Today we’d like to introduce you to Shari Andrews
Shari, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is a journey of passion, resilience, and purpose. Being a first-generation American to a Caribbean family, I was brought up with rich cultural traditions that celebrated community, hard work, and the beauty of individuality. These values became the foundation for everything I pursued in life.
I am an Emergency Medicine Physician. As a Doctor, I wanted to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the ER is where I truly shine. It’s more than just a job; it’s a calling. I find great satisfaction in being able to provide critical care and comfort to those in need during their most vulnerable moments.
But even amidst the demands of my medical career, my passion for fashion never waned. During my early years, I was involved in Fashion and Entertainment. I lost my way along the way and later on in life, when I realized that I missed doing things that lit a different fire under me, this led me to create Statement Piece NY. Statement Piece NY is a boutique dedicated to honoring the uniqueness of individuals. My designs and fashions offered are not just pieces of clothing; they are statements of identity and confidence. A major highlight for my business was being part of New York Fashion Week in February 2022, which marked my emergence as a designer and boutique owner who blends creativity with authenticity.
Understanding the health disparities within minority communities, I use my personal platform to demystify healthcare and make it accessible. Through my blog, Teeny Dose, I provide relatable, practical advice on navigating the healthcare system and maintaining health and fitness. My goal is to bridge the gap between the medical community and the people it serves, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding.
Looking ahead, I have big dreams. I want to write books that inspire and educate, launch a coaching business, and create digital courses to help people improve their lives incrementally—one teeny dose at a time. Empowering others with the knowledge and tools to achieve their dreams is at the heart of my vision.
Balancing my professional and entrepreneurial pursuits with being a single mother to a wonderful boy is challenging but rewarding. I hope for a happy family built on love and knowledge, where we can continue to serve and inspire future generations.
My Caribbean heritage significantly influences my designs, often incorporating vibrant patterns reminiscent of the culture. I’ve also been involved in several community health initiatives, providing free health screenings and educational workshops in underserved areas. Mentorship is another passion of mine, and I enjoy guiding young aspiring doctors and designers as they navigate their respective fields.
If I could offer any advice based on my journey, it would be to leverage your platforms to promote your passions. For instance, I use my platform to further health awareness. Storytelling is powerful, and sharing your authentic journey can deeply connect with others. Expanding your reach through various media like podcasts or YouTube can amplify your message.
Balancing multiple roles requires prioritizing self-care because you can only serve others well when you’re at your best. Building networks within your industries can also open new doors and opportunities.
My story is one of triumph, creativity, and unwavering dedication. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose. I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and sharing my journey with the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I don’t think anyone’s path in life is completely smooth. If they do have a smooth journey, what a blessing, but let’s be real—trauma comes no matter how you slice it. My journey has been filled with speed bumps and potholes, each presenting its own set of challenges.
Early on, I faced a significant setback when I failed terribly at a pre-medical (undergrad) school interview. That moment was crushing, shaking my confidence and making me question my path. The pressure of medical school brought its own struggles, including battling depression and dealing with high levels of stress. It was a difficult period where the weight of expectations and the demanding nature of my studies often felt overwhelming.
Just as I was nearing the finish line of medical school, I found out I was pregnant. While it was a joyful moment, it also introduced a new layer of complexity and responsibility at a time when I was already stretched thin. Balancing the demands of pregnancy with the rigorous requirements of medical school was no easy feat. Delivering my son, weeks before starting Residency was even more difficult. I have gone through my fair share of challenges and triumphs as it pertains to that.
Grief has also been a significant part of my journey. Losing close friends and loved ones has been heart-wrenching. Each loss was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. These experiences taught me resilience and the value of support systems during tough times.
Despite these struggles, each challenge brought invaluable lessons. Failing that interview taught me perseverance and the importance of preparation. Battling depression and stress made me more empathetic and aware of mental health, which I now emphasize in my medical practice and my blog, Teeny Dose. Navigating pregnancy during medical school taught me time management and the strength of a mother’s determination. And through grief, I learned to appreciate the present and find strength in vulnerability.
