We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheril Rodgers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sheril , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes because I’ve had so much tragedy in my life.
The eldest of 6 children, our 33 year old mother died in her sleep when I was 14. Our father went to prison when I was 18. I learned about survival and hard work during those years. Since that time, I lost my father to a stroke, my step-mother to cancer, At the age of 43, I lost my husband to colon cancer, and 6 years after being widowed, my boyfriend died unexpectedly from an aortic aneurism. My 19 year old brother died in a car accident, my oldest brother died in a motorcycle accident and my third sister died of AIDS!
But, in spite all of the sadness I’ve also had so much joy!
I have experienced things that so many people never have the opportunity to experience. Heck, the first celebrity I ever met was Cher!!! (she and I sat next to one another backstage when she was dating Greg Allman). I’ve met and had conversations with Oprah, Prince and Willie Nelson. As a singer, I toured with the late Merle Haggard, where I had the opportunity to perform National TV and also co-write a hit song with him.
I spent nearly 10 years as a flight attendant, and looking out of the airplane window gave me such a perspective of amazement at how wonderful the World is and how insignificant our grievances can be. Although I loved and miss those who have passed, I understand how important it is (to me anyway) to be happy and use what time I have Ieft on this earth to stay optimistic and enjoy as much of my experiences as I can.
Also…..I studied Hawaiian Philosophy and according to the old Kahuna’s “without darkness, we would not appreciate the light when it comes”.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have had many careers from singer in a rock band to flight attendant, then professional touring singer/songwriter, to director of sales at a corporate dude ranch, to insurance broker for a major company. But, 10 years ago, I semi-retired from the insurance business (although I still maintain my license), and focused on returning to theater and acting. I have several wonderful agents who represent me and when I’m not auditioning and working either in front of or behind the camera (I also work as a costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, and supervising producer), I maintain a costume shop of about 4000 pieces which I donated to my local high school for their theater arts program.
During the WGA and SAG strike, I spent a lot of time in the costume shop; purging, mending and organizing the clothes. Then, my youngest daughter came up with the idea of me repurposing some of the clothing in the shop.
From that suggestion, we created an on-line clothing company called “JAGGED THREADS”.
We take used clothes, distress them, add a little bling and sell them on-line! We have launched our first 3 lines on November 1, 2023 and will drop 2 more lines in late January, 2024.
Each piece is “one of a kind” and the creations really come from the materials we have available!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I try to encourage people to try to maintain their childlike qualities. We all have them! We just grow up and loose them! We all have music in u—or art in us —we just need to let ourselves find them again! So, I would say:
- Rediscover your inner child (have fun!)
2. Create something (whatever YOU create was not there until YOU created it)
3. Wake up every morning with a smile on your face. (try it..it will set the tone for the rest of the day…it works!)
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I am so thankful that my young mother taught me to sew!!! I have been able to make and create so many gifts for my family and friends that are “hand made”!
This year, I was able to repurpose household items to give as gifts to my friends and family at a minimal cost and these type of gifts are so greatly appreciated!
Contact Info:
- Website: jaggedthreads.com
- Instagram: jagged.threads
Image Credits
Pictures taken by: Sheril Rodgers and Haley Elise Shirts created by: Sheril Rodgers www.jaggedthreads.com
