Today we’d like to introduce you to Natima Sheree.
Hi Natima, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I knew since childhood I was a writer, a creative storyteller. My love for literature started as an avid reader and eventually progressed into writing. I would journal, draft short stories, newsletters, articles, and essays with ease. My grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills weren’t mastered until college, but my creativity and compelling storytelling skills were evident and present since youth. I loved imagining worlds outside my ten-block radius in Jamaica, Queens, and loved writing about what I assumed was beyond. I wrote about love, friendship, mystery, family, and drama. And would gift my short stories, poems, and sonnets to family and friends for birthdays and as holiday gifts.
Eventually, adulthood, responsibility, and career goals got in the way of my free writing, and I was reduced to writing email, business correspondence, and memorandum. After fifteen years in corporate America, my passion for writing was calling more frequently and a lot louder than I could remember and I just couldn’t ignore it anymore. I had put off my love for literature and my purpose for almost two decades and now was the time to return to what I knew best. I started with reading and reviewing independent publications, authored by BIPOC writers, under the brand “The Book Enthusiast” and built a decent following and reputation in the industry.
In 2016, I co-authored and released Mascara: Beat Face. Broken Soul and it quickly became an Amazon best seller. Inspired by the response from our female readers I was inspired to write and release more stories that would empower and celebrate women’s tragedies and triumphs, their woes and wins in life. Following the release of Mascara, I launched my boutique independent publishing consultancy, Transparent Gem Inc. (formerly Words Matter Co.). in an effort to aid, publish and promote BIPOC independent authors.
In 2020, at the height of COVID-19, I launched the Diamond Writers, a women-only, space dedicated to developing, publishing, and supporting aspiring independent authors. Our community is aimed at women who desire to share their stories and develop or expand their individual author brands.
In March 2021, the Diamond Writers, in partnership with Transparent Gem Inc. launched their debut anthology Pretty Broken: Transforming Scars to Beauty Marks and sophomore anthology, Beneath the Crown: Her Story. Her Power. Her Voice. in April 2022. Following the success of Beneath the Crown, we launched a multi-city book tour “Hustle & Shine” and the Hustle & Shine Podcast to connect and engage with readers and our “shine supporters.”
I believe that writing is a conduit for healing and a powerful way to release. Writing allows us to own our truths and leverage them to empower others. am so proud of the substantive and purpose-driven work I do in the independent publishing and literary space. This is my genesis, with so much more to accomplish and so many more women to serve and stories to share with the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey to success and fulfillment has been one of the hardest. I have lost a lot, sacrificed a lot, and learned a lot about myself, this industry, and why resilience is necessary in becoming successful.
My mentor once said that “the pressure of adversity is the most powerful sustainer of accountability…” and so I look at every struggle and obstacle as an opportunity for growth and character development.
Some of my challenging experiences have left me feeling doubtful and defeated, but I always persevere, I always keep going because I’m reminded of the “why.” And why I do this, why I champion greatness in others is bigger than anything I can face in my success journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Transparent Gem Inc.?
Affectionately known as the Book Enthusiast, I’ve built my platform and social media persona as an advocate, supporter, and promoter of independent author.
In an effort to help black writers get more books on the market, I was inspired to launch Transparent Gem Inc. (formerly Words Matter Co.), in June 2017 and have spent several years assisting aspiring authors with manuscript development, story structure, and finding their writing style in the independent publishing space.
My portfolio of services includes proofreading and editing, author brand development, and comprehensive publishing assistance.
TGI is a certified member of the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group and the parent company of the Queen Pen and the Diamond Writers.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk-tasking is an intricate and essential part of the entrepreneurial process. It’s a strategic component of developing and growing a business. Without risks, there is no reward. And even those risks that may not furnish favorable results or pay off, there is usually a lesson or growth opportunity in the risk. Doing anything outside of the norm or what seems average can be risky. Trusting your own talent and gifts and leveraging them to build something sustainable can be risky but you have to decide if your idea is worth it, if you’re worth it. You have to know what you possess is greater than any risk that you may take to get what you want.
I am not for stepping on others or doing anything unethical but risking a social life to build your business is worth it. Risking your income to walk away from a corporate career to work for yourself is risky, but it is surely worth it in the end. You have to trust yourself and trust the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.natimasheree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natima_sheree/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thee.NatimaSheree
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/natima_sheree
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuSn_cV9TZolyvkgnxwmQQ
- Other: www.diamondwriters.com
Image Credits
Clarence Williams
Natima Sheree
