Meet Shariee Jones

We recently connected with Shariee Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Shariee, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
According to my mom, I have always been strong willed. Being a singer songwriter at an early age, I’ve had to deal with a lot of rejection from record labels. It helped me build resilience. Also, having a spiritual path with God helps as well.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started writing song lyrics at the age of 16. I wrote mostly rap lyrics since I was influenced by local Memphis rappers like Skinny Pimp, Three 6 Mafia, and 8 Ball & MJG. At some point, I decided to write R&B music and that first song was What Goes Around.

It was picked up by Hollywood Records, but they wanted it selected for country music for Dolly Parton. I decided not to allow them to use it because I wanted it song for R&B music. Dolly Parton is a great artist and very likable. I was young with no music industry guidance at 16, so it was a greatly missed opportunity not working with her.

At 18 years old, I decided to move away from music and start modeling for Xtra Modeling Agency which was based in Atlanta, GA. I did a few shows and some print work under that modeling agency.

After starting my modeling career, I joined an R&B girls’ music group and performed in local clothing commercials, and a few other media outlets. A year passed by and the girls’ music group that I was in split up. So, I decided to become a solo artist during my freshman year of college.

Some circumstances came up in my personal life that made me change my outlook on my career goals. I truly believe that some things in life happen to you in order to help others who are struggling with their life journey. I believe that the only true success is when you let go and let God guide you to your destiny.

I’ve learned how to channel a lot of negative energy into something positive. Turning negative life experiences into positive feedback is what music, art, fashion, and helping others do for me.

During my college years, I became the Associate Editor of StreetMaster’s Magazine based in Memphis, TN following my internship with The University of Memphis’ newspaper, The Daily Helmsman. I also covered the Dub’s Magazine Car Concert and Tour southern events annually as an invited journalist.

Working as a journalist, I met a few film producers who asked me to appear in the movies such as “Hustle and Flow” directed by Craig Brewer/John Singleton, and an independent film “What Goes Around” under Pitts Productions. Later, I started working for MTVU and kanyeuniversecity.com as a promoter.

Starting as my college grad project, I later created HyPhaze, a fashion and entertainment online magazine that was geared toward teens and young adults in hopes of becoming a positive voice in society. These opportunities with Kanye West and MTVU led me to work with Universal Records and Interscope Records’ new talent.

I truly consider myself a visionary, artist, and activist for Human Rights. In 2009, I decided to let go of my company HyPhaze and I created Model Definition Interfaith Ministry in Memphis, TN. After I created my ministry, God led me to create my company Divine Army.

I chose the name Divine Army because I was working at the time for The U.S. Army and Veteran Affairs at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. During my time spent working under civilian orders, I was attending theology school in Haviland, KS remotely. Working and attending school at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center gave me a chance to also experience church life there among the military chaplains.

In 2017, under my company Divine Army, I recorded my EP album Revelations produced by Digital Beatz and Mr. Roubaix. My album reflects on the end of pain in everyday life by embracing new beginnings through reformation and self-reflection.

I wanted to educate on public safety awareness and promote community healing for mental and physical health. I counsel through my fashion, music, and artwork. I am grateful to be in a position to use all of my God-given talents.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Having skills in Theology, Counseling and Business helped me shape my business. My advice is to learn as much as you can about your career interest.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client are clients who need a second chance in life and is looking for a new direction. I specialize in Wellness and Life Coaching. Mental health is as important as physical health.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photos by Shariee Jones

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