Founder & CEO, You Within Yourself | Minister | Visionary Leader | Transformational Speaker | Entrepreneur
Sharon H. Smith’s journey as Founder and CEO of You Within Yourself (YWY) is rooted in faith, lived experience, professional preparation, and a commitment to empowering women and young girls, with a special focus on supporting single mothers.
After the end of a 20-year marriage, Sharon rebuilt her life while raising five sons as a single mother, continuing her education, pursuing entrepreneurship, and serving her community. This journey gave her a personal understanding of the resilience of women and the importance of support, resources, and meaningful opportunities during seasons of transition and growth.
Sharon began her entrepreneurial journey in 2002, building successful businesses in the beauty and salon industry before expanding into fashion. Her career allowed her to develop professional relationships and work with recognized designers and fashion brands, including Jovani, Faviana, Jimmy Huang, and Samuel Dong. More than two decades of entrepreneurship have strengthened her experience in leadership, business development, relationship building, and brand stewardship. Through her journey, Sharon came to understand a principle that became central to the mission of YWY; “External success can never substitute for internal wholeness.” She believes lasting confidence begins with a strong internal foundation rooted in faith, identity, character, wisdom, self-worth, and an understanding of one’s God-given purpose.
Sharon holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Counseling, Bachelor’s Degrees in Business and Education, and credentials as a Master Cosmetology Instructor. Her professional experience spans entrepreneurship, education, counseling, ministry, human services, mentorship, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership.
Today, Sharon brings her faith, lived experience, education, and leadership together through YWY. Her vision is to build a sustainable movement that invests in women, develops young girls, strengthens single mothers, cultivates future leaders, and creates lasting generational impact.
Guided by John 14:6, Sharon believes true identity and lasting transformation are ultimately found through Christ. “Your value has never been determined by your past, but by the purpose God placed within you.”