Kristin: Sharifah, why don’t you give us some background information on your entrepreneurial journey?
Sharifah: I am a single mother of two and began my online experience as a way to provide for my children. After surviving several crushing disappointments including two failed marriages, being laid off six times, homelessness, the death of a close friend and the struggle to provide childcare for my children while I worked, I was determined to succeed.
Kristin: What are some of the projects you are involved with currently?
Sharifah: I am currently host of “Ask Sharifah Radio” at www.blogtalkradio.com/sharifah and the new television show, “Business Basics” going into production November 2009.
Kristin: How do you keep yourself motivated? What tricks can you give the readers of this magazine to keep themselves focused?
Sharifah: I keep myself motivated by realizing that there are a lot of business owners who need help and assistance in growing their businesses. Sometimes providing advice can be daunting but when I see the change in the attitudes of my clients, when I recognize the difference I am making it is all worth it.
In order to keep focused understand that what might seem impossible at first in any aspect of a company is done every day on a multitude of different levels. Where there is a will there’s a way. If you need marketing, funding, guidance, employees, it’s out there. You just have to be willing and open enough to go out there and seek whatever may be lacking currently within your business.
Kristin: What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome to date? How did you handle the struggle or hardship?
Sharifah: The biggest struggle that I’ve experienced is the “Nay Sayers.” People who have told me that I couldn’t do it. People who have told me that I was lazy for working at home regardless of the money I generated. For a long time people who worked for themselves were not taken seriously because it’s not a “real job” unless you have a commute, a boss and your hours are 9-5. I had to prove myself and my success before anybody would begin to take me seriously.
Kristin: How did you start the Ask Sharifah Radio Show?
Sharifah: Ask Sharifah Radio was started as an answer to a cry for help from many business owners. The Internet and online marketing was relatively new to many business owners and I wanted to provide an outlet where business owners are able to learn from the stories, strategies, successes, histories and lives of other business owners. After that it just seemed to take on a life of it’s own.
Kristin: What are your plans over the next 12 to 18 months for the Ask Sharifah Radio Show?
Sharifah: I plan to increase the radio show exposure with the creation of the new television show.
Kristin: Can you us tell a little bit about this new TV show?
Sharifah: The new television show is scheduled to launch January 2010. The show will provide examples and true stories of how business owners are thriving in today’s economy. We will spotlight their techniques and examine how effectively success can be created.
Kristin Marquet
Kristin Marquet serves as the Creative Director of the award-winning creative studio, Marquet-Media.com. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the studio and directs all client accounts and projects. In 2017, she launched the emerging spinoff media company, FemFounder.co that helps creative female entrepreneurs plan, launch, and scale their businesses. Passionate about learning, Kristin has advanced studies in data and marketing analytics. She has attended MIT, Boston University, and New York University and holds degrees in literature and marketing/public relations. She has contributed to Forbes.com, Inc.com, HuffingtonPost.com, Entrepreneur.com, and NYDailyNews.com.
Follow Me:
