Life and Work with Shacole A. Pearman

Shacole, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I never knew the magnitude of going after your dreams until things that I never imagined started happening for me. Originally from San Diego, California, I grew up the daughter of school teacher and granddaughter of a librarian. I learned at an early age the importance of helping others as well as the need to have a mentor. I always knew two things 1. I wanted to be a Public Speaker and speak on always being positive and 2. I wanted to leave my handprint on child’s soul. As a child, I watched my mom have an active relationship with her mentor even as an adult. As early as I can remember, she would tell me how this woman helped her through some of the most challenging times in her life. I remember thinking how amazing it was that this person outside of our family had played such an active role in my mom’s life. I had a teacher that told me “There are some people that come into your life and leave their handprint on your soul and you are never the same again”. That quote has stuck with me throughout my journey.

When I got to high school, I started volunteering with my moms class and mentoring girls through their elementary school journey starting in first grade until they went to middle school. I would tell them about my experiences being a teenager and do various activities with them. I was always excited to see them and share whatever new experience I had. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was leaving my mark on these young girls.

Eventually, life led me to Clark Atlanta University where I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Speech Communications. For my senior project, I started a program called Hello Can you Hear me at a Boys and Girls club in an underserved community. What started out as just a small program for girls ages 9-12 as part of my graduation requirement has now turned into a brand that inspires girls throughout Metro Atlanta. My career led me to a local Parks and Recreation Department in the suburbs of Metro Atlanta. It was there that my program took on a new identity.

G.I.R.L.S which stood for Girly Intelligent Radiant Lovable Sistahs was the programs new name and this time it was not only a public speaking program but also a dance program for girls ages 9-12. The program became a vital part of the Recreation Center. The girls would do events like bake 200 cupcakes, community service, girls day out and more. In the over 10 years, the program operated in the Recreation Center, I served over 300 girls, had a 90% retention rate and was the longest consistent program ran by anyone in my position.

After over 10 years in the field of recreation, I transitioned from the career that gave me a platform to reach girls. Little did I know, my new career would give me an even bigger platform to reach girls in Metro Atlanta. Not only have I been able to use the things I learned about the program in my current position but I was able to start my LLC. Aim 2 b Positive LLC is an organization that encourages girls and women to be positive through every situation I do this through a girls mentoring program (ages 10-13), cupcakes and conversations and public speaking. Girls Aiming Towards Positivity is a unique mentoring program for girls that teaches girls to be positive through leadership, team building, public speaking and confidence building activities.

Currently, the program meets at Tracey Wyatt Recreation Center in College Park and The Villages at Carver YMCA located in downtown Atlanta. Cupcakes and Conversations is also offered throughout Metro Atlanta. My hope is that everyone will take a positive journey with me and leave their handprint on a child’s soul and never let anyone dull their sparkle.

Has it been a smooth road?
I would be lying if I said that the journey has been smooth. This journey was like no other I had the lives of children in my hands. I struggled with the lack of support and funding of my program. I was in a career that was no longer serving its purpose for me, yet it was the girls that kept me going everyday. I was always afraid to leave them and step on faith. I struggled with developing a curriculum for them that taught them life lessons while making it fun so they would want to come every week.

If I had to give a few pieces of advice I would say:
Even if there are a million people doing what you are doing, they are not you, therefore, you and your brand are unique.
You are a diamond they can’t break you.
And finally, find a tribe of people who believe in your dream and allow them to help steer you.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Aim 2 B Positive – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the Executive Director of Aim 2 B Positive LLC. I aim to motivate and inspire young women. I am a public speaker. I specialize in leadership training, mentoring and hosting events. I am most proud of the amount of girls I have been able to inspire through my platform. It warms my heart when I hear the girls talk about something that I taught them. What sets me apart is my passion. I am truly passionate about what I do and that shows in the events and when I public speak. My energy is contagious you have no choice but to smile when you meet me. Also with my mentoring program the girls get to choose what they want to do and and I build the session from their feedback. Its interesting because they have to do a full presentation and ask questions. It helps them feel included in the process and engages them more. I truly believe I am walking in my purpose.

Who have you been inspired by?
My Mother Linda Pearman and her Mentor Ms. Whiteside because they showed me the value of having effective adult relationships.

The women in my family who I call my Support Team because when life was throwing curveballs they stood by me and helped me through every situation.

My College Counselor the late Carol Mitchell-Leon because no matter what idea I came up with she encouraged me to continue to strive for towards my goals.

My Professional Mentor Monique Henderson because she was a great example of leadership and determination. She served as a resource and instrument for my success.

All my friends that gave their time because I wouldn’t be where I am today without being around a strong group of women.

Lastly all the girls who have been apart of my dream and are now adults. They have truly made me into the woman I am today.