We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherri Shabazz and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sherri, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
You know, starting my own business was kind of a spontaneous decision. There wasn’t a grand plan or a calculated decision behind it. It all began with my followers on Facebook who anticipated my daily antics. They kept suggesting that I “do something” with this “outgoing, fearless, very open-minded” personality. This push led to the birth of an online radio show.
From there, things just started falling into place naturally. I began offering products, services, and organizing events. It was like the universe was pushing me in this direction. The turning point for me was when I quit my corporate job…the first time. It felt like a forced transition, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I had to start nurturing my gifts and talents, the things I was genuinely passionate about, as more than just hobbies. These gifts eventually became my career, my business, and a brand in their own right.
Somewhere along the way, every business thought transformed into something bigger, more profound: legacy building. I became passionate about leaving a mark that would outlast me. Even if I may not be around to fully reap the benefits, my hope is that my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations beyond can enjoy the sweet fruits of my hard work.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
How did I get here? Hmmm I’d say, it’s a blend of my unyielding determination, a touch of discipline, and a hefty dose of the powerful ancestral vibes that brought me to this very moment.
Has it been easy? HaHa! Far from it! It’s been anything but easy. I’m in this constant balancing act – striving to be the mother my kids can be proud of and look up to while also serving as a guide for those seeking sexual liberation. Then, there’s the societal pushback because, let’s face it, those three little words that brought us all into this world can be a real buzzkill for some. Also, there’s the whole issue of me juggling so much. Under the ‘Sherri Shabazz’ umbrella, you’ve got AfterHourz, Grandma’s Blessing, and AfterHourz Mas – it’s like a whirlwind of activity, and it’s no wonder people can’t always keep up with everything I’m doing, what I’m selling or what I’m promoting at the time. Not to mention, someone might need my attention in September, whether it’s someone from my team or a client, but there I am, putting them on the back burner to dive headfirst into Carnival season in Miami. The result? I often find myself lagging behind in sales, marketing, events, you name it. It feels like I have to hit the reset button once the carnival season is done, just to be back at it again in January.
So, it’s not just social media platforms suspending my accounts, deleting my pages, and throwing me in cyber jail every chance they get. I also face consistent challenges due to the nature of my businesses. It feels like every platform I’ve used, including banks, has given me a hard time. But you know what? I overcome it all by simply persisting, never giving up. As painful as it is to take a loss or to have a door slammed in my face, those setbacks light a fire under me. It’s like after the cussin’ and crying, I get this electrifying rush of determination to push even harder. It’s like a satisfying climax, and it fuels me to keep pushing beyond my limits.
I’ve gained some powerful insights on this journey. One big lesson is that people truly value authenticity. Regardless of what’s paraded in the media, there’s a deep appreciation for those who are genuine and authentic.
I’ve also learned to cut myself some slack. We all stumble and fall, but those setbacks are really just stepping stones to wisdom. They’re lessons in disguise.
Another valuable lesson came from an unexpected source, my twelve-year-old. He taught me that showing up as your future self is the secret to success. It’s a profound realization.
And finally, I’ve discovered the strength in leaning on my support team instead of trying to do it all on my own. It takes a village, and I’m grateful for mine.
About AfterHourz, I want people to know: Afterhourz is a brand dedicated to guiding individuals on a transformative journey towards sexual liberation. Our mission is to heal and empower individuals, leading them to discover the true meaning of freedom and empowered intimacy. We are committed to offering an innovative and transformative experience to an open-minded audience, guided by our core values of authenticity, comfort, and creating a safe space.
About Grandma’s Blessing, I want people to know: Grandma’s Blessing exists to unearth and honor the silent legacy of healing, wisdom, and resilience passed down through generations. Inspired by the strength and unspoken expertise of our beloved matriarch, Rosetta H. Dorsett, we are dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge once whispered in secrecy.
About Sherri Shabazz, I want people to knwow: You’ll be hearing and seeing this name more often!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d wholeheartedly encourage my “best friend” to experience the vibrant and diverse South Florida culture. If you’re up for an unforgettable week-long adventure, here’s my take:
Start with a visit to Haulover Nude Beach for a unique, liberating experience.
Try some beachside yoga or even a moon ritual to connect with nature.
Immerse yourself in Latin and Caribbean culture. Enjoy authentic dishes from Bahamian, Cuban, Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian, Colombian, and more at local eateries.Miami is a culinary melting pot, and you can find a wide array of Caribbean restaurants. Try traditional dishes like jerk chicken, conch fritters, conch salad, roti, griot, and ackee and saltfish at local eateries.
Hit the shopping scene at Aventura Mall, Sawgrass Mills, or Dolphin Mall for a fantastic shopping spree.
If you’re in the mood for upscale luxury, splurge at Bal Harbour shops.
Explore Brickell for a taste of some upscale dining. There’s a thriving food scene, so take your pick.
As the night falls, head to Wynwood for some vibrant nightlife and street art.
Wrap up your week with a leisurely stroll down Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale or South Beach for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
A day trip to Bimini from Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic idea! Bimini is a charming island in the Bahamas, and it’s just a short boat ride away from South Florida.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The last time I was here, I gave a shoutout to some special people. I celebrated the older women who couldn’t always live out loud, my father, who encouraged me to continue this dream before he passed, and of course, my loyal and supportive fans – I affectionately call “cousins.”
But today, I want to dedicate this shoutout to someone who’s been with me from the very beginning, my first BFF, my “GIRL,” my beautiful grandmother, Rosetta H. Dorsett. I’ve got to give a big shoutout to grandma because she’s the secret sauce behind all the gifts I bring to the table.
She’s the one who cultivated my passion for holistic living and remedies. She’s the one who nurtured the timid little girl in me, helping me discover my voice and teaching me that being heard and respected was non-negotiable.
When I was growing up, the topic of sex wasn’t something my grandmother and I openly talked about. But as I got older, she had no qualms about catching me off guard with questions and, well, let’s just say she taught me more than a few things – quite a lot, to be honest!
Everything I do regarding business is a tribute to the love and strength she poured into me. She had dreams and ambitions just as grand as mine, but she lived in a time when women were often silenced. And even though she couldn’t be silenced herself, she still played by the rules. She’s the reason I am who I am today, and I carry her legacy with me in everything I do.
May 20, 1932 – July 18, 2023
Website: https://www.sherrishabazz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterhourzzx/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterHourzzz
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYIz95VaDtV9ZFKBtTs1VQ
Other: https://linktr.ee/SherriShabazz