Meet Sherry Jones | Certified Christian Life Coach, Author, Speaker & Podcast Host

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

Hi Sherry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?

Starting my business was an unexpected journey. I started out sharing inspirational videos on Facebook in 2016. I went to my son’s track meet and I saw a young girl finishing the race alone. I was inspired by her tenacity and wanted to share her story with my Facebook friends. It was too much to type in a post so I recorded a video. I had no idea what that video would birth!

The video was well received so I started posting videos every week. Soon I realized I needed to create a separate space for my content. A friend suggested I call my new page, Sherry Speaks. But I asked myself, what am I speaking about? I was speaking life and Sherry Speaks Life was born!

That same year I was led to start a Facebook group for Christian women. That group is now Glory Carriers Women’s Network, a dynamic community of over 650 women who are #spreadingtheglory by glorifying God with their gifts, talents, businesses, and ministries. If you are a Christian woman seeking authentic fellowship, support, and encouragement with other like-minded women, we are here for you!

I published my first book, a Christian fiction novel titled Trouble Don’t Last Always in 2017 and registered Sherry Speaks Life as a business. My speaking experience expanded and I delivered my first keynote address in 2019. I have been a featured speaker at various conferences and events both in-person and online.

My second book, a devotional titled Speak Life Moments was published in 2020 and I started my podcast, Sherry Speaks Life Podcast the same year. The podcast has been successful and recently reached 3000 downloads!

I offer consulting services to assist those interested in podcasting, book formatting and editing, and more and  became a certified Christian Life Coach earlier this year. My coaching program helps women let go of fears, doubts, and negative self-talk to fulfill their God-given assignments. I would love to connect with you about any of these services or resources.

Each aspect of my business has been a stepping stone for my next endeavor. I have experienced many ups and downs on this journey, but I continue to allow God to lead me and show me how He wants to use my gifts and talents for His glory. Without Him, Sherry Speaks Life wouldn’t be possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sherry Speaks Life is here to help you understand the power of your words, empower you to speak life, and make speaking life a lifestyle. To me, speaking life means taking your negative words, and thoughts and transforming them into positive ones rooted in the Word of God. I wasn’t always able to do that for myself or others.

I had very low self-esteem as a child and experienced traumas as a young adult that left me feeling like I was not good enough. I dealt with doubt, fear, negative self-talk, fear of rejection, people-pleasing, comparison, perfectionism, etc. It wasn’t until I learned who God said I was and focused on the truth of His Word that I was able to push past these things. The journey is not easy and it’s a never-ending process. Speaking life is something you must practice every day. I strive to help my audiences and clients do just that.

The first time I hit the live button was terrifying! I was worried about not being perfect. What if I messed up my words? What if people laughed at me or didn’t understand my message? But, I couldn’t let that stop me. The call to show up and share was greater than the fear. I knew my purpose was connected to doing it so I did it. Now, I hit that button like it’s nothing. It’s no longer intimidating.

The more you do something, the more comfortable you will become. It’s not about faking it until you make it. It’s about being real about your experience and accepting it, but not allowing it to hinder you from achieving God’s best for you. Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” It’s comforting to know that God has good thoughts toward us. There is hope and a future for you. Don’t give up!

Because I have been there and I understand what my clients are feeling, I am the perfect guide to help them move forward. The Speak Up, Step Up, & Show Up coaching program is designed to support you as you accept your God-given assignment and walk it out. I’m excited to partner with you on your journey. Let’s do this together!

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 live in Hopkins, SC, which is just outside the city limits of Columbia, SC. Columbia is our state capital and home to several colleges so there’s always something to do.

The  Township Auditorium and Kroger Center host great concerts and cultural events, so I would check the schedule and get tickets for a fun night out. I’m not a big sports fan, but if my friend enjoys sports we could attend a University of South Carolina football or basketball game or a Columbia Fireflies baseball game.

The Vista area near the USC has great local shops and restaurants to try. M Visita offers wonderful Asian-fusion fare and Good Life Cafe is a nice choice if you’re looking for vegan food. My favorite vegan spot is The Reizod Experience on Two Notch Rd. I’m not vegan, but I enjoy trying healthier options. Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles is delicious so we would definitely go there. They have two locations and both are wonderful.

If there’s a festival in town, we would check those out as well. The Jubliee and Greek Festivals are great events that happen every September. The State Fair is a must-see if they visit in October. Riverbanks Zoo is an amazing place to visit as well.

I would also take my friend to visit the Statehouse grounds and museums to experience historic Columbia and South Carolina history. Riverfront Park is a beautiful spot to walk and enjoy nature. We would also hit up the Hwy 1 flea market for some bargain shopping.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

First, I would like to shout out my amazing husband, Willie, my son, Devin, and my bonus daughters, Raven & Crystal. You are my rocks! Thank you for always cheering me on and supporting my endeavors.

I would also like to shout out Toastmasters International for helping me build the confidence and skills needed to be successful in business and life. I have been a Toastmaster for thirteen years and my club, Acers Toastmasters, has been an amazing source of support and encouragement. Their feedback and genuine concern for my well-being has been invaluable.

Competing in speech contests taught me that my voice was impactful and my story could inspire others. Working in leadership on the club and district level, helped me come out of hiding and realize that I am a leader.

I recommend Toastmasters to anyone seeking to improve their leadership and speaking skills in a positive and supportive environment. Visit toastmasters.org to learn more. Acers Toastmasters meetings are virtual. We would love to have you visit.

Website: https://sherryspeakslife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherryspeakslife/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrySpeaksLife

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNSERwBch0WIttee-3hAgmA

Other: Glory Carriers Women’s Network: https://www.facebook.com/groups/201151113563621 Email; sherry@sherryspeakslife.com