Dee Sharpe Thoughts

Join us for an irie, inspiring episode 34 with Shama Johnson.

Shama is a God-fearing mother, wife and a small business owner. She is a firm believer in “I can figure it out no matter how hard."

She was born and raised in Mandeville, Manchester and is the second of eight (8) kids. She also spent some time in St Elizabeth, St. Catherine and St Andrew before moving to the US. She currently resides in Florida, where she absolutely loves the warm weather and her Caribbean community.

In today’s episode, Shama shares these powerful gems:

1. God is the center of everything she does, so she can confidently start her day, knowing that God is directing her!

2. Research is key to the success of your business! Research, research, research before you get started!

3. If you are a product based business, testing is critical!

4. Do not let small failures set you back, use those as stepping stones!

5. Don't ever give up, no matter what life throws at you!

Shama has the gift of humility, brevity, and succinctness, you do not want to miss this episode which is so good and such an easy listen. 

Shop today at @ https://www.iriegirlcandles.com/ or https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/IRIEGIRLCANDLESLLC

SAVE 20% on her website: use code Sharpethoughts

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of irie inspiration today!

Join us for a barrier-breaking, faith-building episode 33 with Shanique Davis.

Shanique is a Christian Jamaican woman who is zealous about the Lord. She believes that obedience to God plays an integral part of our life, and living the life of fruitfulness and fulfilment is only possible after you've done the will of God.

Shanique's first book, Breaking Your Barriers: Change Unhealthy Life Cycles & Unravel the True You is her lead manual in successfully breaking barriers wherever she goes. Her ministry is TalkTruth Series, a platform for equipping her fellow authors in building their brand while bringing awareness to their message. She is married and her main aim is to become the woman God created her to be.

In today’s episode, Shanique shares these powerful gems:

1. God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called; God uses us in our state of imperfections and limitations like he used Moses to lead his people out of bondage.

2. Purpose calls you beyond your limits, fears, doubts to do and become greater!

3. You have the capacity to do everything that God has called you to do, you just have to step out in faith!

4. Nothing is impossible with God.

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of inspiration today!

Join us for a refreshing, love-promoting, resilience-building episode 32 with Kerie-Ann 'Kiki' Thombs.

Kiki Thombs is a Transformation Coach, Author, and Entrepreneur. Known for her charismatic personality both on and off the screen, Kiki has had a stellar career as a television and radio presenter, and producer.

Kiki has a passion for helping others transform their lives and fulfills this passion through her company Self-Love JA. International. Her ability to persevere through life’s challenges has deepened her resilience in every experience she encounters. Kiki has mastered the art of helping others heal from trauma. The release of her book, "Discovering You: The search is over", cements her lifelong practice of becoming the best version of herself and empowering others with neuroscience-based tools and spiritual practices that help them lead more fulfilling lives.

In 2010 Kiki was the recipient for the Observer People’s Choice award and winner of the Jamaica Broilers Fair Play awards for the documentary "Our very own locked up abroad" which she coproduced. As a television host she became a household name hosting entertainment programs such as Intense, Entertainment Report, and E-Prime and co-hosting Rising Stars and Weekend Smile. Kiki is also the Executive Producer for "Real Life" a show she also produces and co-hosts with her husband Denvo Thombs.

The meaning behind her name K.I.K.I is Knowledge is key toward inspiration.

In today’s episode, Kiki shares snippets of her story and how she has discovered who she really is through a series of life-altering events, building her faith and doing the work to detox her brain and thoughts.

She also shares these powerful gems:

1. It is important for us to heal mentally and emotionally, even as we build our faith: A broken Rasta man is still a broken Rasta man, likewise a broken Christian is still a broken Christian. Your faith alone (without doing the work) will not make you whole. You must listen to understand this principle.

2. The importance of renewing our minds and the scriptural evidence behind this.

3. Self-love is the prerequisite to becoming or doing anything great!

4. The importance of empowering people to see the value that lies inside of them.

5. Self-love is not self-care (it goes much deeper than that). Self-care is important and is more a mindset, than activities we engage in.

Bonus: We must learn to love ourselves so the healing and growth can take place, and our true power can emerge.

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of feel-good inspiration today!

Join us for a faith-building, hope-giving, thought-provoking episode 31 with Karen Burke. Karen is a Christian entrepreneur, a self-taught woodwork artist, a student of life – she is always keen on learning something new, a sax student, and a daughter of the King.

Karen was born and raised in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica to Sylvester and Josephine Burke. Sister to Nadine and her twin brother, Kevin and Aunt to her wonderful nieces and nephews. She was raised in a Christian home with strong Christian principles and values instilled by her parents and grandparents. She got saved and baptized at the age of 10 in the New Testament Church of God and has been serving the Lord since then. She is now a member of New Life Horizon Church based in Dallas Texas.

Karen earned a Bachelor's degree in Hotel Management from the University of the West Indies and a Masters in Finance & Accounting from Lancaster University in England: both led to careers in Hotel Management and Banking.

