Meet Sharon Ringier, a seasoned Small Business Alignment Strategist with over two decades of expertise. Inspired by a Harvard study on goal-setting, Sharon is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, guiding them to six-figure success through clarity and business alignment. As a wife of 38 years and soon-to-be grandmother, family is central to her legacy. Founder of Possible Woman Magazine and the I’m Possible Women’s Empowerment Collaborative. Before starting the two ventures, Sharon transitioned from a corporate background to launch her wedding and event planning business in 1997.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
In the vibrant landscape of the 1970s, my mother faced the challenging decision to undergo a divorce. By the time I reached the age of 13, my mother, despite grappling with health challenges, devoted herself to raising my brother and me. The narrative took a poignant turn at 18 when I lost my mother, followed by the passing of my grandmother, her mother, to breast cancer. Amidst these pivotal moments, I embarked on marriage, exchanging vows just two months after bidding farewell to my grandmother. The journey into motherhood commenced at 21 with the birth of my first son, followed by another at 25. While my professional path predominantly wound through corporate corridors, a yearning for creative fulfillment lingered. In 1997, I took a leap, founding “Sharon Ringier Events” and immersing myself in the intricate world of wedding and event planning. This venture not only marked a shift in my career trajectory but also sparked a broader exploration into diverse entrepreneurial pursuits. However, it was during this journey that I discerned a notable absence of tailored support for women navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.
This realization catalyzed a profound epiphany—if the support I sought wasn’t readily available, I would craft it myself. Thus, on April 29, 2018, the “I’m Possible Women’s Empowerment Collaborative, Inc.” came into being. This transformative endeavor sought to bridge the gap for women entrepreneurs, offering not just support but a platform for empowerment. In essence, my life’s tapestry, woven with threads of divorce, loss, and the pursuit of creative purpose, has led me to establish a community dedicated to empowering women in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Tell us something about your initiative/business. What is it about and how is it helpful for people?
Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape can be an isolating journey. Recognizing this inherent loneliness, I was determined to construct a bridge—a haven for female entrepreneurs to work, share experiences, and foster collaboration. Over the years, it has become increasingly apparent that women relish the sense of belonging that a community provides. In my pursuit to fill the void of isolation in entrepreneurship, I envisioned more than just a space for professional interaction. I sought to create a safe and supportive environment where women could not only exchange ideas but also find camaraderie on their entrepreneurial quests. The journey has affirmed that a community isn’t just a network; it’s a source of strength, encouragement, and shared victories.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
The emergence of the global COVID-19 pandemic became a defining juncture in both my personal and professional spheres. Confronted with unparalleled challenges, I strategically opted to transition my business to an online model. Remarkably, this adaptation emerged as a silver lining amid the adversity. Venturing into the digital realm not only ensured business continuity during lockdowns but also unveiled new avenues and possibilities. The virtual landscape became a platform for expanded outreach, fostering deeper connections within our community. While the return to a semblance of normalcy post-lockdown is appreciated, the pandemic-induced pivot brought unexpected clarity to my business direction. It highlighted previously untapped potentials and honed our focus, resulting in a more streamlined and purposeful approach. In essence, what initially seemed like a response to the crisis has transformed into a positive, trajectory-altering moment for my business.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
The response to my venture has been overwhelmingly positive. Users and consumers within the community have embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, finding value in the support, collaboration, and resources it offers. Witnessing the positive impact on their entrepreneurial journeys has been immensely rewarding. Additionally, the venture has garnered recognition and achievements, further affirming its value.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her outstanding achievements, including the 2020 Daily Herald Business Ledger Influential Women in Business Award, the 2020 Top 90 Women in Business Blog & Websites for Women Entrepreneurs, and the 2020-2023 List of Influential African American Business Women You Should Know On LinkedIn just to name a few. Whether through accolades, testimonials, or measurable successes achieved by the community members, these milestones underscore the meaningful contribution the venture has made in the lives of those it serves. The positive reception fuels our commitment to fostering a thriving and supportive space for women in entrepreneurship.
How has your life changed because of your initiative/venture?
The initiative/venture I embarked upon has fundamentally transformed my life. It has provided me with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment. Through creating a community and support network for female entrepreneurs, I’ve witnessed the positive impact it has on their lives and businesses, which, in turn, has enriched my own journey. The connections forged, the shared successes, and the collective empowerment have not only filled a void in the entrepreneurial landscape but have also become a source of personal and professional growth for me. This venture has given my life a deeper meaning, aligning my passion for entrepreneurship with a broader mission to empower and uplift others.
Do you have anyone who is the biggest support system in your life? Please let us know.
My family, but my biggest cheerleader is my godmother who is my mom’s best friend.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity? OR Share a motivational message for the audience/women who are reading this.
For me, it’s my family, with a special mention to my godmother, Rosemary, who happens to be my mom’s best friend and my biggest cheerleader.
Get in touch with her:
www.setsmartgoals.com
The Possible Woman Magazine: www.possiblewomanmagazine.com
Coaching: www.sharonringier.com
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