My journey has indeed been a series of struggles, but each one has shaped me into who I am today. They were lessons in disguise, teaching me to find strength in adversity and to keep pushing forward no matter how tough the road gets.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an Emergency Medicine doctor, but my work extends far beyond the ER. In the high-stakes environment of emergency medicine, I specialize in providing immediate, lifesaving care to patients in critical condition. It’s a demanding field, but the ability to make a profound difference in someone’s life during their most vulnerable moments is incredibly rewarding. This aspect of my career speaks to my deep commitment to service and excellence in healthcare.
In addition to my medical career, I am the founder of Statement Piece NY, a clothing boutique that celebrates individuality. My designs are vibrant, bold, and unapologetically unique, much like my own journey. I had the honor of showcasing my collection at New York Fashion Week in February 2022, a milestone that underscored my passion for fashion and creativity.
I’m also known for my work on my social platforms, where I demystify healthcare for minority communities. Through my blog, Teeny Dose, I provide relatable and practical advice on navigating the healthcare system, maintaining health and fitness, and addressing common medical issues. My goal is to make healthcare accessible and understandable, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of empowerment within the community.
What am I most proud of? It’s hard to pinpoint one thing because my pride comes from multiple facets of my work. I’m incredibly proud of my ability to juggle a demanding medical career with my entrepreneurial ventures. I’m proud of being a mother and single parent to my son, who brings me joy every day. I take pride in seeing my designs empower individuals to express themselves confidently. I also find great satisfaction in knowing that my efforts through my platforms are making a tangible difference in people’s lives by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health.
What sets me apart from others is the unique blend of my passions and my personal journey. My Caribbean heritage deeply influences my work, infusing it with vibrant culture and a sense of community. The dual roles I play—as a healer in the ER and a creator in the fashion world—allow me to touch lives in diverse and meaningful ways. Additionally, my personal experiences with struggles, such as dealing with depression, managing pregnancy during my final year in medical school, and coping with the loss of loved ones, have endowed me with a resilience and empathy that resonate in both my medical practice and my designs.
My ability to connect with people on multiple levels, whether through a life-saving procedure, a piece of clothing that makes them feel unique, or a blog post that helps them navigate a complex health issue, is what truly distinguishes my work. I strive to be more than just another doctor or designer; I aim to be a source of inspiration, empowerment, and genuine care.
Ultimately, my story is about finding harmony between seemingly disparate passions and using them to make a positive impact. It’s about embracing the challenges, learning from them, and continuously striving to uplift and empower others through my work.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
One thing that might surprise people who know me or are familiar with my work and brand is that I used to race cars. Yes, I was deeply into the world of automotive mechanics and racing. I didn’t just race cars; I built them too. At one point, I took apart my car and put in a brand new engine and transmission. My boyfriend at the time, who has since passed away—rest his soul—was my partner in this endeavor. We shared a passion for cars and enjoyed every moment of working on them together. Unfortunately, after his passing, my enthusiasm for racing waned, and I gradually stepped away from it.
Most people are always taken aback when they learn how much I was into cars. It’s not something you would typically associate with a fashion designer and an emergency medicine doctor. But the skills I developed—being meticulous, detail-oriented, and having a steady hand—definitely translate into my medical practice and my design work.
I’m also really good with my hands. As an emergency medicine Doctor, this is a crucial skill, but it also shows in my everyday life. I enjoy putting things together and taking on DIY projects. Unlike many, I don’t hire TaskRabbit for my home projects. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty and tackle challenges head-on, whether it’s fixing something around the house or creating something new.
This love for hands-on work is a testament to my diverse interests and abilities. It’s a reminder that we all have layers and hidden talents that contribute to who we are. My journey with cars, while in the past, still informs the way I approach problems and solutions today.
Contact Info:
-
Website: https://www.shariandrews.com
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
therealdrshari -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
therealdrshari -
Soundcloud: https://www.teenydose.com
- Other: https://www.statementpieceny.
com
