Sharonda Official

Where was the outrage for the quiet, confident, arrogant existence of this world? There was no outrage. Ethel and I were still reeling from the impact of medical malpractice and negligence, trying to regain our footing, but we quickly came to realize that individually battling such a formidable foe, quietly struggling to climb insurmountable obstacles equaled to silence.

“Instead of just one person, Jesus created a support system by sending out two disciples together. He said, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

THERE WAS NOTHING. After all of the devastation, I began to research and look for organizations that could help those like her, but there was nothing. I created a blog talk show called “LIFE” Radio show, hoping to just air out my frustrations, and over a 2 year span, after connecting with over 30,000 others, I quickly realized that I was not in this by myself and that this issue was bigger than Jocelyn. Over the years, Facebook groups would pop up with people talking about their experiences with medical malpractice. I was in shock that there were not thousands, but millions of people across America who had been affected by those two words.

Medical Malpractice is the 3rd leading cause of death in America. 1.5 million people die from medical errors a year. With those statistics, it was clear that there had to be something that I could do. Yes, we were on Facebook, but this was ineffective and no one could care less that we were talking amongst ourselves. In 2013 I created a non-profit organization, The National Medical Malpractice Advocacy Association (NMMAA), just for victims of medical malpractice. It is the only organization of its kind in the nation. The organization has received numerous accolades, proclamations, awards, and legislation recognizing our efforts for change from states across the country. From its inception, the NMMAA has had a strong desire to raise awareness and petition for change. Our organization had to face the reality that no justice is often served of those affected by medical malpractice.

ETHEL FOUND ME by searching on Facebook and she reached out to me saying that she had experienced medical malpractice and wanted to speak with me. At first I was hesitant because there were so many people on Facebook who were trolling, but she was adamant about it and kept reaching out. So we met. We both knew through painful experiences that the truth would never be voluntarily given by the oppressor, but must be demanded by the oppressed. Somehow, God set up the meeting because HE knew that we would need a support system. Jesus showed that by sending the disciples out by twos, It helped them to support one another in the things they witnessed, the teachings of Jesus and the observations of miracles. God knew that Ethel and I would not be afraid to SPEAK UP. “Come follow me, Jesus said ‘and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19)

WE KNEW we were going against a well-oiled machine, huge medical conglomerates and countless numbers of medical professionals who would not go down without a fight, but we knew that something had to be done. We knew the road was not going to be easy. Not one agency in the entire United States was dedicated to helping those affected by medical malpractice. Were we to just sit around and do nothing? We had been turned away by countless media outlets and dubbed outside agitators by the medical community. However, we were called upon by the Lord to carry the torch of pain and hurt for the thousands and millions of others who could not and did not have the strength to stand up for themselves. It ultimately became evident that our silence would not protect us. “it is only when good men do good, that good gets done.” Because more and more of us are committing to the work, to making the noise, the telling of the stories, to naming the names, national and international communities are demonstrating a willingness to fight this injustice as well. Although we have made some strides through education, legislation, and our grassroots efforts, it is still an insurmountable task if we do not solicit the help of our communities. Advocacy is our tool that will advance our mission, empower our supporters, ignite public debate and discussion and lead us to solutions for this pressing problem. Advocacy can help us address the systematic causes of medical malpractice rather than the symptoms. The NMMAA advances to promote changes that address the underlying causes of medical malpractice in the country. We are dedicated to ensuring that those of less power have their voices heard.

Ethel and I have no fear of the struggle, even if our motives are misunderstood. We know that we will reach our goal. Our destiny is tied up with the destiny of America.

Our road began in Agony, but ended in Advocacy!

Celebrity Hair/Fashion Stylist and Love & Hip Hop Star Sharonda Official

By PATRICE RIVERS

Born in Newark, NJ. Sharonda Official started her journey as a professional hair and fashion stylist in 1995. She went on to graduate from Bauder College with two bachelor’s degrees, one in Fashion Marketing (2004) another in Criminal Justice (2011). She has worked with Vibe Vixen and Source Magazine as a celebrity wardrobe and hairstylist, as well as on MTV’s Making the Band 3 as a lead hairstylist for the group Danity Kane (2005). Following her dream to become an actress, she has starred as a lead in two sold out stage play performances of “ A Good Woman or A Fool” and “What A Man Wants,” as well as co-starring on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop ATL.

Sharonda Official is the proud mother of two sons, Khalil and Tyree. Since starting a new business is a lot like being a new mom, you can say she recently gave birth to Salon Eshelon in Atlanta, GA with business partner Yung Joc. She also recently celebrated the 6th Birthday of her online clothing boutique Rivamontae Boutique. continued on next page>

SHARONDA OFFICIAL: It came from my mother; she always dressed in designer, fashionable clothing. Fashion was my first love. I went to school for fashion and became a fashion stylist for music videos, artists and short films. All along, I was a hairstylist building clientele and doing celebrity hair as well. I worked on sets and did a lot of freelancing getting work on my own.

