Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharryn Harewood.
Hi Sharryn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a native New Yorker and an only child, I was enamored by the elegance of New York City. In addition, my mother, an exuberant fashionista, instilled in me a true appreciation for all facets of clothing and accessories. She would always say” This just needs a little pop of color” or “ Just add an accessory, and it will change your whole look”. My passion for style remained constant throughout my 30-year career in hotel hospitality, where how I presented myself played an extremely important role.
While frequently traveling for work and with my husband, who was a “Navy man”, I had the opportunity to observe the nuances of various styles and incorporate them into my aesthetics. I developed a keen eye for color and styles that flattered my “curvy girl” figure. I also started to style my friends and family. Oh, how I loved the travel and fashion world! After all, aren’t they one and the same?
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Then life happened…We were advised that our travel company had been acquired by another travel company and that we would all be laid off. The travel industry was notorious for layoffs and this was not my first layoff, but I must admit this one was different! I had been with the company for over 6 years, I was home-based, I had true life work balance, we were all family. There was a genuine camaraderie on this team! I quickly updated my resume and forwarded it to old bosses, old colleagues, friends and family. I updated my LinkedIn profile and posted my resume on key job search websites.
Then later that day I went for my annual physical. The next day I received a call from my primary care physician. He said “ Everything checked out well, but there was one area of concern and he would like for me to visit a Nephrologist”. I responded “OK, but what is a Nephrologist and why do I need to see one?” I later learned that a Nephrologist is a kidney doctor. After performing a series of blood tests for my kidneys, the nephrologist called and said “Your creatinine levels are high and we must admit you to the hospital”. I had not had any kidney issues in the past and drank lots of water. This sounded very serious and tears started rolling down my cheeks. I had never been in the hospital before except for the birth of my son.
After being admitted to the hospital and having more tests performed, I was then diagnosed with an early stage of endometrial cancer. My husband and I were in disbelief but did not shed any tears! With our strong faith in God, my husband’s medical background from the Navy and the tremendous support of family, friends and angels, we considered this to be just a bump in the road!
I had to rethink my career goals! What am I good at? What would make me happy? What would give me flexibility in my schedule to attend numerous doctor’s appointments and what we affectionately called spa treatments (aka chemo)?
With a lifetime of experience and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, I decided to leave corporate America and enter the entrepreneurial world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about GranCee Handbags & Accessories?
In 2016, I created GranCee Handbags & Accessories, a popup boutique, hosting successful popup shops around Atlanta.
GranCee is a tribute to my late mother who personified fashion, beauty and strength. She never wanted to be referred to as Grandmother. She was creative and preferred to be called GranCee. The “C”; represented the first letter in her last name.
At GranCee, we transform the lives of women by helping them look their best, be their best and feel their best whether in person or at an online meeting! Our stylish, unique and chic designer-inspired handbags and statement accessories help women step out in style without breaking the bank!
We host Facebook and Instagram Live events and Virtual Private Sip and Shop parties. Shop on our website www.shopgrancee.com.
What are your plans for the future?
In March 2021, I was faced once again with a health challenge…the cancer returned. All I wanted to know was it treatable? The doctor responded “Yes”. That is all I needed to hear. I celebrated my 66th birthday in July 2021. I completed my “spa treatments” aka chemo in September 2021 and now that the tumors have shrunk and the tumor markers are low I have started maintenance chemo. The journey continues to empower women to make a difference and express themselves through their stunning style, no matter their age…. Stay tuned!
Contact Info:
- Email: shopgrancee@gmail.com
- Website: www.shopgrancee.com
- Instagram: @shopgrancee
- Facebook: @shopgrancee
- TikTok: @shopgrancee
Image Credits:
Chapter Avenue Productions
