We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shar Michele a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shar, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
In everything you do there will be people with opinions. Some people will love my work and what I do, others will criticize and ridicule. But I am a strong believer in God and I know what was spoken to me so I press forward knowing that I’m walking in my purpose.
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?
I’m the Founder and President of Dorothy’s Pearl. A product brand that encourages women to embrace and love who they are and their individuality. Because just like a pearl rare and priceless. So is every woman that walks this earth.
Also just like a Pearl in its rarity so are the items that are sold by Dorothy’s Pearl. With only limited production of our lashes, handbags and eyewear. Once an item is sold out it isn’t reproduced.
While I enjoy fashion I’m also a Philanthropist, with a portion of my proceeds going to various causes. But my primary focus is to raise awareness of the disparity in the African American community for bone marrow donors. In hopes of seeing an increase of 10-20% of registered donors in the next 2-3 years.
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?
My faith, resilience, and desire to have agency of my time.
When I started out I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I wanted to have a E-Commerce store. I prayed and was guided to have a fashion truck. I did that for a few years. But in 2020 with fast fashion on the rise I felt I needed to shut down my business completely. But then God said “Don’t eliminate elevate! This led me to trademark and focus more on the brand and less on the store.
I think the best advice I could give is learn to pivot. Especially in retail. It’s ever changing and there are constantly new brands, stores etc coming out every day. The other advice I would give is Rome wasn’t built in a day. Meaning don’t compare where you are to someone else. Their journey is not yours. And although they may seem like they just popped up out of no where. They’ve probably been putting in work for years and are now reaping the fruits of their labor.
Just stay true to who you are and stop looking at everyone as competition. Instead look at them as inspiration because if they can do it so can you.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The people that I would have to say that have encouraged me the most when I felt like giving up are my sisters Kim and Bretshetta, my husband Zeb, my mom and mom in law Mickey. Aunt Barb and brother in law LeRae. My closest friends, Amy, ReNisha, Jessie and Meredith. My Christian support system Apostle Felton Williams, Jasmine, and Tierra. As well as my daughter Syd who gives me ideas and draws up my concepts. Along with my niece Daziah who provides me with creative insight.I know that seems like an extensive list but in moments where I just didn’t think I could continue with this business I had these individuals rooting for me. They believe in me even in moments where I’ve felt like I couldn’t believe in myself.
Last year I met an amazing woman Robyn of Sum Girls Boutique who has been amazing and beyond kind. Offering me her friendship, wisdom and space to showcase my brand.
And I can’t forget my friend Kyle Burton of Respected Everywhere who encouraged me to pray over my business.
A special thank you to my friends and cousins who took time out of their schedule to model for me in the beginning of my journey. Tish, Karmen, Ave, Tee (who also keeps my makeup on point – JayFace Cosmetics)and Erica.
I think the best thing anyone can do is surround themselves with like minded individuals, those who encourage you and lift you up when you feel like you can’t do it anymore. Be open to feedback and suggestions. Lastly Network Network Network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dorothyspearl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorothyspearl
Image Credits
Photographer: Zeb Stewart Photography Studio: Executive Studio
