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

Hi Sharryn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I always loved Fashion! Of course, being a native New Yorker definitely helped. New York is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Growing up in a city with such a strong fashion presence inspired and exposed me to a wide range of trends and styles. In addition, I frequently traveled for work and with my Navy husband. This afforded me the opportunity to observe various styles and incorporate them into my aesthetics. I developed a keen eye for color and styles that flattered my “curvy girl” figure. I received lots of compliments from friends, co-workers and family. Then they would ask if I would style them. I would shop for handbags and accessories for my friends, family and co-workers and that is how it all started.

My mother was a glamourista! She instilled in me a true appreciation for all facets of clothing and accessories. She would say “Just add an accessory or a pop of color” and it will change your entire look. My passion for style remained constant throughout my 30 year hospitality career. Though I loved the hospitality industry it was notorious for layoffs, After being laid off once again and diagnosed with an early stage of endometrial cancer I had to rethink my career goals. I decided to leave corporate America and enter the world of entrepreneurship.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

GranCee Handbags & Accessories is a tribute to my late mother who personified fashion, beauty and strength. She never wanted to be called grandmother but preferred to be called GranCee. The “C” represents the first letter of her last name. GranCee has carved a niche as a provider of designer inspired handbags, necklaces, fashion accessories and seasonal apparel
for all women. GranCee Handbags & Accessories is a contemporary
women’s lifestyle brand inspired by the fashion capitals of the world: New York,
L.A. and London. Since its launch in 2016, GranCee’s mission and vision is to
transform the lives of women through fashion. Our, focus continues to be to build a business centered on empowerment, diversity, exclusivity and personal style.

From stunning statement necklaces to designer inspired handbags, we deliver one of a kind fashion accessories without fail. We have the perfect accessory to elevate your style.
GranCee has a reputation for hosting extravagant Pop Up Boutiques and fun-filled Facebook Live events. At GranCee we want you to Look your best, feel your best and be your best whether you are on a Zoom call or at an in person meeting!

Has it been easy? Absolutely not, but we are so grateful for our loyal customer base and their unwavering love and support!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Atlanta is a vibrant and diverse city so when my best friend visits for a week we would have a lot to do. She is vegan so we would visit the Slutty Vegan for lunch the first day The Slutty Vegan is a popular vegan burger joint known for its flavorful vegan burgers. We would then visit Ponce City Market, and have cocktails and dinner on the Roof, which is a rooftop bar and kitchen. On the next day we would drive to Chateau Elan for a wine tasting tour and spa treatment. We would then have breakfast the next day at Thumbs Up and check out the Fox Theater for a play later in the day. We would then spend the next day at The Battery, which has shopping, restaurants and is connected to Truist Park which is the home ballpark for the Atlanta Braves.

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?

My family and friends are a pillar of support. Life is a journey and my family and friends have always been there to listen, offer love, support and encouragement. They are the absolute best! I cannot thank them enough!

Website: www.shopgrancee.com

Instagram: @shopgrancee

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sharryn.cobbsharewood

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta 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.