Shardia O’Connor Shares the Importance of Being an Authentic Presence

19 Mar 2024

Published in: Black Country Chamber of Commerce News

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The Black Country Chamber of Commerce speaks to the Founder of Shades of Reality.

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As part of Women's History Month 2024, we are highlighting career stories of women who have received support from the Chamber's Start-Up Business Club and are currently operating their own businesses in the Black Country. Through the 'Women in Start-Up’ campaign we celebrate the significant contribution of female entrepreneurs across both the business and wider social community.

Shades of Reality (SOR) is an online media platform founded by Award winning columnist Shardia O'Connor in 2021.

They provide a wide range of services to individuals and organisations including:

• Public relations

• Media platform

• Newsletters/Articles/Blogs

• Marketing and promotion

Introducing Shardia O’Connor

I’m Shardia. While I was working as a key worker in various mental health organisations, including the NHS throughout the pandemic, and being a current student in the faculty of wellbeing and education at Wolverhampton University, my life experiences and observations led me to create this platform. I wanted to create content that educates, inspires, and uplifts while celebrating the achievements of diverse groups and individuals from all walks of life.

1. How has the perception of female entrepreneurs changed since you became a small business owner?

My perception on female entrepreneurs hasn't changed much from when I first started my business back in 2021. We continue to bridge the gap in leadership roles and entrepreneurship across many industries slowly but surely. We are seeing more and more women led businesses across the UK as well as on an international scale which keeps me optimistic about the future for female entrepreneurs.

2. What kind of community support have you helped foster/received as a woman in business?

My media platform fosters a sense of belonging and community. Creating a safe space for diverse groups and individuals to discuss their life journeys creating opportunities for creatives and organisations to connect with others through advertising, networking, and marketing. I also am a part of an international publication who advertise and promote my work through their quarterly magazines which has been amazing. As well as the support I have receive from the black country chamber of commerce.

3. What advice would you give young girls and women aspiring to start their own business?

The advice I would give to young girls and women aspiring to start their own business is to make sure their business is about others. How you can help others solve their problems/everyday issues. Revolve your business around the people you wish to serve. Be authentic, transparent, have a plan and execute it in a timely manner as time management is important.

Do you want to read more profiles on Women in Start-Up? View our latest news. Are you a local resident in the early stages of starting your own business?

Visit: https://www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/membership/membership-packages/the-startup-business-club/ to become a member or view our Wolverhampton and Walsall support services for free advice.

Email Start-Up Business Manager Alison Trinder at AlisonTrinder@blackcountrychamber.co.uk

To learn more about Shades of Reality visit: https://www.shadesofreality.co.uk 

Address: Dudley, West Midlands, United Kingdom