Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Sharita Speed-Crittle, an Author, Inspiring Business Coach, Entrepreneur, and Dynamic Motivational Speaker.
Please tell us something about yourself.
I currently live in Nashville, TN. I am the wife of my wonderful husband, Marcus Crittle, Mother of the amazing little boy, Josiah & 2 incredibly smart bonus children, Marius & Maleah. I am also the youngest sibling of 6 children, so I am very spoiled, LOL; Just Kidding. I currently work full time for one of the top automobile companies in the United States. My passion is in Finance & Accounting &, most importantly, helping everyday people to see their full potential. I grew up in a small rural area, West Helena, AR, population under 10,000, so inevitably, I have that southern spirit and care to want to help everybody, children & young adults.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your life’s journey.
Well, I got into Finance & Accounting by going to school and receiving multiple degrees; however, my journey to initially go to school was quite the challenge. When I was younger, I grew up in a world where hardly anyone believed in me, even my family. I was continually being told, that I wasn’t going to graduate from high school, I wasn’t going to be anything, or I would be the first girl out of all my friends to have kids while in high school &, etc.. I mean, the emotional abuse I struggled with as a youth really hit me quite big to where I spent most of my childhood in these pains of caring for myself. However, I used them as a stepping stone to overcome these odds. GOD saw fit to have mercy over my life, and I am so grateful to even till this very day. While everyone was saying that I wasn’t going to be anything in life or that I wasn’t going to be anything like my sister, there was always a whisper in my ear saying, “YES YOU ARE.” Now, granted my sister was a straight-A student in high school, college, she had an overflow of scholarships &, etc., so of course, everyone wanted to be just like her. Now, there is nothing wrong with that because my sister is amazing. Still, I just wanted everyone to see that I just want to be like “Sharita” I wanted to be myself, but because I wasn’t their idea picture, many people counted me out. I can remember, vividly, one rainy day and I was about 16 years old, I cried & cried till my eyes were big & poofy; I was so tired of the hearing the same old thing, so I looked myself in the mirror, and I said, “Sharita, not only are you going to graduate from high school; but you are going to go all the way, and I DO MEAN, ALL THE WAY” & I told myself, that I am going to do it before I turned 30. Okay, so let’s fast forward 14 years later, you are probably wondering, did I do it by the age of 30, well the answer is, NO, I didn’t. However, I did it six months later after I turned 30, so I was officially 31. I had just recently had my son seven months before then, BUT, YES, I DID!!! Now I say all this to say, many people may wonder, well, why did you get your doctoral degree when you don’t need it working in Corporate & I tell everyone the same thing, which is the truth, “I got my Doctoral degree because no one believed I could get a high school diploma so, I showed all of them that “Man” doesn’t determine my destiny, ONLY GOD can! It doesn’t matter where you reach your goal by the “intended target” or not, BUT don’t give up. You only fail when you stop trying. I started writing children’s books this year during our time quarantine because my son loves to read and then I realized That we had read over 100 Dr. Seuss books that I originally bought for his room library, so I told him, “Mommy is going to write your own books, and when I do, it will be about valuable lessons that I teach you every day so all the little boys and girl can read while learning”. That is how I got to where I am today.
Who are your role models?
My role models are my Grand Mother, Mrs. Lottie B Furdge & My sister April Peer. As a child, my grandmother instilled so much love and cared for all of her children & grandchildren & it taught us to be closer than ever & to always love & support one another no matter what. Also, I mentioned my sister above, despite how things transpired when I was younger, she still has been there for me. It was her courage & footsteps that paved the way for me through my educational journey. She made sure I had everything I needed to succeed “IF I wanted to SUCCEED,” I will forever be in her debt.
What inspires you?
My son definitely inspires me to be the best person & mother that I can be. There is never a moment through the day or night where I am not always thinking about how to be a better person & provider. He is my sole source of breath through my good & my bad days; I undoubtedly cannot imagine living my life without him.
Please tell us about your book.
First off, this book is a non-fiction story that I wrote about my son, Josiah. When he was four months old, GOD, put it on my heart to start him his very own Vending Machine Company, called JoJo’s Snacks & Drinks LLC. Every dollar his company makes, it goes toward his college fund. While being a new mother back then, my only thought was to start something that could secure his future, especially if something happens to his dad or me before he turns 18.
Introducing “JoJo the CEO” showcases the early stages of a boss baby called JoJo. This book is the first in this series that speaks about a young boy with big business ideas and an even bigger spirit! JoJo is the son of a king and the joy of a queen. He loves to dance, and he loves to read. He leads his peers through his actions. His parents tell him often that he is a prince, brown and proud! Everyone loves to have JoJo around.
Learn all about this boss baby JoJo as he dances, speaks with integrity, counts, sings, and runs his own business!
What’s your most memorable experience?
When I walked across the stage & received my Doctorate of Business Administration Degree in Accounting… That was the most memorable moment of my life, but now it’s introducing this book about my son to the world while delivering positive messages to our kids.
Which social media channels work best for promoting your work? What exactly do you do on the social media channel that makes it work for you?
I love Facebook & Instagram. However, I have all social media sites. I love to go online & post encouraging videos & quotes to our people… you never know who might need to hear an uplifting message.
What’s your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is leaving this earth before I get a chance to secure and implement something of great purpose for my son, that would be a legacy that will live on way past our days. By knowing all the struggles I went through as a child, I want to show him differently; courage & motivate him to see that he can be anything he wants to be in this lifetime. All he has to do is have faith in GOD, work hard & be kind to others.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
I wish I understood the importance of financial planning & financial responsibility. With that being said, the next books in this serious will talk about those essential aspects that I wish I would have known… It’s never too early to teach our children these valuable lessons, and that is what I vow to do.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
To become successful, I would first say, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in you, then why should anyone else. Do not take anything at face value; always do your research to strategize and be willing to think outside the box and don’t be afraid to go above and beyond for a higher purpose.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
My son keeps me going every day and knowing that, for your seeds to harvest, then you MUST have rain…Trouble don’t last always… Life Experiences are what make us great, not the phantom of what others think of us.
Any message for our readers.
No matter how hard life gets and no matter what others think and say about you. Just Don’t Give Up! You Are Amazing & Your Purpose here On This Earth Is Not In Vain, So Get To It, You Have A Legacy To Create Or A Legacy to Continue to prosper.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect via website, Instagram, Facebook, or drop an email at drsharitascrittle@gmail.com.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you the best for your journey ahead!
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