Meet Sharee James

We were lucky to catch up with Sharee James recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sharee , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose wasn’t some magical, overnight moment. It was layered—built through struggle, reflection, and this constant desire I’ve always had to make people feel good. Whether I’m cooking for family or hosting something small, I genuinely love helping people feel seen, appreciated, and uplifted.

But purpose is deeper than just being a kind person. For me, it came through the challenges—the times I felt stuck, unsupported, or invisible in spaces that didn’t reflect who I was or what I wanted. It came from asking myself, “How can I use what I’ve been through to help someone else move forward?”

That’s what gave birth to Bosses of the Valley. I didn’t create it just to spotlight entrepreneurs—I created it to build connection. Real connection between everyday people like me, who want more for their lives and families, and others who’ve made it through the grind. People who didn’t have resources, money, or a big following—but kept going anyway.

I’m still self-funded. I still face challenges. But I keep showing up, because I believe in showing others what’s possible. I wanted to create something honest. Something that doesn’t just show the highlight reel, but the real story behind the success. If someone out there wants to open a bakery, I want them to see someone who actually did it—someone who once couldn’t pay rent, who worked late nights, who struggled, but still made it happen.

My purpose is rooted in truth, connection, and reminding people that they don’t need to be perfect or privileged to pursue something meaningful. I believe when you walk in your purpose—even if it’s hard—nothing can take that from you.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

A mom of three, a speaker, and the woman behind Bosses of the Valley. I created this platform to tell the kind of stories I wish I had when I was trying to figure things out—stories that show the real, everyday people behind businesses, and how they pushed through struggle to create something meaningful.

This isn’t something I built for profit. I built it out of purpose. I self-funded the project and kept going because I truly believe people need to see what’s possible, even when the odds feel stacked against them. I’ve met so many incredible entrepreneurs—people who didn’t have a roadmap or resources, but still made it happen—and that’s who I want to spotlight.

I’ve spent years working in structured corporate spaces, and while I’ve gained a lot professionally, Bosses of the Valley is where my heart lives. This is where I feel aligned—with my creativity, with my community, and with the mission I’ve been called to carry out.

Right now, I’m focused on our first Bosses of the Valley live conference. It’s a huge step forward—bringing together everyday people, community members, and aspiring entrepreneurs to hear directly from local business owners and leaders who’ve walked the path. This isn’t about celebrity panels or influencer culture—it’s about creating a space where people can connect, feel seen, and get real inspiration from others who’ve made something out of nothing.

I’m incredibly grateful for the people in my life—especially my children and loved ones—who give me the strength to keep building this vision, even when it’s hard. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m walking in faith and purpose. And that’s enough to keep me going.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey have been resilience, storytelling, and discernment.

Resilience—without a doubt. I understand now why people give up on businesses or dreams. I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. And I’ve had to live through moments where nothing made sense—when I was grieving, when I was broke, when I was tired beyond words. But I kept going. I kept going because I believe there’s always going to be a better outcome. And I had to teach myself to actually believe that. Resilience hasn’t just helped me build Bosses of the Valley—it’s carried me through life. I didn’t stop when I didn’t get replies. I didn’t stop when there was no online presence or no funding. I just kept going because I knew the vision mattered, even when I didn’t have proof yet.

Storytelling is another one. Whatever you decide to do, your power is in how you do it. There could be 50 people doing the same thing, but no one can do it like you. For me, that’s being able to pull out the heart of someone’s journey and tell their story in a way that feels real and relatable. I believe storytelling connects people—and if you’re building a brand, business, or platform, learn how to tell stories: your own and others’. That’s what sticks.

Discernment has been huge. Learning to trust my gut and protect my peace has saved me. Not every opportunity is for you. Not everyone who claps is really clapping for you. I’ve had strangers show more support than people I expected it from, and at first, that hurt. But I learned to stop letting that stop me. The truth is, sometimes the support you need comes from unexpected places. And that’s okay. Don’t let the absence of validation keep you from moving forward.

For anyone early in their journey:
Start now, even if it’s messy. Even if it’s not perfect. Show up when it’s quiet. Keep going when it feels uncertain. You don’t need it to be polished—you just need to begin.
Build your confidence by doing, not waiting.
Protect your space emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Everyone’s urgency can’t become yours. And not everyone deserves access to your energy.

You don’t have to know how it all works out. Just trust that if it’s for you, and you’re willing to walk in it with faith—it’ll unfold.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m absolutely open to partnering and collaborating. Bosses of the Valley is growing in meaningful ways—from powerful interviews to our first live conference—and I’m looking to connect with people who believe in the mission. I’m especially interested in working with local sponsors, community organizations, or anyone who’s passionate about storytelling, entrepreneurship, and uplifting everyday voices.

If that sounds like you, let’s connect! You can reach out through any Bosses of the Valley platform or contact me directly—I’d love to hear from you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Bosses of the Valley
• Linkedin: Sharee J or Bosses of the Valley
• Youtube: Bosses of the Valley