Karen enjoys making things with her hands, and is always engaged in a craft of one sort or another. She also loves the saxophone and has been a sax student for a number of years.

She is passionate about serving God and walking in His divine purpose for her life. This has led to what may be considered radical and unconventional shifts in her life, one of which is forming and now operating her company JC The Carpenter, where she aims to minister to people through wooden artwork. Her desire is when she takes her last breath, is not the accolades that will be spoken of, but the positive impact that she has had on lives, and that the Lord will be well pleased.

In today’s episode, Karen shares parts of her story and how she has faithfully God followed God’s direction and guidance every step of the way. She also shares these important nuggets:

1. Seek God's direction first and pursue God and God's will for your life in everything!

2. Walk in faith!

3. Don't give up hope, even when things seem impossible.

4. The importance of building your business on these two principles: Integrity and Honesty!

5. It is necessary to mute some of the voices around us - mute the naysayers, those who think you shouldn't or you can't!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of faith-building inspiration today!

Join us for fun and laughter-filled, big sister kind of encouragement, inspiring, and hope-giving episode 30 with Stacy-Ann Smith. Stacy-Ann is a communications and public relations expert, trained journalist and seasoned broadcaster. With over 20 years experience in the field of media and communication, Stacy-Ann is also the creator, executive producer and host of her own TV talk-show - It’s a Woman’s World.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of her own production company, Danrak Productions, where she offers a full-range of creative and technical services. A true superwoman, Stacy-Ann is also a corporate public relations executive at one of Jamaica’s iconic beverage companies.

A Jamaican national, from the capital of Kingston, Stacy-Ann is the proud mother of two children, Daniel and Debra-Kaye. A devoted Christian for more than 20 years, Stacy-Ann is also an active member of the Fellowship Tabernacle Church. She is an avid reader and enjoys writing and television production.

In today’s episode, Stacy shares parts of her story, the struggles she faced in the pursuit of her passion and how that has helped to become who God has called her to be.

She also shares these important life experiences and nuggets:

1. If you are not going to do it well, don’t start

You can purchase a copy of Stacy-Ann's book at Bryan's Bookstore Springs and Montego Bay, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. In her own words, her book is about promoting the active pursuit of emotional well-being. Grab a copy today!

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of down-to-earth, laughter-inducing inspiration today!

Join us for tear-jerking, inspiring, resilient-building episode 29 with Tashany Brown. Tashany is the Owner and CEO of Nueratrend LLC, a full-service commercial and residential interior cleaning and painting Services Company which she started in 2011. She is also the Owner and Managing Director of Serviced by Pros Consulting and Small Business services.

Tashany is primarily an entrepreneur, she is a socially responsible citizen who also wears the hat of public administrator, community advocate, event host for Street Hype Newspaper, and philanthropist. During the pandemic, Tashany saw a need in her community, so she created a food program, Meals Xo. Meals Xo provides fresh, healthy home-cooked meals to families who lost their income and benefits as well as the elderly and disabled who are unable to leave their homes to go to food pantries.

Tashany gained her Bachelor of Science in Public Administration with a concentration in Law and Social justice and a minor in Social Welfare. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Administration at the Rutgers University. She also attends Binghamton University where is pursuing a certificate in Victims' Advocacy.

Tashany has extensive experience in public speaking and creative writing. In the past, Tashany wrote for Ezine Articles, the W Magazine, and other media and creative houses. She aims to be part of a team of pioneers for change who is willing to change policy to enhance and effect positive change in her community and positively impact the world. Her ambition is to add the title of lawyer to her list of accomplishments.

Tashany is a member of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Brooklyn Chapter, a member of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and a member of IGNITE National. She is the former President of the Medgar Evers College Society for Public Administration (MECSPA), a school-run organization.

In today’s episode, Tashany shares her life-story which is heart-breaking in parts, but yet so inspiring. She also shares these important life experiences and nuggets:

1. The will to be successful despite all the odds: memories of tough times, such as studying under a street light to pass her exams

2. Her unique definition of courage

3. Her passion for serving others

4. Her encouragement for business owners

5. Lessons and blessings in the pandemic

Bonus: Listen to your heart, it is God speaking to you.

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of down-to-earth inspiration today!

Join us for an invigorating, power-packed, faith-building, action-stirring episode 28 with Minister Delonique Kemp.

Delonique is a Minister for Faith Celebration Church, Inc., under the local leadership of Bishop Joel and Pastor Tiffanie Brown. As an enthusiastic and purpose-driven leader, she has served in various capacities of ministry at FCC: administration, graphic design, conference-coordination, event planning and the youth and worship ministry.

Delonique enjoys working as an Image and Brand Identity Consultant & Designer who partners with CEOs, executives and solopreneurs to grow their personal and professional image and brand identity. She is also passionate about helping the next generation discover and become the best version of themselves and expanding their capacity in what they can do as change-agents for God.

