Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherry Smalls
Hi Sherry, 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?
I became a community-based small business owner for workforce and business development, after many years in the non-profit and the for-profit sector, I knew my talents weren’t being fully utilized and I could do more for my community independently. I created Reinvented Destiny more than a decade ago but allowed fear to prevent me from fully pursuing it, I was worried about others’ opinions so much so that I was willing to allow my dream to be deferred. However, I always knew I wanted to have a greater influence to meet the needs of others. My passion and entire career have been spent in human services. I do believe it is my gift and my calling.
As a child, I learned the value of service and giving back to the community through my mom who would take me to soup kitchens and community outreach activities this is where I learned the value of kindness and what it meant to “see people”. I also grew up hearing through personal stories the impact substance abuse, mental health, and intellectual disorders played in my family. These images and stories shaped my determination to locate resources to provide better care and services to my community. One of the biggest contributions I realized I could offer was to help individuals and minority businesses locate opportunities to earn livable wages which can greatly impact the trajectory of not only one person but the entire family and future generations. I sought to create a space to allow others to dream and not be stuck in the confounds of what society dictates are acceptable roles or jobs. A space where individuals are not defined by their life circumstances, age, diagnosis, or limited resources but a space where we collaborate in finding innovative solutions to pursuing their goals whether as a small business, entrepreneur, or employee.
After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Psychology I began my career in a locked children’s psychiatric facility followed by working with those with developmental, and intellectual disabilities in workforce development. After receiving dual master’s degrees in healthcare administration, and business administration I pursued upper management positions working with clients with traumatic brain injuries, followed by psychiatric and dual diagnosis. While I allowed my dreams during this time to take a back seat, I have come to realize that these experiences were needed to fully shape and define Reinvented Destiny.
Each day as I help others realize their dreams they also help me live out mine.
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?
Before I decided to take a leap of faith and fully pursue a life of entrepreneurship Reinvented Destiny was stagnant and I did not see a roadmap of how I would truly create a thriving businesses. As long as I treated it as a hobby I got small hobby results. I think the biggest challenge I faced was how to shift my mindset: learning to push through even while afraid, learning that there are times when you have to be your biggest and loudest cheerleader, to believe in yourself with or without validation or understanding from others. I had to make up in my mind in order to take a leap of faith I had to partner with God and have a spirit of “yes”.
While I always had a concept in my head it was not until I quit my job with no other option but Reinvented Destiny that it became my business and real progress began to happen. I began to get opportunities to sustain my business that I never believed were possible. But even then there were so many moments I considered going back to a traditional 9 to 5 management job and even went on a few interviews, but I knew in my heart that it was fear that I was leaning in to and allowing that level of fear to control my decisions would never bring me the joy I desired. I had to force my actions to align with my goals where a Plan B was no longer an option. I had to make an agreement with myself that I could pivot as needed but the pursuit of my dreams would continue.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well I would like to say first that what thrives so much of my work is who I am.. which is a very proud wife and boy mom of 3 amazing, talented, smart, handsome sons. They are truly the driving force behind what I do. I want them to not only believe that they can create the life that they want on their terms but I want them to see it as a possibility through me. They get to see me everyday and even late at night (occasionally) build something I believe in. My work and desire to help others is a personal calling. Reinvented Destiny is a workforce development company where we offer in person and virtual career counseling, goal identification and planning, assessments, accountability, grant writing, strategic planning and other workforce and business solutions specializing in marginalized communities. It is important to me that everyone who desires to create a positive change for their future be given an opportunity regardless of the barriers life, health, socioeconomic status, etc have dealt them.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. I am a woman of faith and believe in timing and intention. I can see so many instances now when I felt rejected or wasnt provided certain opportunities that it was all leading me to where I am now. I have a different appreciation and perspective on the many jobs I have taken through out my career. I value my experience working in direct support roles which allowed me to be a more empathetic leader, or taking positions that paid me less than what I thought I deserved which pushed me to learn self advocacy and how to advocate for others. It sounds so cliche to say but I truly needed those moments of “no and wait” it helped mature me and build my character and for that I am forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reinventeddestiny.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reinventeddestiny/