PATRICE: TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR SHOP SALON ESHELON. WHAT DOES THE NAME MEAN IF YOU DON’T MIND ME ASKING?

SHARONDA: I am the owner of Salon Eshelon. The name means a level of rank, to lead in greatness. It’s a high-end Salon in the Cumberland Mall area in Atlanta. At the salon, we cater to all people, all styles. We have stylists and techs including braiders, eyelash technicians, barbers, and weave stylist and stylist.

PATRICE: YOU MADE SEVERAL APPEARANCES ON LOVE & HIP HOP: ATLANTA. WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH SOME OF THE OTHER CAST MEMBERS? I SEE YOU AND YUNG JOC ARE BUSINESS PARTNERS. WHAT IS THAT LIKE?

SHARONDA: I’ve been on Love & Hip Hop Season 7 as an introduction to who I was becoming on the show for the next season. I was able to get more recognition on season 8 as Sharonda Official, co-owner/partner of Salon Eshelon. I must say I have experienced so many different parameters of owning my own salon that I must remain attentive to one’s character. It’s extremely important, especially when having a partner that knows nothing about the hair industry. It’s a big difference. Choose your business partner wisely. Things can quickly fall apart when your partner is under-educated about the hair industry. Unfortunately, my partnership with Joc isn’t a good one or a good partnership representation.

PATRICE: AS A CELEBRITY HAIR STYLIST, WHAT OTHER CELEBRITIES HAVE YOU STYLED? WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR SPECIALITIES?

SHARONDA: I’ve styled several celebrities over the years. I have worked with Breezy from Empire, Bad Boy group Danity Kane, Gangsta Boo from 3 6 Mafia, Yung Joc, Sunshine Anderson, and Ciara just to name a few. I have a long resume of celebrities that I have styled in the past. My specialty with hair is hair cutting. I’ve always aimed to be the hottest hair cutter and yes, I mastered that.

PATRICE: HOW LONG HAS YOUR ONLINE BOUTIQUE RIVAMONTAE BEEN OPEN?

SHARONDA: It’s been 7 years since I started Rivamontae Boutique. We are currently working on rebranding as well as a new website that should be completed soon, however you’re able to come to the salon where we have clothes still available as well as my pop-up shop event I also host.

PATRICE: WHAT DOES BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR MEAN TO YOU?

SHARONDA: To me, being an entrepreneur means being able to be in charge of your time, your schedule, and your business. Having the ability to multi-task business and family. Being able to boss up on yourself.

PATRICE: BECAUSE ATLANTA IS THE CITY OF CONNECTIONS AND BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES, WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CLIENTS TO TAKE AWAY WHEN THEY ARE IN YOUR SHOP AND WHEN THEY LEAVE YOUR SHOP?

SHARONDA: I like for my clients to leave knowing that they were satisfied with their hair, customer service, know that I understand what style they wanted all while also giving them the opportunity to be able to shop for an outfit or two. I believe I’m a great stylist that understands most things, and I’m able to communicate effectively while we converse and they unwind. They leave knowing that I’m a dope stylist and a great person to talk to with a positive attitude. As well to book their next appointment. Salon Retention.

PATRICE: WHERE DID YOUR LOVE OF FASHION COME ABOUT? WHEN IT COMES TO STYLING YOUR CLIENTS, WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR?

SHARONDA: The love of fashion came from being a northerner. Over time I stepped outside of it, but there was always inspiration there. Celebrity wardrobe stylist Misa Hylton was an inspiration also. I wanted to be a stylist for the stars just like her, so I eventually went to fashion school, graduated and while I was in college, I became a celebrity fashion and hairstylist. My mother has always been a true influence for me as well as a stylish lady! She’s an image consultant and kept me dressed fly even as a kid. She still styles me (laughing). I love fashion! When it comes to styling, I look at the facial structure and body type. I come up with a look in my head and put it together and boom the Sharonda image is done.

PATRICE: IN FIVE YEARS, WHERE DO YOU SEE BOTH OF YOUR BUSINESSES? ARE YOU PLANNING ON EXPANDING THE SALON TO OTHER STATES AS WELL?

SHARONDA: I just plan on continuing to persevere in anything that I may be working on. My family is depending on me to continue to be great and to push my businesses. I have learned so much about owning my own salon and I realized, unless you want to manage a grown stylist that should know better you might want to think two or three more times about it first, similar to what I mentioned earlier in the interview. As far as my boutique, I will continue to keep it growing.

PATRICE: HOW CAN READERS CONNECT WITH YOU ON SOCIAL MEDIA? WEBSITE?

“I come up with a look in my head and put it together and boom the Sharonda image is done.”

BRONZE

@bronzemag

@bronzemagazine