNA.
Dear Little Sharita
I recently revisited my pictures from the past few days, and one image, in particular, stood out to me. It's the one I chose to feature in yesterday's vlog. After gazing into the tearful eyes of my younger self, I felt compelled to write a letter, sharing everything I wish my 7-year-old self knew from the perspective of my 45-year-old self.
In The Beginning
Some photos brought immense joy, a sense of accomplishment and achievement, while others evoked deep sadness, carrying with them grief, loss, disappointment, anger, and frustration.
Embrace the Rebel Within
This journey isn't about rebellion for the sake of it. It's about being true to myself, embracing the aspects of my identity that were suppressed or overlooked in the past. It's about savoring the sweet taste of authenticity, liberated from the confines of societal norms. It's a metamorphosis, a gradual unfurling of the wings I never knew I had.
Worthy of Me
Today, I decided to treat myself to a much-needed "me day." Life has been a whirlwind lately, with a packed week and weekend ahead, so it felt essential to take some time just for myself.
Life Has Been Life-ing
It's been quite some time since I last put pen to paper. Life has a way of getting me caught up in its whirlwind, and I've been feeling a bit disoriented lately. I miss the grounded feeling I used to have, back when consistency and journaling were my companions during my incarceration. It's ironic how life on the outside can sometimes make me feel further away from myself.
A Journey from Draft to Reality
When I embarked on the journey of penning down my thoughts, feelings, and experiences, little did I know about the intricate process of transforming those words into a tangible piece of art - a book. Today, the final version of my book cover was done, and I am left in awe. The culmination of months of brainstorming, revising, and refining has led to a cover that’s not just visually appealing but encapsulates the essence of my written words.
Freedom Fighter
Who could have told me that I would still be fighting for my freedom even after leaving prison? The journey of redemption is often far from straightforward, and for many, the battle for freedom doesn't end at the prison gates. In fact, it's a journey that continues long after the physical confines of incarceration have been left behind.
A Difficult Conversation: Setting Myself Free
Yesterday, I had one of the hardest conversations of my life. It was a talk I had been putting off for far too long, one that I knew was necessary to truly set myself free. I sat down with my youngest daughter, during our special mommy-daughter date, and decided it was time to reveal a painful truth that I had been hiding from her for the past year.
Reunited: A Joyous Homecoming
I feel like a kid the night before Christmas. I am so excited. My bunkie, my friend, my girl is getting ready to come home to be released from prison tomorrow. After six years of being incarcerated, she is finally going home. I am so, so excited for her.
Finding Hope and Stability After Incarceration
One of the hardest things that I've had to deal with since being out is the uncertainty about my income. When I went to prison, I lost my career, which was a huge part of my financial means of providing for my family. And that was a huge detriment, but God always provides. Today, I've had so many opportunities come my way in just a matter of 24 hours. I just surrendered and let God have his way, and the blessings are just flowing.
Finding Purpose and Direction: A Personal Journey
Life can sometimes feel like a maze, and many of us are on a constant quest for direction and purpose. I know I am. I thrive on structure, goals, and plans; they give me a sense of purpose and help keep my anxiety at bay.
My Weight Loss Journey: From Prison to Home, Battling Anxiety, and Finding Solace in the Gym
Exercise has become my mental refuge, a powerful tool to manage my anxiety. I've learned that when anxiety threatens to consume me, a brisk run or an intense workout can provide relief and clarity.
Embracing Minimalism: My Journey Towards a Capsule Wardrobe
During my time away from society, I learned the hard way about the preciousness of time. Incarceration can make even the smallest moments feel like an eternity, and it's an experience that reshapes your entire outlook. As I regained my freedom, I found myself yearning for a life that prioritizes experiences over possessions, quality over quantity, and time over material wealth.
Going Away Dinner
Every day it is more real. Last night I had a going away dinner with a few of my closest friends and favorite prison foods. We shared memories, laughed, and cried. They filled me up with their encouragement, stories of me, and kind words. It was good to be celebrated. The food and decor were also really cute and I am very appreciative to them all for taking the time out to show up for me.
A Kween Will Always Rise
Last night, my bunkie attempted to keep me from seeing some strange activity outside of our room door. At first, I didn't know exactly what was going on. She then asked me to step outside of the room where I got to see my goodbye poster with the words ‘A Kween Will Always Rise’ accompanied by a drawing of a beautiful, majestic phoenix.
I Will Always Love You
Every Friday evening in the chapel there is a praise and worship celebration. On the first Friday of the month, the individuals who are leaving that month are celebrated. Well, today it was my turn. As a part of the celebration, I asked my "auntie" to sing, and boy did she come through.
Free At Last
This entire part of my life’s journey has been about being FREE. Hence the name of the blog. Truth be told, I thought I really knew what that meant even when I first started. I realize that I had a very limited view of what it meant to be FREE. Throughout my time, I have gained more and more clarity about what freedom really is, what it means to me and for me, and how I am truly, indeed FREE.