Cover Feature– Ms. Sonja Pinckney Rhodes

Interviewed by Jennifer Diaby

What inspired you to become a Business Owner and the Founder of JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC?

My inspiration to become a Business Owner and the Founder of JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC, was inspired by my desire to leave a legacy in my parent’s names and to continue their tradition through my siblings, children and throughout the Pinckney Family. As we read the Bible, there are passages in several books that supports that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children as found in Proverbs. The book of Psalm reference that we should prepare to leave a godly legacy for our generations that will follow, as well as in Psalm 78 that urges the people not to hide their spiritual heritage, but to show it to the coming generations, emphasizing the praises of the Lord, His strength, and His wonderful works. It is important to know our history; the struggles and sacrifices that were made that we may appreciate the blessings that are laid up for us and our future generations.

What types of services you offer clients?

JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC is a high-quality affordable solution for getting your book professionally published. We offer editorial review, formatting, cover and book design, e-book creation, ISBN, barcodes, copyright and printed book distribution. Your book is not outsourced and you will receive personal contact with the editor to guide you throughout the entire process from a draft to a finished product ready for publication. In addition, free 30-minute consultations and various packages are offered, such as, the bestseller campaign, podcast interviews, and assistance with setting up book signings are available to assist with a personalized package that is suitable for each client.

Where can our readers learn more about your services?

Readers can learn more about my publishing services by visiting https:// www.jmpinckneypublishing.com/#/ The “Contact Us” page also allows each visitor to connect with me personally by completing the form that will transmit directly to my email account, JMPinckneyPublishing@gmail.com. In addition, a free 30-minute session to answer any questions on becoming an author, self-publishing inquiries and tips on how to get started are provided.

You have recently published a few children’s books with JMPinckney Publishing Company, LLC. Give us more information about those books and where they can be purchased?

JMP published three children’s books in January 2021. These three projects were pretty special to me because the three young authors are my grandchildren. We were able to bond on a different level through them sharing and visualizing their stories, as I watched them transition their fantasies into reality with the assistance of a Ghostwriter, Kaylona Scott. I am delighted to have them included as part of the legacy of the JMP Publishing Company. Jon Michael Pinckney, Jr.: Author of Dinosaur Explore is a typical 9-year old who loves to play video games. Ari Samiya Pinckney: A seven-year old Author of The Big Dolphin Rescue. She hopes to inspire her friends to write a book of their own. Nia Malika Pinckney: Is a 2 years old, and the youngest Author who loves Baby Shark, which inspired her story of the Friendly Shark. Their books can be purchased on Amazon.com in e-Book or paperback print.

What advice would you give to existing Business Owners/Entrepreneurs and those who desire to start a business in the future?

It is not the triumph, but truly the struggle that makes it all worthwhile. That statement is valid because, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…(Theodore Roosevelt). The first step is literally to step out in faith and trust that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. I believe that any desire we have to become successful, especially those that seem to be farfetched, are placed in our hearts and spirits by God. Frankly, it is not as successful, unless there are some struggles, sacrifices and even some failures. When it is achieved through hard work and diligence, then we appreciate the blessing when we realize that if it was not for God on our side, we would not be able to accomplish the unthinkable, the unreachable, or the untouchable. Faith without works is dead; therefore, you must do your research on the business, move forward with obtaining your license and opening a business account at your banking institution. Once you have accomplished those details, then proceed by making small steps by always being diligent and consistent in and during your process. Remembering always to give thanks to God for the opened doors, and continuously allow Him to guide you in all your ways.

What has been your greatest success in starting your business?

My greatest success in starting my business is actually seeing my vision become a reality. I did not give a lot of thought into the how, why and when. Once the seed was planted, I began to move. I promptly commenced to ask questions, to research and to establish the LLC that validated and secured the business. My success came through trial and error. I learned along the way and got some things wrong. If there are no failures, there is no victory. Growing and seeing the result of the hard work from start to finish is very rewarding. There are unprecedented work hours; therefore, I am able to be productive whenever I am motivated. Saying congratulations on your new book, becoming a first time author, and/or on becoming a bestseller are all moments of gratification. My success is guaranteed when my clients achieve their goals!

In March 2021, you were honored and received the House Resolution Award, which is the 2 nd Highest Civilian Award for Lifetime Achievement. Congratulations, please tell us what this experience was like to celebrated with a House Resolution Award?

Wow! Receiving the initial call from State Representative Wendell G. Gilliard of the 111 th District that I was nominated then a second call that I was approved for the House Resolution Award; the second highest award given to a South Carolinian for their lifetime achievements, is such an honorable recognition. It was a feeling that is truly inexplicable. I was completely in disbelief and taken back in the first instance. Then the emotions of gratitude that God kept me for such a time as this to be a light, and an example of overcoming obstacles, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, the struggles of being a single mother, working for the state for almost 30 years and not ever receive merit compensation for all of my hard work and dedication; felt in that moment that God was saying, all that I have been through, all of my hard work, and all of my silent tears did not go unnoticed. The Lord declares, He knows the plans He has for us; plans to prosper and not harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. Here, is where our gifts will make room for us and all these blessings shall come upon us and overtake us. I felt overtaken by the power of God’s love to have had the privilege to be honored by the South Carolina House of Representatives.

What inspired you to write books and become an Author? Also, tell the readers about your books?

My gift of writing was divinely inspired by God based on the trauma that I had experienced in my life as a child and young adult. There were offenses and violations that had occurred and I was sworn to secrecy. Those things became the foundation for how I managed my life that resulted in failed relationships, a low self-esteem and a low self-image. An old adage says, “What’s done in the dark will come to light”. God began to awaken me with repeated powerful prayers each night and I was led to write them. That experience guided me to seek a closer walk and a deeper relationship with God, which motivated me to write and as a result I heard His strong, yet subtle voice. My admiration of writing grew more intense and the hidden secrets emerged into a book. What I once was ashamed of is now a tool to empower and uplift women that have experienced the same type of violations and insults. My first book, From Pain to Purpose: A Bridge Over Troubled Waters is a #1 Best Seller Nationally and Internationally. It speaks of my journey of how God kept me from falling and gave me hope to continue trusting, leaning and growing in Him until my purpose exceeded the pain.

Where can your books be purchased?

From Pain to Purpose and Greater Works can both be purchased on my website: JMPinckneyPublishing.com, Amazon.com, Agape Christian Bookstore, and Turning Pages Bookshop both in Goose Creek, South Carolina. From Pain to Purpose can also be purchased from Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, The Good Read and by simply searching Google for the title of the book and my full name.

My second book, Greater Works: A Compilation of Prayers for Everyday Life, is an anthology with five other women of God, Sherri Pinckney Kinloch, Shanell R. Burwell, Rev. Patricia W. Crawford, Karen A. Middleton, and Dana Price Richardson. It is an awesome testimony of six valiant Women of God from different backgrounds, experiences and walks of life who accepted “the call” to share how God has transformed our lives. Through these prayers, volumes of our journey and experience of how God held, carried, covered, sustained, renewed and restored us becomes the spoken truth, witness and the testimonies that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

You are a Journalist at “The Charleston Chronicle.” What topics do you write about with “The Charleston Chronicle?”

The Charleston Chronicle articles are expressions of current events with a spiritual aspect. I have the awesome opportunity to share my knowledge and understanding of occurrences from the past and connect them with the happenings in the world today. Ecclesiastes 3:9 speaks of the thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. I take delight in the pleasure of sharing my insight with the community of believers and maybe some unbelievers that God is in control and we have a voice to impart His marvelous works through penned declarations.

In your career as a Realtor at Carolina Elite Realty, what is your greatest accomplishment? Also, how many years have you been a Realtor?

I have been a Realtor for a little over four years in the state of South Carolina. Each experience is different because each person and their vision are different from the other. Ultimately, they want to buy a house and I work diligently to get them to closing. It is a sense of fulfillment and of enthusiasm to help someone, a family, or a newlywed buy their first home, move into their dream house or establish their new residency to retire with their loved one. I am completely satisfied when a client accomplishes all that is required of them, especially when the odds are stacked, to be ratified and gain the key to their new home. That is a proud moment.

Ms. Sonja Pinckney Rhodes, you have been an advocate against domestic violence for women as part of your ministry work. Explain to the readers about your ministry work in the community.

I am a survivor of domestic violence twice. Through the publication and awareness of my book, From Pain to Purpose, doors have opened for me to “tell my story”. Therefore, I speak to and for women who are in domestically violent relationships, families of victims who have died at the hands of an abuser and for women conferences to encourage, uplift and inspire women to “Speak Up” against this terrible demon. I was afraid, ashamed and embarrassed to tell my story because I feared the judgment from others. I have come to realize that there are so many with hidden stories that suffer with keeping it inside. It is liberating to learn that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus, we are the head and not the tail and we are destined for greatness to live the life that God has called us to live; which is out of darkness and into His marvelous light. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou.

Where can people find out more about your services if they need assistance buying or selling a home?

All potential real estate clients can reach me at rhodessp1@gmail.com for any real estate needs, assistance with purchasing a home, connecting to a lender for mortgage loan approval or an agent to assist with leasing needs.

What words of encouragement you would give to our readers who have experienced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Covid-19 is a deadly disease and we all should do our best to adhere to wearing a mask and getting vaccinated to help eradicate the spread of the virus. The pandemic can be an agent that brings on depression and fear. In addition, many have lost their jobs or their work hours have been decreased making it difficult to produce or afford the basic and essential things that are necessary to survive on a daily basis. The greatest tragedy is experiencing the loss of loved ones who have transitioned due to complications from this virus. It is important to talk to people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Staying informed of the current news is imperative, with the understanding that it is not good for the mind or body to be on high alert all the time. Therefore, taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories and social media reports could reduce the stress. Developing time to unwind, take deep breaths, stretch, meditate and exercise can be a good distraction from the virus. The news about the virus and its impact on our day-to-day lives have been unrelenting. Everyone should do their best to maintain a daily routine, avoid self-medicating, and stick to trustworthy sources such as the CDC. There are some things we cannot control but focus on the things that can be controlled during this time.

Do you have any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops?

I have a couple of scheduled events on the horizon that will be updated on my website soon: Podcast Interview with Melvin Capers: cbvservices.com/podcast CONNECT - July 2021 MIT Initial Sermon this August 2021

Leave our readers with some inspirational words to encourage them.

Everyone has gifts and talents from God. It does not matter what your past looks like or even your current situation, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. However, we cannot control our own destiny because all power belongs to God. Whatever the desire you have in your heart that is speaking to you, know that God specializes in the impossible. There is nothing too hard for Him and He has great plans for your life. The path may not be smooth but if you press your way, you will find treasures on the other side. Every obstacle is an opportunity to overcome, every valley is an opportunity to rise again, just like every rain drop that falls is the reason for the sun to rise and shine. Each day, set aside time with God as a vital part of your life. God is waiting for us to draw near to Him, and to call out to Him each day. Scripture says to call out to God and He will show 9 you great and mighty things. Know that when you help others, you are sowing seeds for happiness in your future.

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