Thomasville is privileged to have leaders who shape our community’s future through their dedication to supporting underestimated entrepreneurs.
Dr. Sharon Edwards, a hardworking serial entrepreneur and founding board member of Spark Thomasville, stands as one of these inspiring figures.
A Pastor for 15 years and an Evangelist for 14 years, she has served and trained ministry leaders and entrepreneurs for 29 years.
A Legacy of Determination
Dr. Edwards’ entrepreneurial journey began in the most meaningful way possible – at her father’s side. Her father, a gentle giant with an extraordinary spirit, ran a successful construction company for over 50 years. “He pioneered and ran his construction business even though he couldn’t read or write. I taught him to write his name,” she shares with a warm smile.
This remarkable man wasn’t just a construction company owner; he was also a left-handed bass guitar player who traveled and performed with a quartet for years.
His ability to remember all his business numbers mentally demonstrated an exceptional entrepreneurial spirit that would later inspire Sharon’s path.
Early Beginnings
At just 14 years old, Dr. Edwards found her calling while helping in her father’s office (his kitchen table!). “I fell in love with office work. I would do all his paperwork. I knew I had found my forever. I knew that one day I would have my own business,” she recalls. From managing his payroll to designing business cards and forms, these early experiences laid the foundation for her first venture – a print shop that grew from her home to a storefront in downtown Thomasville.
A Philosophy of Continuous Growth
Dr. Edwards lives by a powerful motto that embodies Spark Thomasville’s values of education and empowerment:
“What I don’t know I learn.
What I learn, I master.
What I master, I teach to others.”
This generous approach to knowledge-sharing has become a cornerstone of her impact in our community.
A desire for independence and self-determination drove her journey as an entrepreneur. “I started my own business so I could be more in charge of my life,” she explains.
But the path wasn’t always easy. She learned crucial business skills through persistence and dedication, including how to become loan-ready – an achievement she celebrated by paying off her first business loan in just 45 days!
Building Community Through Experience
Living through the challenges of entrepreneurship gave Dr. Edwards a heart for helping others. She became a trusted resource for minority entrepreneurs seeking guidance, naturally evolving into a “go-to” person for business advice. This role led to meaningful relationships with other caring community leaders like Harry T. Jones, ultimately contributing to the birth of Spark Thomasville.
Today, as a founding board member and business coach at Spark Thomasville, Dr. Edwards continues to embody our mission of educating, training, encouraging, and supporting underestimated entrepreneurs. Her story reminds us that true success isn’t just about individual achievement – it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive.
A Living Legacy
Dr. Edwards’ journey from helping in her father’s construction office to becoming a key figure in Thomasville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem demonstrates the power of combining personal ambition with community service.
Her story embodies Spark Thomasville’s values of collaboration, education, coaching, and access to resources.
Through her work with Spark Thomasville, Dr. Edwards continues to help create economic viability, job opportunities, and generational wealth in our community.
Her father’s legacy of determination and entrepreneurship lives on through every entrepreneur she mentors and supports.
Comments