Delonique holds a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministries with a minor in Business as Missions from Southeastern University. Delonique has completed prophetic intensive training courses and is currently finishing her MBA in Executive leadership. As a true servant and minister of God, she is determined to create and build Kingdom establishments in various communities.

In today’s episode, Delonique shares these life-changing principles:

1. We are not born to be perfect, we are born to be authentic, so stop apologizing and be your authentic self!

2. Discover your authentic self by asking these two intentional questions:

i. Who am I?

ii. Why am I here?

3. There is value, importance and beauty in purpose: you are purpose!

4. What is birthed, brewed and developed cannot be destroyed.

5. Don’t just do it, do it better!

Bonus: Even though there is chaos around us, we can have peace within us!

Minister Kemp, came out swinging in this episode and every punch was solid.

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of “get-up and change your life” kind of inspiration today!

Join us for a refreshing, faith-building, hope-giving, inspiring episode 27 with Nancy Nguyen Liles, Mrs. Petite USA 2021. Nancy was born in a Filipino refugee camp after the Vietnam War to non-English speaking parents. She is a mom of two toddler girls, a Fire Captain’s wife, Author, and a First Generation American trilingual entrepreneur.

After earning her B.A. in Spanish at N.C. State University and studying in Peru, Nancy established her career in Chicago while earning her M.B.A. in Leadership from DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. She worked two baseball seasons at the Chicago White Sox and later at the City of Chicago’s Department of Human Resources. She later returned to Raleigh, North Carolina, bought her Mom’s salon and rebranded it as Sweet T Salon.

Her Amazon Best Seller book in Job Hunting titled “The Networking Diary” has helped hundreds globally gain confidence to succeed in business.

Nancy is also the host of the “Business + Beauty” podcast show which highlights the entrepreneurial success of Queens. Her topics aim to help aspiring entrepreneurs up level their confidence, leadership, and networking.

To be born in a Filipino refugee camp after the Vietnam War, overcome the challenges of poverty, being raised by non-English speaking parents, to serving as Mrs. Petite USA 2021 is a dream come true.

In today’s episode, Nancy shares her story and these powerful nuggets:

1. The power of kindness and kind words

2. The power of relationships: the human connection that takes the forefront of everything

3. You are strong because you are loved unconditionally by God

4. Success is all in your mind

5. Her mission to connect women with entrepreneurship

6. Her 1 year mentorship C.R.O.W.N method program – The program will model and teach Confidence/courage, Reverse engineering, Ownership, Winning mindset, Networking

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of inspiration today!

Join us for a refreshing, passion-filled, health-inspiring, hope-giving episode 26 with Stacy Savary. 

Stacy is an author, a change agent, advocate, and community leader in Canada. Her platform focuses on Black Women's health and wellness. For over twenty-one years, Stacy has been a noteworthy leader within her community, providing social support and outreach, especially within the Caribbean community. From working at homeless shelters, grass-root organizations, to coordinating children camps, mentoring programs and outreach events for at-risk youth in disenfranchised areas in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Stacy’s first book, “A perfect storm: Navigating the Storms of Life in Messy Waters” chronicles the storms of life that she has had to overcome, throughout her diagnosis with endometriosis, and her road to recovery after major surgery. 

In today’s episode, Stacy shares her story and these powerful nuggets:

1. The importance of standing on the promises of God 

2. The importance of taking care of our reproductive health

3. Dealing with infertility is a daily: a walk filled with hope

4. Be your own advocate

5. You simply cant rush the creator

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of inspiration today!

Join us for a refreshing, thought-stimulating, courage-inspiring episode 25 with Olecia Christie.

Olecia is a wife, mother, corporate communications professional, short stories author, blogger, public speaker and event host. She is most passionate about life and empowering youths and the young at heart. Her story is one of finding your passion and pursuing it with a spirit of excellence. She is guided by the view that Passion and Intention are the co-determining factors of success.

Olecia holds a master's degree in Global Strategic Communications and started her career in broadcast journalism over a decade ago. She later moved to corporate and has since worked for Fortune 500 companies as a leader in internal communications and change management space. No matter the industry or corporation she has worked for, she has always been recognized for producing top notch work. She is a member of the Board of Directors at a local school district in Texas. Olecia is a natural motivator with a winsome personality and infectious energy.

Olecia lights up a room, she is vivacious, a great conversationalist and highly intelligent.

In today’s episode, Olecia shares her:

1. Her entrepreneurial journey and her commitment to service excellence

2. The power of change

3. The importance of finding our voice and being our own advocate

4. Her passion for communication, managing and leading change and her love for coaching

Connect with Olecia Christie @

https://optixcommunications.com

https://optixcommunications.com/openly-confident-blog

IG: openlyconfident

You can listen to this and other episodes on my website, Apple Podcast, Spotify, Anchor and wherever you listen to your favourite podcast.

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and share if you know someone who is looking for a dose of inspiration today!