Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Jenkins.
Hi Sharon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has always been centered on one thing: helping people find and share their stories. I began my career as a writer and communicator, and over the years that passion evolved into entrepreneurship, education, publishing, and ministry. As a U.S. Army veteran, educator, author, publisher, and founder of The Literary Midwife Unlimited, I’ve spent nearly two decades helping aspiring authors bring their books and ideas into the world while empowering individuals and organizations to communicate with greater purpose and impact.
Along the way, I’ve worn many hats—including adjunct professor, community leader, aspiring filmmaker, strategic communicator, and conference producer—but the common thread has always been service. Today, I’m pursuing my Doctor of Strategic Communication at Regent University, where my research focuses on ethical AI, storytelling, and strategic communication that creates meaningful connections across generations and diverse communities.
That work has also inspired my newest venture, the Love On Purpose movement and the Forty Plus & Flirty brand, which encourages adults over 40 to build healthier relationships, stronger communities, and more intentional lives. Whether I’m coaching an author, producing a conference, teaching, or speaking, my mission remains the same: to help people discover their voice, communicate with confidence, and create a legacy that makes a lasting difference.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t change the journey because every challenge has shaped who I am today. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to build businesses with limited resources while wearing multiple hats. There have been seasons when I questioned whether I could continue, balancing the demands of running a business, pursuing a doctoral degree, serving my community, and navigating personal and health challenges.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success rarely follows a straight line. There have been disappointments, financial setbacks, opportunities that didn’t materialize, and moments when I had to completely rethink my direction. I’ve also learned that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up with greater wisdom and purpose.
As a woman entrepreneur, I’ve had to create opportunities rather than wait for them. That’s one of the reasons I founded businesses and initiatives that align with my values and passions. Whether helping authors bring their books to life, mentoring others, or creating the Love On Purpose movement, I’ve discovered that some of the greatest opportunities come from solving problems I’ve experienced myself.
Today, I see those struggles as preparation rather than obstacles. They strengthened my faith, deepened my compassion for others, and reinforced my belief that our greatest setbacks often become the foundation for our greatest impact. My journey has taught me that purpose isn’t found in an easy life—it’s found in persevering through difficult seasons and using what you’ve learned to help someone else.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Forty Plus & Flirty is more than a brand—it’s a movement designed to help adults 40 and beyond embrace life, love, purpose, and meaningful connection. We exist to challenge the outdated narrative that life and romance slow down after 40. Instead, we believe this season of life can be one of the most fulfilling, adventurous, and intentional chapters yet.
Our signature event, the Love On Purpose Singles Conference, brings together singles from across the country for an experience focused on healthy relationships, personal growth, and authentic connection. Unlike traditional dating events that simply encourage people to “find someone,” our approach emphasizes becoming emotionally healthy, confident, and intentional before pursuing meaningful relationships. We combine expert speakers, engaging workshops, networking experiences, and practical tools that empower participants to build relationships that last.
What truly sets Forty Plus & Flirty apart is our holistic approach. We recognize that healthy relationships begin with healthy individuals. That’s why our programming extends beyond dating to include mental and emotional wellness, communication, financial empowerment, personal development, faith-friendly conversations, and community building. We create spaces where people can grow as individuals while naturally forming authentic connections with others.
I’m especially proud that we’ve built a brand centered on hope rather than desperation. We celebrate the richness of life after 40 and affirm that it’s never too late to pursue love, purpose, friendship, or a fresh start. Our events are welcoming, inclusive, and designed to help people feel seen, valued, and encouraged.
Ultimately, Forty Plus & Flirty is about helping people live and love on purpose. Whether someone attends one of our conferences, workshops, virtual events, or becomes part of our growing community, our goal is the same: to inspire confidence, foster healthy relationships, and remind every person that their best chapters may still be ahead of them.
This version positions Forty Plus & Flirty as a purpose-driven lifestyle brand rather than simply a dating organization, emphasizing the unique philosophy that distinguishes it from other singles events.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is living a life of purpose and leaving people better than I found them. I believe our greatest success isn’t measured by titles, income, or accomplishments, but by the lives we impact and the legacy we leave behind.
Throughout my career—as an educator, publisher, coach, entrepreneur, minister, and doctoral student—I have been driven by a desire to help others discover their voice, recognize their value, and pursue their God-given purpose. Whether I’m helping an author publish a book, encouraging someone to believe in love again, or developing communication strategies that strengthen organizations, my goal is always to create meaningful, lasting transformation.
Relationships also matter deeply to me. I believe healthy relationships are the foundation of healthy families, thriving communities, and stronger organizations. That’s one of the reasons I created Forty Plus & Flirty and the Love On Purpose movement—to provide spaces where people can grow, heal, connect, and build relationships that enrich their lives.
My faith is the compass that guides everything I do. It reminds me that every opportunity is an opportunity to serve, every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every person has inherent worth and untapped potential.
At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone who lived intentionally, loved generously, communicated with purpose, and helped others write a better story for their own lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://loveonpurpose.fun/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharoncjenkins/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMd3eNenj-IQcYKg_6Lk1A
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelovebroker
