Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharisma George
Hi Sharisma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Absolutely! My journey into entrepreneurship and the founding of Foxx Laboratories and Screening is deeply rooted in my family history and personal experiences.
I named my company after my great-grandmother, Ellen Foxx, from St. Kitts. She was a very strong and godly woman, known for her no-nonsense attitude, love for fashion, and deep faith. Growing up, my family often said that I reminded them of her, which is a great honor. Naming my business after her, as well as other family members who have passed away, is my way of keeping their memories alive and honoring their legacy.
My mother, Sheryl Parris, has been another major inspiration in my life. She was a single parent who worked incredibly hard to provide for our family. She placed a high value on education and sent me to boarding schools, which helped me mature early and learn responsibility. My mother did an amazing job raising me to be loving, helpful, and hardworking, and because of her, I am determined to succeed in everything I do.
Growing up, I was often told by my brother that I was bossy and would be a boss one day, and it turns out he was right. As a serial entrepreneur, creating businesses has become a form of therapy for me. Being a black woman who grew up in a single-parent household, I always knew that running a business would be my goal.
Growing up, I had the privilege of being guided and inspired by my sister, Marie Paul. She pushed me into dance, modeling, and singing, which were not just hobbies but lifelines that helped me navigate and forget a lot of the trauma I experienced in my early years. These activities provided a creative outlet and a sense of purpose, allowing me to channel my energy into something positive and uplifting.
Marie Paul and I also did a lot of charity modeling for the elderly, an experience that deepened my love for giving back and serving others. This charitable work was incredibly fulfilling and planted the seeds for my future endeavors.
One of my dreams was to become a scientist because I have always loved science. This passion led me to the lab testing business, where I found my calling. Foxx Laboratories and Screening has been operating for four years, and I enjoy the challenge of expanding the company. Owning a lab is not easy, but I relish the ups and downs because they have taught me so much.
At Foxx Laboratories, we provide a wide range of tests, from drug testing to STD testing and DNA testing. Our goal is to help other companies stay safe with alcohol and drug tests and to help individuals learn about their health. There isn’t a test we don’t do, and due to popular demand, I hope to start training and teaching others how to be successful lab owners.
I started with one location and have been working on expanding ever since. My ultimate goal is to expand Foxx Laboratories and Screening worldwide, providing top-notch testing services on a global scale.
Additionally, my grandfather, Edward Parris, was a serial entrepreneur who I deeply admire. He owned the Frenchtown Fishing Center, which he transformed into a grocery store and bar, among other ventures. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to turn ideas into successful businesses have always inspired me. I guess you could say it runs in the blood, and I admire that about him immensely.
In addition to my lab business, I also own a personal care home, inspired by my great-grandmother and my love for taking care of the elderly. Each of my businesses reflects a part of my journey and the people who have inspired me along the way.
Throughout my life, I’ve always had a knack for organizing and throwing big parties. As a child, I often hosted large parties with crazy themes, which sparked my love for event planning. Now, I am working on building a network of entrepreneurs who share this passion for creating good times and hosting themed parties. This new venture allows me to blend my business acumen with my love for entertaining, creating unforgettable experiences for others.
Through hard work, determination, and a passion for science and entrepreneurship, I have built a company that not only honors my family’s legacy but also makes a positive impact on the community. I look forward to continuing this journey and achieving even greater heights with Foxx Laboratories and Screening.
Today, I am not just a serial entrepreneur but also a mentor, aiming to train and teach others to be successful lab owners. I hope to expand my businesses worldwide, inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of my grandfather, Edward Parris, and the unwavering support of my mother, Sheryl Parris, who emphasized education and resilience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting and growing Foxx Laboratories and Screening has been a rewarding journey, but it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced a variety of challenges along the way.
One of the initial hurdles was establishing credibility in the lab testing industry. As a new business, gaining the trust of clients and ensuring they had confidence in our testing accuracy and reliability was critical. This required a significant investment in high-quality equipment and rigorous staff training to meet industry standards.
Another challenge was navigating the regulatory landscape. The lab testing industry is heavily regulated, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations was a complex and time-consuming process. This involved extensive paperwork, regular audits, and continuous updates to our protocols to adhere to the latest guidelines.
Financial constraints also posed a significant challenge in the early stages. there were times when cash flow was tight. This required careful financial management, strategic planning, and sometimes making tough decisions to keep the business afloat.
As the business grew, managing the increased workload and maintaining the quality of our services became a priority. This included hiring and training new staff, expanding our facilities, and implementing more efficient systems to handle the growing demand. Balancing growth with maintaining our high standards was a constant challenge.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges. The increased demand for testing, coupled with supply chain disruptions and the need to implement new safety protocols, put a strain on our resources. However, we adapted quickly by expanding our services to include COVID-19 testing and ensuring the safety of our staff and clients.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has been a learning experience that has strengthened our business. The support of my family, particularly my mother and the legacy of my great-grandmother and grandfather, has been a source of motivation and resilience. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have inspired me to push through difficult times and continue striving for success.
In summary, the road has been far from smooth, but the challenges have made us stronger and more resilient. They’ve taught us valuable lessons and helped us build a solid foundation for the future. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what lies ahead for Foxx Laboratories and Screening.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about foxx laboratories and screening?
Starting and growing Foxx Laboratories and Screening has been a rewarding journey, but it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced a variety of challenges along the way.
One of the initial hurdles was establishing credibility in the lab testing industry. As a new business, gaining the trust of clients and ensuring they had confidence in our testing accuracy and reliability was critical. This required a significant investment in high-quality equipment and rigorous staff training to meet industry standards.
Another challenge was navigating the regulatory landscape. The lab testing industry is heavily regulated, and ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations was a complex and time-consuming process. This involved extensive paperwork, regular audits, and continuous updates to our protocols to adhere to the latest guidelines.
Financial constraints also posed a significant challenge in the early stages. Securing funding for the necessary equipment and operations was difficult, and there were times when cash flow was tight. This required careful financial management, strategic planning, and sometimes making tough decisions to keep the business afloat.
As the business grew, managing the increased workload and maintaining the quality of our services became a priority. This included hiring and training new staff, expanding our facilities, and implementing more efficient systems to handle the growing demand. Balancing growth with maintaining our high standards was a constant challenge.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic brought its own set of challenges. The increased demand for testing, coupled with supply chain disruptions and the need to implement new safety protocols, put a strain on our resources. However, we adapted quickly by expanding our services to include COVID-19 testing and ensuring the safety of our staff and clients.
Moreover, dealing with clients can sometimes be difficult. Some clients are not easy to please, which has taught me a great deal of patience over time. Understanding and managing different personalities, expectations, and needs is a critical part of the job.
Learning about the various types of testing and health-related issues has also been challenging. Each test has its own set of complexities, and staying updated with the latest advancements and methodologies requires continuous learning and adaptation.
Running multiple companies with different focuses presents its own unique challenges. Balancing the demands of Foxx Laboratories and Screening with my other ventures, such as the personal care home, can be difficult. Each business has its own set of needs and priorities, and ensuring that they all run smoothly is a constant juggling act.
One of the biggest challenges of being a business owner is finding the right help. It’s crucial to find people who are as dedicated as you are, a team that moves in the same frequency as you. Finding individuals who love to work hard and are committed to the business’s success has been one of my greatest challenges, but I have finally found the best help I can get.
Despite these challenges, I love the rush of getting things done. The sense of accomplishment and progress drives me to keep pushing forward. The support of my family, particularly my mother and the legacy of my great-grandmother and grandfather, has been a source of motivation and resilience. Their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have inspired me to push through difficult times and continue striving for success.
Additionally, my love for God has taken me places no one else can. Because of my faith, I see obstacles as steps to a greater path. This spiritual foundation has provided me with strength and guidance through the most challenging times.
In summary, the road has been far from smooth, but the challenges have made us stronger and more resilient. They’ve taught us valuable lessons and helped us build a solid foundation for the future. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and excited for what lies ahead for Foxx Laboratories and Screening.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely! I draw inspiration and guidance from a variety of resources that help me stay focused, motivated, and continually learning.
One of my daily practices is meditation, which is greatly influenced by my reading of ancient Indian texts. Meditation helps me center myself and maintain a sense of peace and clarity throughout the day. I meditate at least twice a day, and it has become an essential part of my routine.
In terms of books, I have several favorites that have profoundly impacted my personal and professional life. “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene has taught me valuable lessons about strategy and leadership. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz offers wisdom on personal freedom and self-awareness. “Power Moves” by Sarah Jakes Roberts inspires me with its messages of resilience and empowerment.
“Deep Wounds, Deep Healing” by Charles H. Kraft and “Cleanse to Heal” by Anthony William provide insights into physical and emotional healing, which are crucial in both my personal care home business and my lab testing company. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki has been instrumental in shaping my financial mindset and business strategies.
For my event planning ventures, “Event Planning” by Alex Gendinik is a go-to resource that has helped me fine-tune my skills in organizing successful events. “The Psychology of Money” offers profound insights into financial behaviors, and “The Laws of Human Nature” by Robert Greene delves into understanding human behavior, which is essential in managing teams and dealing with clients.
Podcasts also play a significant role in my daily life. “Spiritual Shit” by Alea Lovely and “Deeply Well” by Devi Brown provide spiritual and personal growth insights that resonate with me deeply. These podcasts, along with daily gospel music, help keep my spirit uplifted and motivated.
Musically, my tastes are quite diverse. I enjoy pop music, blues, Motown, rock and roll, country, and piano music by Beethoven. These genres not only provide relaxation but also inspire creativity in my work and personal life.
All these resources collectively help me do my best in life, both at work and otherwise. They provide me with the knowledge, inspiration, and spiritual grounding needed to navigate the challenges of being a serial entrepreneur and to keep striving for excellence in all my endeavors.
