Meet Sharissa O’connor | Entrepreneur / Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharissa O’connor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business(es) because I dreamed of having my own, making my own ideas, and creating. I knew I wanted to leave behind something for my children. I knew that I had the spirit of owning forever and just got trapped in corporate life. I want to retire to something that’s mine, no one else’s. Creating a Business that thrive on the aspect of excellent customer service and amazing product was my goal.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a small business owner. I sell Jewelry (Turquoiseblingjewelry). I have been doing that since Nov.2022. Starting this business and meeting so many wonderful people has been a blessing. I love it. I hope to have a storefront one day to showcase m,y jewelry. I think the hardest part was getting to believe I could start this biz and be successful. I am a perfectionist, so I wanted everything to be perfect. I am an Actress as well. I started acting three years ago during covid. Acting was always a passion of mine in Highschool. After High school, I let it go and never picked it back up. Then when the world was shut down, I decided this was my time. I started with Virtual Theater with an east coast group TAFE Theater . I have since continued doing theater, film, commercials, and modeling. I am so grateful I chose to follow my dreams. I worked past stage fright and everything that held me back. I also suffered from body image and am still working on it. However, I chose to follow my passion and never give up. Working against your self-doubt and pushing past your none supporters is hard. But I have learned that you have only 1 life to live and you have to make the most of it. Time waits for no one.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to the Navy Pier. Check out my favorite restaurant down there, which is Harry Carrys love them. The drinks and food are excellent. I would show them the wheel the giant Ferris wheel. Then show them the boats at the pier you can ride on them. The sea dog one is my favorite one. Then we would look at some of the historical landmarks around Chicago. I live in Chicago, The historical Pullman area. Where the George Pullman mansion/hotel is located. We have a museum that has all the historical stuff from when the area was just all factory. Then we could hang out at all the Chicago museums the shedd , art museum and dusable.

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 have been inspired by so many, God first for giving me the strength, and talent to push forward. My kids my two beautiful daughters inspire me to keep going and pushing to the limit.

Website: www.paparazziaccessories.com/1084363