We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharod Fenner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharod below.
Sharod , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose after achieving what I thought were all my goals, but still feeling unfulfilled. I was raised by a single black mother with help and guidance from my grandparents. Unfortunately, my father wasnt around to help my mother raise me. Growing up in Rocky Mount, NC there wasnt much for young kids to do that didnt require money or getting in trouble. For me, I was never interested in the street life, but I also had no money. I was determined to find a way to make it out of my current living situation and make a better life for myself. My mom and grandparents emphasized to me and my three sisters (Camelia, Tameka, and Alondra) that in order to make it out we had to stay focused in school and stay away from the street life. I began working at the age of 16 years old to relieve some of the financial burdens from my mother and to begin my journey of making it out of the hood. Working as a carhop at Sonic Drive-In, I stumbled across the style of JB rollerskating as it was introduced to me by one of my coworkers; I was instantly hooked. I began teaching myself by watching some of the older guys at the rink with minimal guidance. I skated so much in high school that a group of friends nicknamed me “Skates”. For me, rollerskating was not only about challenging myself to learn something new, but rollerskating at the rink and at work kept me out of the streets and out of trouble. However, after successfully graduating high school and gaining admission to North Carolina State University, I took an extended break from skating as I explored other endeavors in search of my purpose. Despite joining my amazing fraternity of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and being very involved in campus life, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I hadnt yet fulfilled my purpose. It wasn’t until I moved to Atlanta that I truly discovered my purpose.
Moving to Atlanta reignited my passion for skating especially after discovering the vibrant indoor skating scene at the various rinks and joining the outdoor skating community by the name of Sk8tl in 2020.
A few years later at a Sk8tl event, I met my girlfriend Kendra Thomas whose unwavering support gave me the spark I needed to bring my vision to life. With her encouragement I realized that I could be the one to create a community that opened the door for skaters of all levels to learn and grow together. It was with Kendra’s support, guidance from my good friend Richard Williams, founder and creator of Sk8tl, and love and encouragement from my friends and family that I founded Smooth Rollers Sk8 Dojo.
Smooth Rollers is a skate community for likeminded individuals to connect and uplift each other through learning and teaching indoor and outdoor skating disciplines. At Smooth Rollers it is our mission to spread the love of skating by providing a safe space for all of our members and affiliates to learn and grow. This journey taught me the transformative power of community and pursuing one’s passion, culminating in the creation of a space where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive together.
What do you do and what do you feel is most important or special about it?
For my day job I am an Operational Excellence Partner for an automotive fleet leasing and management company, however, that is not my true passion. My true passion is rollerskating. Rollerskating isn’t just a hobby for me—it’s a way of life, a source of empowerment, and a community I’m deeply passionate about. Through rollerskating, I’ve found a profound sense of purpose: bringing like-minded individuals together while nurturing my own mental and physical well-being.
My passion for rollerskating was reawakened amidst a period of personal struggle with my mental health. After relocating to Atlanta and diving into my first job post-college, I anticipated finding fulfillment and happiness. However, the reality was starkly different—I grappled with stress-induced health issues for several years. It was during this challenging time that I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, recognizing my own worth and potential as a leader. I turned to rollerskating as an escape, similar to when I was living in Rocky Mount.
Unfortunately, during my earlier experiences as a roller skater I observed a concerning trend of gatekeeping, especially for newcomers seeking to learn and master various skating techniques. I too initially experienced this lack of mentorship. However, I found solace and guidance from exceptional skaters in the Atlanta skate community who generously shared their expertise. Some of those skaters include: Ride the Beat Skate Crew (@ridethebeatsc), Liltwin Giggs (@liltwingigs), Eileen Pagán (Fat_Quads), Joshua Sutton (@therollergay), Richard Williams (@rawfootageatl), and Mike Pritchett (@mike_pritchett) amongst others. The support I received from my skate friends and family inspired me to establish Smooth Rollers Sk8 Dojo—a vibrant community dedicated to fostering inclusivity while providing a safe space for skaters of all levels to learn and grow.
At Smooth Rollers, diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is our cornerstone. Our members encompass a rich tapestry of races, body types, genders, and orientations, united by a shared passion for skating. Whether sliding across an indoor rink, shredding skate parks, or jamming on tennis courts and outdoor rinks, our dojo serves as a hub for skaters to connect, learn, and thrive.
Within our community, members span a spectrum of skill levels—from beginners to seasoned veterans who’ve graced screens and stages worldwide. Our advanced skaters, or Senseis, not only excel in their craft but also serve as dedicated instructors, sharing their expertise with fellow members.
Looking ahead, my vision for Smooth Rollers extends far beyond our current boundaries. With chapters being established in Jacksonville, Florida, led by the talented T.J. Riley (@rollinwit_tj), and another burgeoning in Australia under the leadership of Alicia Duarte (@aliciaskates), our aspirations know no bounds. My ultimate goal is to spread the love of skating world wide, establishing Smooth Rollers Sk8 Dojo as a household name with chapters spanning the globe.
As we continue to grow and evolve, the future of Smooth Rollers brims with endless possibilities. Together, we’ll skate toward a world where inclusion, unity, and the love of skating reign supreme.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with rollerskating and the creation of Smooth Rollers Sk8 Dojo, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: resilience, community-building, and continuous learning.
Resilience: Throughout my journey, resilience was crucial in overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Whether facing challenges in my personal life or encountering roadblocks in establishing Smooth Rollers, resilience enabled me to persevere and stay committed to my goals. My advice for those early in their journey is to cultivate resilience by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth, staying adaptable, and maintaining a positive mindset even in the face of adversity.
Community-building: Building a supportive and inclusive community has been instrumental in the success of Smooth Rollers. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection among members, we’ve created a space where individuals feel empowered to learn and grow together. For those starting out, I encourage prioritizing community-building by actively seeking out like-minded individuals, collaborating with others, and fostering a sense of belonging within your chosen field or passion.
Continuous learning: Embracing a mindset of continuous learning has been essential in refining my skills as a skater and leader. Whether it’s mastering new skating techniques or honing my leadership abilities, I’ve remained open to learning from others and seeking out opportunities for growth. To those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend embracing a growth mindset and seeking out mentors, resources, and experiences that challenge you to expand your knowledge and skills.
In summary, my journey has been shaped by resilience, community-building, and a commitment to continuous learning. By cultivating these qualities, individuals can navigate challenges, build meaningful connections, and embark on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Currently, my primary challenge revolves around striking a balance between my responsibilities in my day job and my commitment to fueling my passion for skating and video creation. Juggling these two aspects of my life requires careful time management and prioritization to ensure that I can dedicate sufficient energy and focus to both endeavors.
As I navigate this challenge, I’m continuously exploring strategies to optimize my schedule, maximize productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This may involve setting clear boundaries, delegating tasks where possible, and leveraging tools and techniques to streamline workflows.
Despite the inherent challenges, I’m deeply committed to pursuing both my professional career and my creative passions with equal dedication. By staying organized, remaining adaptable, and seeking support from my community, I’m confident that I can overcome this challenge and continue to thrive in both realms.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Its_5kates, @Smooth_Rollers_Sk8, @Roddy_Reelz
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sharodfenner
- Youtube: @Its_5kates, @Smooth_Rollers_Sk8
Image Credits
Jessica Vue and Zemo J.
