Meet Sherese Shy-Holmes: The Business Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sherese Shy-Holmes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sherese, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
We all know that one grandma, aunt, sister, or best friend that has an amazing business idea and entrepreneurial goals. We may have even seen them launch several ideas only to see them fail, and they quietly go back to their 9-5 and tuck their dreams of financial freedom into the, “I guess it’s not meant for me'” folder. The problem is, most businesses don’t fail because their idea was bad, they fail because they lack business development skills. They didn’t know how to position, package, and profit from their idea, because success isn’t a secret it’s a system. That’s exactly why I decided to launch my business when I noticed that there was a gap in helping ambitious spiritually-minded women– monetize their purpose, navigate solo business development, and break their financial glass ceilings. I watched my grandmother navigate solo business development, as the only Black-owned salon in a predominately white neighborhood for over 27 years. As a little girl, I watched her shop thrive and become the go-to place for the neighborhood women to catch up with friends, share the latest gossip, and indulge in a little self-care. I also watched the hardships and her most challenging moments in business. She did it with just her cosmetology license, God’s help and through trial and error. It’s her fight, her drive, her brilliance that I saw in the same women around me that desire to grow their businesses, but just needed a little help. My goal, with my degrees in business and career experience in tax and auditing, is to help those women close the knowledge gap and teach the foundations of business development needed to reach their six and seven-figure income goals.

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’m passionate about closing the wealth gap for women and I use that passion to fuel every offer in my business. From the coaching programs to the masterclasses, books, and the podcast– I focus on the deep-seated reasons that the gap exists for each woman. For some of us, it’s the money stories we were taught in our childhood and for others, it’s the consistent negative self-talk, no matter what it is I make sure to address it. My focus is to teach business strategy, and equip them with the proper tools but if their subconscious beliefs are rooted in lack, fear, and inadequacy, I know that nothing I teach will have a real impact. I make sure to address those beliefs first. I’ve learned that I cannot teach and they will not implement, anything past the beliefs they hold to be true. The interesting part is that most of this is happening subconsciously and they’re unaware that it’s happening and don’t realize its current effects in their life. I create a safe space to generate awareness and identify what beliefs need to be upgraded for success. Once we move past the internal work we dive into strategy.

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?
I would say Slutty Vegan is a must. Their phenomenal food and excellent service are worth the wait. I’d also recommend checking out Flying Biscuit for a good breakfast and a lively fun atmosphere. To get some exercise, I’d recommend a scenic run of the city, starting near the Westin downtown, heading down Peachtree. There’s so much to see and you can witness the historic past and vibrant presence of the city along the way. I’d also recommend checking out Big Dave’s Cheestakes, the Philly egg rolls are delicious. Of course you’d have to get a view the city’s skyline so we we’d hit the rooftop of Ponce City Market and grab a beverage or two. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so grateful for the entrepreneurial blood that runs in my family. My parents always encouraged me to use my gifts to not only land a lucrative career but more specifically to go into business for myself when I was ready. Their belief and financial investments in me positioned me for this moment. Of course, my grandparents played a big role in my success too, everyone was committed to creating a space for me to thrive, grow and prosper– no matter the sacrifice. Their love, prayers and encouragement helped me stay on the right track.

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