We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Sharpe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favourite quote is one I coined for myself in 2019, after a period of unemployment (my second time since immigrating) which lasted for approximately 3 months, I was inspired to start my business and to host an empowerment event. As I searched for pieces to decorate the space, I found a piece of art, there was a man who was pressed against a wheel, his feet planted firmly on a wooden base (one slightly raised) and his hands were fixed on the wheel and just like that the affirmation came to me, “It’s important to turn your own wheel.” No matter what the challenge is, whether it is starting your own business, finding the courage to move from joblessness to security, to move from fear to faith, from a place of not being whole and well, to a place of health and wealth, we are required to turn our own wheels literally and metaphorically.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I currently operate my businesses under the umbrella name, Dee Sharpe Thoughts. I operate a coaching business that serves women who are between the ages of 18-45 and who are feeling stuck in the educational journey or career. I help them create a plan for the future. I also partner with a private company where I work as a tutor, mentor and student success coach for students in grades K-12. I also recently formed my own tutoring and coaching business in August 2020. In the week August 16-20, 2021, I will be hosting my first summer learning camp which promises to stimulate and  engage the minds of our little ones, ages 6-15. As a previous Small Business advisor, I also possess unique knowledge of the Canadian small business lending, borrowing and operations environment and so I provide consulting services to Small Business professionals mainly Doctors.

What sets me apart is my willingness to give the customer what they need and not what I want. My business is about meeting the needs of my clients and exceeding their expectations. I do this by building a strong trust-based relationship with each client, having a clear system of communication, using a verifiable technique to understand their needs and collaborating with them to come up with a solution that is client-centered.

I am most excited about my potential to grow my business, I am excited to see what the next 2-3 years will look like. I am also excited to grow and develop my team.

I got where I am through experience gained in my 9-5. Do not discredit the value that a 9-5 bring to your life; it fosters discipline, and teaches us to be flexible, creative and agile. I also got here through much studying, researching, self-evaluation, self-inquiry, training, mentorship and coaching. I am here today, because many persons saw my talent and invested in me. It wasn’t easy, it still isn’t easy, but it is beautiful and rewarding. Because I know its not about me, its about the people that  I serve and the lives that I am helping to change. I have overcome in the challenges faced in my business by being open to receiving support, I paid for coaching and training, and I have an intimate knowledge of all the areas of my business from website maintenance and marketing to product creation.  I also try to remain focused on the bigger picture and the possibilities that lie ahead: greater is ahead, if we just persist.

I have learnt many lessons, my favorites are:
1. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I/You/We truly can do anything, if we keep at it long enough.
2. It’s important to bring your own sunshine.
3. There are blue skies after storms.
4. There is a secret to success, its called doing the work.
5. Goal setting works, if we do the work!

I want the world to know that my brand represents empowerment, enrichment, engagement and education of everyone, particularly youth and women: two under served groups.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I would invite my friend to see the outside: it is amazing what we discover when we take a moment to observe the beauty around us. I like to give people the opportunity to choose, so here are the nice-to-do in my city:

Education & History
The Royal Saskatchewan Museum
The Science Centre
Saskatchewan Legislative Building
The RCMP Heritage Centre
The local library

Leisure
A walk around Wascana Lake
Biking around the parks

Food/Good eats
Apple Bees – who doesn’t love Apple Bees?
Red Lobster – she loves seafood
Olive Gardens – just for the ambience
Milky Way – who doesn’t love ice-cream
Leopold’s Tavern for brunch in the day or a drink in the evening
The Canadian Brewhouse – its close by and has a relaxing atmosphere

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shout out my amazing community of friends, family and Coaches. I would love to shout out and recognize my parents Jennifer Parkinson and Osbourne Sharpe and my grandma Nora Hutchinson (who recently passed), my siblings, my close friends Lesa Hunter, Kerry-Ann Robinson and Chantel Levy who played critical roles in the starting of my business from thought all the way through to implementation. I would also like to thank my very first Coach, Elizabeth Jerome, who told me, “To just do it.” Sincere appreciation to my Coach, Dr. Joan Wright-Good who has been a great mentor and coach over the years and who has helped me to get “unstuck”. My church community Bethlehem Apostolic and the wider Regina community for their tremendous support and love. I want to recognize the work of Dr. Brene Brown whose work has encouraged me to continue to grow into a bold, people-centered, compassionate, and trustworthy leader. I also want to recognize the work of Dr. Ross Greene, which has completely changed the way I view students who exhibit challenging behaviour and has served to enhance my skills as mentor and student success coach. The biggest thanks goes out to all my strong, courageous and resilient sisters, one of whom recommended me for this feature, thank you Grace-Ann Long for walking the path of grace, strength, courage and resilience and taking others with you. I appreciate you.

Website: www.deesharpethoughts.com

Instagram: dee_sharpethoughts

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/diana-sharpe

Facebook: Diana Sharpe

Youtube: Diana Sharpe

Image Credits
Shaniel Smith, Michelle (Empowerment Tees) Large group – event attendees

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.