Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherie Phillips.
Sherie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up the youngest of six in Saint Louis, Missouri. In 2017, I moved to Atlanta on faith and a prayer with no clear direction, just hoping for clarity on my life and a change for the better. I knew I was different; I always had been. And I knew that I wanted to discover more of me before turning 30. In the fall/winter of 2017, I developed the Heat Up Atlanta initiative. This initiative was set to help keep the homeless warm during the season by collecting items such as coats, blankets, socks, and more. Additionally, I began branding myself, creating an e-commerce store, and networking like crazy. By January 15, 2018, I quit my government job to become a full-time entrepreneur. Literally, the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But it wasn’t adding up to me that I’m always in the room with the bosses, but I wasn’t anyone special.
And I knew that wasn’t the case, because I could feel it. I literally kept my faith and became more receptive to those that supported me and want to see me win. A sister of mine, Vicky P., kept encouraging me to take a look at an online influencer that she knew I’d benefit from. I began taking online webinars and classes and learning ways to create multiple streams of income to make sure the funds kept coming. I also began getting involved with nightlife and becoming an affiliate for hosting and curating events as well as helping with sales. It was important for me to make a name for myself and not use the notoriety of my brother, Cory B. or any other affiliations and relationships. I wanted people to know me! I am Sheriè P.
Little did I know, by April of 2018, my first grand opening would be for a hookah lounge. I did two major events in one day curating my best friend, Quinton Jackson, “BPLR Pre-Fashion Show Pop-Up Shop” for a fashion show he and other designers were in the following day; then the grand opening party for the lounge later that night. It was almost like St. Louis had taken over the night. Mind blown, now I’m feeling like a BOSS BOSS! This opened the door for me to work with other venues, club/lounge owners, and nightlife influencers. Shortly after, Vicky and I created a traveling event staff for private events. In June, I was inducted into the National African American Restaurant and NightClub Association and began sitting in some pretty powerful rooms. My clientele increased significantly and by April 2019, I was tasked with opening up what is now one of the hottest restaurants in Buckhead, Copper Cove Bistro. The one thing I learned is that nothing is promised and nothing lasts forever. Secure yourself.
My brother told me “As quickly as trends come and go, the one thing you’ll always be able to sell is yourself if you’re real. So stay real.” And being my real self has gotten me this far! My personal brand, iAmSherieP, became my main priority. The support has grown significantly. Additionally, this will be year 3 of the Heat Up ATL initiative. Safe to say, he was right.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been long and hard, as I have faced many challenges. I’ve almost moved back to St. Louis at least three times simply because I knew for a fact that life would be easier. I’ve run out of money, lost clients, overdrafted my accounts and at one point, I even reverted back to my freshman year of college diet of cereal and top ramen! The struggle has been real! I’ve had two car accidents, neither were my fault, resulting in me becoming a gold member with Uber! I’ve suffered deaths, lost friendships, and even lost familial relationships by focusing on my dreams. But I never quit. I couldn’t quit. I knew I had to prove to myself, if nobody else that it would all be worth it in the end. My best friend said to die with memories, not dreams! So I trusted the process and kept the faith. I’m still trusting it! Faith got me living risky!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan on releasing multiple editions of the Book of Trapfirmations, finishing my trap music-inspired stationery line, and creating a series of children’s entrepreneur books. I have it set in my heart that I am the spark that lights the mind that changes the world. I would like to secure more speaking engagements and open another lounge that caters to women. I also want to travel to different cities helping establish and/or rebrand businesses to increase minority ownership. Last but certainly not least, I want to spread the warming of the homeless with the Heat Up the City initiative. The initial cities I’d like to begin in include St. Louis, Houston, D.C., and Charlotte. The overall goal is to keep growing and glowing.
Pricing:
- Book of Trapfirmations $17.99
- Trap Pad Journal $6.99
- Business Bestie Packages start at $75 a month!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iamsheriep.com
- Email: support@iamsheriep.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamsheriep
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamsheriep
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamsheriep
Image Credit:
Stella B Visuals
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