We recently connected with Sharlyne Carla Rogers and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sharlyne Carla, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
On December 31, 2014, I officially resigned from my three-year role as an administrative assistant for a small commercial appraisal company. I actually had the letter typed months before, so I was very excited when I was finally able to leave it on the owner’s desk. This was the biggest risk I had ever taken, but I wanted to walk into 2015 as a free woman. Although I was a single mother with mortgage, credit card, and student loan payments, I knew that it was time to step out on faith and pursue my passion.
I took this risk because I was previously laid off from two other jobs in a short span of time, and that uncertainty scared me more than venturing out on my own. I had already been writing and editing books as a side hustle since 2007, so I applied for my employer identification number in 2009. I needed to network with other creatives, attend events, and join professional groups; but after being at the office all day, I didn’t have the energy to work on my own projects. So in preparation to leave this job, I filed the Articles of Organization for my single-member limited liability company in 2014.
As an independent contractor, I work with multiple companies and individuals while setting my own schedule and having the freedom to travel or just relax at home. I also enjoy spending quality time with family and friends as well as prioritizing self-care since I never had the liberty or resources to do that when I had a job and needed permission from my manager just to go to the doctor. I am very happy to be self-employed, and I won’t ever look back to corporate America as my income source.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I am an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and professional editor with an MBA in Management and a Woman and Minority Business Certification from the State of Florida. After being trained as a prayer warrior and intercessor since 2003, God commissioned me to write my first book titled When Heaven Hears Your Prayer. I have self-published six more faith-based books thus far, which led me to launch Spirit of Excellence Writing & Editing Services, LLC.
As an entrepreneur, I serve diverse entities by updating resumes and bios, helping first-time authors navigate the publishing process, and proofreading various copy. I have been invited to speak and teach about effective writing as well as spiritual maturity at countless community and ministry events. What sets me apart from most business owners is that I don’t see anyone as my competition – I enjoy both sharing my knowledge and gaining wisdom from others.
While networking as a sole proprietor, I met several divine connections who opened the doors for me to expand my creativity to stage and screen as a background actor, runway model, and liturgical dancer. In addition, I was blessed to contribute to the script for a feature film and edit the screenplay for an independent film. I am most proud of the ability to hold fast to my faith and values without compromising while being a member of the entertainment industry.
Now that I can call myself a survivor of narcissistic abuse, I use my “Sharlyne Carla” YouTube channel to share my story to bring hope and encouragement to those who suffer in silence. In everything that I do – whether I’m writing a book, consulting with a client, or creating a video – my main goal is to uplift, support, and strengthen someone else. I want everyone to win.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has been referrals. I pride myself on being more than just a service provider because I genuinely care about all of my clients. When my authors write their second and third books, they usually come back to me even if it’s years later. And my resume clients know that I’m giving them advice from own personal experience just like a sibling would. I am very grateful for my long-time clients whom I can now call “friend.”
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is that I have multiple gifts and talents, so no one can pigeon-hole me into one type of job or industry. I am free to do and be whatever I want, however I want, whenever I want. Art is subjective, so criticism does not offend me – Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I don’t have to solicit praise or try to change someone’s mind. I can inspire people through my books, social media posts, and innate sense of humor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TakeUpThySword.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharlynecarla
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharlyneCarla
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/showcase/74361644
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/takeupthysword
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@sharlynecarla - Other: https://linktr.ee/sharlynecarla