The Faces of the Golden Strip would like to introduce you to Sheratta Irby.
I live in Fountain Inn SC with my 3 amazing kids. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, doing outreach, reading, practicing yoga and meditation, traveling, and trying new restaurants . I am a country girl so I love being outdoors.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 3 beautiful kids – one son Jaylin age 20, daughters Samantha age 12 and Bella age 3 whom I call them my dream team. They are gifts from God that keep me going and teach me daily what real love actually is.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In my past career I was a college professor and my current career is the founder of Be That Chick Women’s Organization and Outreach and owner of Astonishing Angels Homecare. I love what I do. I spent 8 years teaching medical billing and coding and doing outreach. I currently am the owner of Astonishing Angel Homecare where we take care of seniors and disabled individuals while providing love and assistance to resources to make sure their daily needs are being meet. I also am the founder of Be That Chick Women’s Organization and Outreach that teaches women and teen girls to be all that God created them to be, no matter what they have been through or may be going through . We do this through outreach, workshops, professional development, self-esteem classes, job readiness, financial literacy, networking and much more. I am able to give back to my community while my kids are able to see what loving one another really means. I also love to seeing people grow and tap into the person God created them to be no matter what they may be going through or may have been through in life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
So many that I can’t just name a couple.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
20 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mother, Efia Nwangaza, she’s unapologetic and speaks out against injustice and stands up against it. She has taught many of us in the community not to just talk about injustice but also to take a stand. Crystal Irby, business owner of Angelic Heart Homecare because she also gives her time to outreach and helping other women get to the next level while being an amazing mother. There are so many more individuals that are helping to build our communities and being a light for others. Shayla Davison, Simply Optimal Solutions and Outreach, Sharronda Kirksey, Financial Coach and Outreach, Leslie Wilkerson, Financial Advisor, Lacresha Williams, Carrie’s Hearts Homecare, Latoya Ashmore, Health and Fitness, Sinita Irby Compassion Hands Homecare, Pastor James Irby, Pastor Hasker Hudgens, Maxine Duckett Outreach. So many lights in this community
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Egypt, because a lot of the stories in the Bible takes place there. Also, I feel like traveling there would answer some of the questions that I haven’t been able to find answers for.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Put God first and keep going no matter what it looks like. Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all have fallen and we all gone through things. God has put everything in you for you to be great just tap into it. Look to God for guidance and it is ok to leave people behind in order to do what God has called you to do. Live the life God has created for you to live and live it happily.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Travel the world.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The trails in Greenville and surrounding areas.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
TD Jakes, because through his books and teaching I have grown and I think what he says would have an impact on my life. I would meet with him at my office so we could talk about where I am now and where God has for me to go, and of course I would have lunch catered.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Something that is unique about our community is the trails most of them are very beautiful and we get to see the beauty of God’s creation while taking a moment to breath and embrace life.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Married, traveling the world with my kids and family while still being active in the community and running my businesses.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am very goofy most of the time and that I can really listen to someone talking while processing or doing other things.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Jamaica.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids inspire me to be better. Their love for life and for people keeps me going and continuously makes me get up everyday and give my very best. The realness that my mother gave and the love and the covering of my Ganny and Gampi and great grandparents inspires me even when I’m tired, to get back up and keep going.
Q: Describe what “neighbor” means to you?
Neighbor means that you look out for each other and protect each other. We care about about each other and help each other when in need.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
God, Love, Family
