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

Sharee, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

SSBS LLC is my baby. I own and operate the best event management company in Virginia. Our community resource, SimplySue, is a 501c3, recognized non profit purposed with mentorship surrounding managerial and entrepreneurial education. Our value system produces a culture of critical thinkers. We service the Petersburg, VA area. While working in the area, I became displeased and frustrated with the applicant pool. Potential team members were ill prepared for the workforce. I researched and interviewed members of the community. My results found that most people in this specific area were without hope, living in survival mode. The poverty rate in Petersburg VA is double the national poverty level and the high school graduation rate is lower. Combining my personal grief (the passing of my amazing grandmother), with a cultural necessity birthed the professional powerhouse SimplySue.

During the pandemic, my long term job mishandled myself as well as my colleagues. I was a salaried employee and there was a clause that permitted them to cut my salary by a mandatory 20% and impose a 6 day work week in the midst of COVID-19. I complied as a dutiful employee but this forced an awakening and pushed me to build my own self trust. I had become a pawn in the professional rat race, dependent upon my job for my and my family’s success. I began to think, if my job can do this to me, why am I giving them everything. I had to find a balance.

I fell in love with the party planning process and found peace aligning with like minds. My ability to teach others, network and inspire those I came into contact with was a win win for me.

I began to provide guidance to various independent contractors as well as small businesses owners and different clients that were magnetized to me. I have what they needed and they weren’t afraid to ask me for it. In order to better assist them, I received training from CPD accredited Transformation Academy to complete my Transformational Life Coach and PurposeQuest Workshop Facilitator certifications.  The service that I thought I was providing was more than a party, I was giving people hope. I relish the look on my client’s faces when they witness their visions brought to life. It is therapeutic to witness their intense delight. People say the power of manifestation is real and I believe it is, in conjunction with hard, consistent work.  I started my company in my bedroom ,years ago, and came up with the tagline #hopethroughchange. I am proof that all things are possible.

SSBS LLC Company Vision

Honesty by means of self awareness.
Openness to understanding.
Perseverance while overcoming challenges.
Enjoy Enlightenment by providing Excellence.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am more than a party planner or event coordinator. I am a visionary. I excel in action planning, problem solving, as well as team collaboration and congruence. I bring life to everything I touch. My executive quality is top tier, my passion is 100%, and my energy is uplifting. This exemplary soft skill set provides the biggest bang for your buck.

I have managed multi million dollar units successfully for 17 years and am able to transpose my skills and expertise from that arena into my own. My ability to help people inspired my book, An Expression of Me by Sharee Murphy, on Amazon. I was once an insecure girl who wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. I had to go through some things, to get through some things and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I provide a valuable service to not only the community but the culture.

I am a part of the change I aspire to see in the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The road to freedom is not without struggle. I had to learn that my everyone is not my target audience. If people can’t see your vision, they are not your people. Align yourself with those you are like minded with. Immerse yourself in the culture you wish to be a part of. Be comfortable, being uncomfortable.

I’ve worked with some business owners who utilized my services and failed to pay. The lesson learned, always have a valid iron clad contract. I’ve been offered jobs that were not aligned with my personal values. The lesson learned, all money isn’t good money, I’ve offered beneficial consultations to my friends. The lesson learned, only help those who are truly ready to accept the prize that you are giving them.

Find joy in the journey of self reflection and personal accountability. There are not shortcuts in business, only detours that allow you to arrive to your destination safely.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Of course.

I started off selling products. My goal was to make money. That business concept changed, oh so quickly. Without purpose or passion, it became more of a task. I didn’t feel comfortable or want to just sell people junk. I wanted to have purpose in my interactions and provide real value. I had a huge blow out sale to get rid of those products and purchased a commercial popcorn and sno cone machine. I began coordinating children’s events and birthday parties along with offering equipment rentals for special occasions, One thing led to another, and I was coordinating a fashion show in downtown RVA during RVA Fashion Week 2022.

My business took a professional turn when I realized the value I was adding to my corporate clients and it’s ability to align me with my target audience. I find great pleasure in coordinating purpose driven workshops, employment job fairs, educational children events and team member training. There is a great benefit in helping those who are also willing to help themselves.    But who could turn down a kid’s birthday party?! Not me!

Will I pivot again? Only time will tell. But my core will forever remain the same. My passion is in event planning and coordination and if I can cultivate the community while doing it, my business model is satisfied.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopsimplysue.com
• Instagram: @shopsimplysue
• Facebook: ShopSimplySue
• Linkedin: SSBS LLC
• Youtube: Inside Simply Sue!
• Other: The Monday Meltdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts

Image Credits
Trey Askew III (main photo) Oluwasean Asade (the CEO background photo)