Meet Sheila E. Smith | Founder/President: Rightsideof50, Inc. Nonprofit Organization

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheila E. Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheila E., how does your business help the community?
Rightsideof50 is devoted to providing women a chance to become independent and a chance to achieve goals that they never thought possible. Rightsideof50 provides virtual workshops to enhance on a women’s knowledge, to assist her in becoming employed and making it possible through studies to obtain degrees. We will not stop there, we remain in contact with our women to make sure their transition is going smoothly, giving them that place to conversate privately and nonjudgmentally, assisting with everyday life choices and time management decisions. Through our community outreach we are interacting with women and assisting them in making healthy life choices. Rightsideof50 also does community give backs by feeding the disadvantaged and preparing bags with women essential daily needs. We believe that even if you are going through there is nothing better than having a purse that you can call your own and being able to reach in find a toiletry or something to just make you feel good.

What should our readers know about your business?
Rightsideof50 came into existence in 2017. It has always remained a passion of mine to help and assist women no matter what cultural or financial background. My belief is we are all human at the end of the day. What makes RS50 different is that each woman that is involved in the organization in either a Board or Coordinator capacity, has a story of over-coming and truly believes in giving back to the next women that needs a hand up. I was able to achieve what I have so far by faith and with a strong support team who also believes in my vision. Many ask why the Name Rightsideof50, reason being is I did not come into my own until this side of 50 years, many may find themselves before then, so no side is the Wrong Side. The road to achievement was not an easy road but it was a worthwhile road, my lessons learned are now lessons I can apply to others in their advancement. I don’t think you overcome your challenges, you work your way through them and you turn those tests into testimonies. The most important lesson I have learned along the way is you have not truly made your mark on this world until you can say and show that you have helped another person achieve. Perseverance is truly what keeps you going and growing. I have also learned its not about me anymore it is about those whom I can help. What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we “Serve with your whole heart as if serving the Lord not people.” Ephesians 6:7 Rightsideof50 is my passion, it is truly me in a nutshell, Rightsideof50 started out as a blog website where I would feature a woman each month giving her the stage to tell her story. I would give them the le-way to release and tell whatever they chose to tell. (My feeling is; that is best for them instead of me locking them into a group of questions) reason being I wanted them to be comfortable about being able to release what has been holding them down or back from whatever they were meant to achieve. I even released my story and with doing so it opened the door for so many, when one sees they are dealing with another that has been through and that has made it work for them they are more open to partaking in making that first step. My service is to show women that you are worthy of much more, you don’t have to stay where you are, your limits are limitless, you are not your situation. I come from humble beginnings no silver spoon, so to prove to others that with dedication you can build a company that will help and assist others, from the ground up financially strapped it is truly possible. Prayer and Faith will carry you through all situations. Most of all I want everyone to know that Rightsideof50 is in the midst of a Fundraising Campaign “2021 Off to a Fresh Start” funds collected will go towards the organization workshop programs for the women. (I wouldn’t be a true Founder or President if I did not mention the goings-on) Kind donations can be made via our site Rightsideof50.com/ PayPal/Check or Credit Card. I thank you all in advance for assisting in helping someone “Off to a Fresh Start”. If you are seeking somewhere to volunteer your know-how and would be interested in offering a workshop or any volunteer work you seek to apply in helping someone to get on their feet please make it a point to contact Rightside50@gmail.com

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 has so much to offer and to see, being a Native New Yorker who has made ATL home since 2011 I truly guess I would start with the most exciting thing to me, which I haven’t had the opportunity to take advantage of myself yet is the Atlanta Skyview, reason being they would be able to see the entire City from there. Next would-be lunch at one of my favorite eateries, the line is long at times but the wait is worth it, Since I do not partake in meat my choice would be the Slutty Vegan and the items of choice would be the PLT (Grilled sweet jerk plantains, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, and slutty sauce on a vegan Hawaiian bun). Next, we would visit World of Coca-Cola take that tour and just walk the streets of the City. Then top off the evening with dinner at Chris’ Bistro in Smyrna Ga, they have the best Escovitch Snapper. The rest of the week would be spent with an open schedule taking in all of Atlanta from the good to the bad. Seeing what makes Atlanta tic the Mayors office to the homeless that live out on the street close by. Purchasing some water, coffee, and sandwiches and passing them out on our cruises through town to persons in need. It continuously stays on my mind no matter what time or situation how can you truly enjoy yourself if you see someone else in need, so a small gesture can go along way in making any trip worthwhile.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to dedicate all of who I am to my children Sean, Keith & Keseanna they are my driving might!! I can honestly say I did not only watch them grow I grew with them. I would also love to shout out my team. They work tireless with me to bring my vision to life. This group of women is my backbone to getting the organization in place. Halima M., Kisha G., Keseanna B., Barbara M., Lisa D., Lorna G., Kia S. Chris S., Scelena H. Marla B. And I also would like to give a huge thank you to Mr. Derrick H. of HillChase, LLC. for his patience, mentorship and effortless knowledge in assisting the team with building the vision.

Website: www.Rightsideof50.com

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