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Conversations with the Inspiring Sharlinda Parker

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharlinda Parker.

Sharlinda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I attempted to start Sisters United of Atlanta in 2016 as I was in the thick of problems in my marriage and realized that I wasn’t in a good time for me. I wasn’t any good to stand before the ladies of SUOA. I was broken, stressed, depressed and in a dark place in my life at the time. Most of all, I was humiliated and embarrassed by my situation. So, I worked on me for the rest of 2016. I relaunched SUOA in 2017 because I needed two things “safe place” and “an outlet.” The “safe place” was important to me because that’s the #1 reason why women especially women of color don’t share nor talk about their issues because of the embarrassment of someone judging them and spreading their story in a negative light. I realized I needed an outlet to get all of the heavy baggage off of me. Then, realizing I wasn’t the only person walking around with personal issues. So, two years later, SUOA has about 200 members and still growing

My women’s organization can about because of some personal issues I was going through in my life, that being infidelities in my marriage. It really broke me down. I really needed an outlet! So, in my mind, I thought I can’t be the only person on a ship all by myself “going through” dealing with issues like stress, depression, forgiveness, anger, marriage, and weight just to name a few. So, I decided to get a group of ladies together in a private room to have discussions about LIFE!! Where we could let go and be free to talk about different issues that we were dealing with in life. We walk around carrying such a heavy load that burdens us down. I was kinda hesitant because as a female especially professional black female married to a well know artist (Q Parker) to share our story, what were people going to think of me. Women we are too embarrassed to talk about our issues thinking that people will judge us or someone spread our deep dark secrets like wildfire to the world to bring on more shame and embarrassment. So, while creating SUOA, I decided first we need each lady to sign a confidentiality agreement to grant each female their privacy they so desired. SUOA is a healthy healing place for women. We also support and network within the organization. We are partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta. We meet once a month at 1382 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, Ga. 30309

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I realized LIFE is never easy it has its ups and downs, sweet and sour & good and bad moments. I have had bumps in the road with my marriage, family, and business. I was a teenage mother that beat the odds of society and the system and being a great mother. I was raised by a single mother in a single family home, being the daughter of five had its ups and downs! My mom taught us how to work hard for what you want in life. My marriage had the biggest hit in my life, I’m glad God gave us a chance to love again and to have a husband that fought for his family. We’re battle-tested and we put in the work. I have been a Licensed Manicurist for 28 years. My business of 18 years Tu La 2 Nail Salon was built from the ground up, it was hard work sweat and tears. My Non-Profit Sisters United of Atlanta organization has added to my life tremendously. Through everything I have experienced in life, I decided that life is important and it’s worth waking up every day putting my best foot forward to give life my all. I thank God for all of my experiences in life. I would share with the reader to know that life isn’t perfect and to be prepared to allow life to happen and love yourself through it all.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’m the co-owner of Tu La 2 Nail Salon & Company with my twin sister, Sabrina Rowe. We’ve located in West Midtown 1133 Huff Rd. Suite E Atlanta, GA 20318. We have a long list of celebrities that we’ve had the pleasure to serve in our salon and on movie, video and commercial sets. We take pride in our Tu La 2 salon EXPERIENCE!

For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
In life, you have to position yourself for your path to open doors for opportunities. I feel that it’s tons of opportunities out there for women. You have to first figure out what’s your passion and figure out your lane. Then, line yourself up for what’s for you (not anyone else). Then, put your best foot forward, stay focused and work hard.

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Image Credit:
Paul Biagui Photography, MajorMindzMedia Photography, Atl_Gemini Photography, Jena Green Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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