Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shariee Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shariee, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I believe that taking a risk on starting any business is necessary if you believe in yourself. I went to college to study Consumer Education in Fashion Merchandising, Business Administration in Technology, and Counseling. However, I learned a lot about business from trial and error. I sacrificed time and money like any real business owner in order to develop and grow my business.

I legally started my company Divine Army in 2018 but had been using the name far longer. This was my third time starting a business and since I included God in this last venture, I believed that Divine Army would become something that could create generational wealth.

I was raised by military men who served in the U.S. Army. My step-grandfather on the maternal side of my family and my siblings’ uncle on their paternal side of the family were like mentors to me. They both taught me about morals, standards, and values. My upbringing inspired me to work and study under the U.S. Army and the U.S. Veteran Affairs as a civilian. Divine Army is an appropriate name for my business in honor of God and the two military men who have helped guide me throughout my life’s journey. This is my way of keeping their memory alive.

Shariee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started writing song lyrics at the age of 16. I wrote mostly rap lyrics since I was influenced by local Memphis rappers like Skinny Pimp, Three 6 Mafia, and 8 Ball & MJG. At some point, I decided to write R&B music and that first song was What Goes Around.

It was picked up by Hollywood Records, but they wanted it selected for country music for Dolly Parton. I decided not to allow them to use it because I wanted it song for R&B music. Dolly Parton is a great artist and very likable. I was young with no music industry guidance at 16, so it was a greatly missed opportunity not working with her.

At 18 years old, I decided to move away from music and start modeling for Xtra Modeling Agency which was based in Atlanta, GA. I did a few shows and some print work under that modeling agency.

After starting my modeling career, I joined an R&B girls’ music group and performed in local clothing commercials, and a few other media outlets. A year passed by and the girls’ music group that I was in split up. So, I decided to become a solo artist during my freshman year of college.

Some circumstances came up in my personal life that made me change my outlook on my career goals. I truly believe that some things in life happen to you in order to help others who are struggling with their life journey. I believe that the only true success is when you let go and let God guide you to your destiny.

I’ve learned how to channel a lot of negative energy into something positive. Turning negative life experiences into positive feedback is what music, art, fashion, and helping others do for me.

During my college years, I became the Associate Editor of StreetMaster’s Magazine based in Memphis, TN following my internship with The University of Memphis’ newspaper, The Daily Helmsman. I also covered the Dub’s Magazine Car Concert and Tour southern events annually as an invited journalist.

Working as a journalist, I met a few film producers who asked me to appear in the movies such as “Hustle and Flow” directed by Craig Brewer/John Singleton, and an independent film “What Goes Around” under Pitts Productions. Later, I started working for MTVU and kanyeuniversecity.com as a promoter.

Starting as my college grad project, I later created HyPhaze, a fashion and entertainment online magazine that was geared toward teens and young adults in hopes of becoming a positive voice in society. These opportunities with Kanye West and MTVU led me to work with Universal Records and Interscope Records’ new talent.

I truly consider myself a visionary, artist, and activist for Human Rights. In 2009, I decided to let go of my company HyPhaze and I created Model Definition Interfaith Ministry in Memphis, TN. After I created my ministry, God led me to create my company Divine Army.

I chose the name Divine Army because I was working at the time for The U.S. Army and Veteran Affairs at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. During my time spent working under civilian orders, I was attending theology school in Haviland, KS remotely. Working and attending school at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center gave me a chance to also experience church life there among the military chaplains.

In 2017, under my company Divine Army, I recorded my EP album Revelations produced by Digital Beatz and Mr. Roubaix. My album reflects on the end of pain in everyday life by embracing new beginnings through reformation and self-reflection.

I wanted to educate on public safety awareness and promote community healing for mental and physical health. I counsel through my fashion, music, and artwork. I am grateful to be in a position to use all of my God-given talents.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

My brand has had some success with Amazon and Amazon marketplace. I market my brand and Marvel through Amazon as an Amazon Associate. It has been a fun and good way to market my brand as well as their brands. However, finding clients and shoppers are still up to me and it requires hustle.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I have a huge online presence so if someone sees me offline or online, they are familiar with my company brand and me. Being an entertainer helped build brand loyalty because most of my followers on social media are fans. Creating Ad content and partnering with a known brand are other good ways to get your brand name out there. I truly appreciate anyone who believes in Divine Army and me.    

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.divinearmy.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/divinearmyllc
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/divinearmyllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divinearmy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorShariee
• Other: https://amazon.com/shop/shariee

Image Credits
Photos by Shariee Jones