Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasharia Burke.
Hi Tasharia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m a 24-year-old registered nurse and entrepreneur. I’m the youngest and first in my family to graduate from college with a BSN and to have their own business. In May 2020, I graduated from the University of West Georgia with a bachelor of science in nursing degree at the age of 21. Because of COVID, I wasn’t able to take my state licensure exam (the NCLEX) until August of 2020, as opposed to June or July as I’d preferred. I had to travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee to take the NCLEX because only 10 students were tested at a time due to social distancing, and test centers in Georgia didn’t have test dates available until October and November of 2020. Back in July 2020, I signed a contract for a nurse residency program that was to start in October of that year as long as I passed the NCLEX by then. At the time, Tennessee was the only nearby state available to test before October. My godmother and I rented a nearby hotel in Chattanooga the day before my test. We returned to Georgia right after my exam. I passed the exam, and I began working as an active RN in October 2020.
My dream has always been to open up a boutique since I was 16 years old. In high school, I was in the fashion club as a model at the time. Before I got into the behind scenes of fashion, I wanted to walk down a runway. Over time, I started thinking about designing and styling my clothes. I wanted to do that for a while, and I still do, but that kinda more so changed into me wanting to have my very own brand first instead.
In the last couple of years, Atlanta has become one of the best, largest, and growing cities to start a business. Social media has been the key to many people’s businesses’ development, growth, and success, especially in the fashion and beauty industry. I got my inspiration to start a business from seeing so many people, young and older, on social media growing and profiting from their businesses. Seeing that every day pushed me to start thinking of a foundation for my business. Before social media, I didn’t think having my own business at a younger age would be as accessible as it was. I’m not saying it was easy starting it, and it’s not easy now, but social media played a heavy role in making me believe that it was possible.
I started working on designs of scrubs and brainstorming business ideas back in April of 2021. Shops by Shari: Fashion, Scrubs, Medical Gear, Medical Accessories was created in July of 2021. I made social media accounts for the business and introduced them to my social media followers toward the end of July 2021. I officially launched my business and made my website active on October 3, 2021.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The greatest obstacle I face is balancing working as an RN and being an entrepreneur simultaneously. Having your own business is a significant accomplishment, but it doesn’t come without stress. I manage my business alone, meaning I design and choose the inventory, sample pieces out to see if they fit the business’s look, price items and organize the books, manage social media accounts, both design and run my website, package and ship orders, drop orders off, meet up with customers for orders, and every and anything else business related. Last but far from least, I fund my business alone. Starting my business was the most money I’ve ever spent on anything in my life, but I do not regret it. You have to spend money to make money, and I pay for all of the expenses of my business. It helps pay for itself at times, but because I always want more for my business, I will never stop investing in it. Working as an overnight RN doesn’t allow me to work on my business as much as I’d like to. I want to work on my business every day all day because it’s my passion, but I need my nursing career as well for income. I love nursing too, and it plays a large role in the scrubs part of my business, but my goal is to eventually put my business first and nursing second.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a full-time registered nurse. Our shifts are 12 hours, which often turn into 13 and 14-hour shifts, 3 days a week. I’m an overnight nurse, so it feels like I work 4 days each week instead of just 3. I don’t count the morning I get off as an off day. Because I’m a night shift nurse, it makes it a little more difficult to work on my business. I literally sleep during the day, and I function better at night. I can do some things at night like set up orders for inventory, work on social media posts, and package orders. I push myself to do the tasks that can’t be done after normal business hours on mornings after I get off work or on my off days, such as shipping orders, buying items for my business, and dropping packages off. I get overwhelmed at times, but I know it’ll all pay off in the long run.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to new entrepreneurs and small business owners is to be passionate about whatever you’re doing and/or selling. As long as you have passion behind what you’re doing, that’s going to be your drive and motivation to eventually bring your passion to reality. Even when you run into bumps in the road throughout the process, your passion will stop you from giving up. Me remembering my long-term goal and keeping the bigger picture in mind are the two most important things that help me keep going, even on my worse days. If you have to step back, refocus, re-plan, and re-strategize, then that’s okay. Do it. Just don’t give up. One of the most common problems that entrepreneurs face is that someone is already out there doing what you’re doing or selling what you’re selling. Depending on what industry you go in, the market could already be over-saturated, and with clothing, that’s a challenge I face. You have to differentiate your brand from others and let your passion for your business lead the way.
Pricing:
- All That Scrub Set $50.00
- Shic Scrub Set $55.00
- Soohistqué Scrub Set $50.00
- Dani Puffer Jacket $34.00
- Mink Lashes $8-$10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopsbyshari.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsbyshari
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shopsbyshari
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopsbyshari
Image Credits
Selfie Paradise
