We recently had the chance to connect with Sherry Smalls and have shared our conversation below.
Sherry, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Over the last year or so I have challenged myself to be more thoughtful and accountable with my time. While I still try to maximize the same 24 hours that we all get, it has been tremendously important that I began to value silence and stillness just as much as productivity. I have found that it allows me to have greater capacity for whatever the day may bring. So for the first 90 minutes of my day I work very hard to limit my screen time. I enjoy seeing my kids off to school, practicing yoga, followed by prayer, and grabbing a cup of coffee while doing some quiet reading and journaling. I want my thoughts to be free while also allowing space to check in with myself to see how I am feeling and how can I show up authentically for myself and others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Sherry Smalls, CEO/Founder of Reinvented Destiny, LLC which is a workforce and small business development company. We provide individualized services to marginalized or disproportionately impacted communities equipping them with the resources and supports to obtain and sustain their employment, financial, and/or business goals.
What makes our services unique beyond our dedication and passion is the plethora of amazing populations we have been able to successfully serve regardless of barriers or circumstances. We accept individuals all ages and walks of life, recognizing the value each story and situation brings.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was probably in 8th grade when I ran for class president. It was a bit of battle of the sexes as my opponent was male and expected to get all of the other boys votes. Although I had the numbers if I relied solely on my female friends to vote for me but I want to capture the attention of my audience and I wanted to be elected not just from a popularity standpoint. So I made it my mission to interact act more with everyone and figure out what things were important to them when deciding who to vote for. I took this election quite seriously and won by a landslide.
Not only did this give me a platform but it was the start of me recognizing my leadership abilities and interest in others stories. It affirmed early for me that if I wanted to achieve a goal I had to commit to it and put in a little work.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As I was cleaning up recently I found an index card in an old Bible where I had written some goals. The index card itself was not dated but it listed that in 2010 I wanted to start my business. It would be three more years before I would decide to actually register my business the first time; however, in 2012 I had my second son and was completing my Masters in Healthcare Administration, then in 2013 I was pregnant with my last son while finishing my Masters in Business Administration so even though I registered my business I and had accomplished some significant achievements I did not think pursuing an entrepreneurial life at that time was the right or responsible thing to do so I let my dream be deferred. It would be another 4 years before I would reactivate and register the business again which is what I did in 2017 but still felt like it was a bit of a lofty dream and probably not something I should actually do. I was still too afraid to fully pursue owning and working my business.
I gained great experience in the positions I obtained throughout this time and began to move up in management however there was still this longing to trust in myself and my gifts.. I was so easily swayed by others opinions but in 2023 I decided that if I was ever going to do it it was now or never.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to Reinvented Destiny, LLC and believe in the work that we do, helping individuals and small businesses achieve their goals. I have the belief that all people deserve to have the support and resources to pursue the life they dream of without being tied to the transgressions of their past or the barriers that life may bring them. That does not mean things will be easy and it often takes quite of a bit of creativity, additional education, networking, and patience to obtain their goals but it is possible.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that they remember my character. More than what I do for people each and everyday I would like them to understand why I do it, what kept me committed when it was hard, when I wasnt being paid, when noone saw the hard work.
I would want them to remember it was my love and desire to see people as capable and worthy that motivated me. That I led with care, compassion, empathy, integrity, and boldness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reinventeddestiny.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reinventeddestiny/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reinvented-destiny-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company
Image Credit:
Main Photo – Rodney E.Jones II
