#BO$$ MOVES: SHARON CARPENTER

2018 is the year of the woman. Women demanded their voices be heard and stopped at nothing to achieve their greatest destiny.  Sharon Carpenter, reporter, television personality, producer, and designer, is the epitome of this revolutionary woman and a true boss!

It wasn’t until she moved to New York City where she discovered her passion for telling stories. Since then, her career has housed names like BBC News, BET, CBS Market Watch, The Wendy Williams Show, Empire and her most recent solo project- WireTapped.

Bombshell had the chance to catch up with this girl boss where she dished on how she started, the journey thus far, and her plans for the future!

Michelle Lee: Where did it all begin for you?

Sharon Carpenter: I guess it all started back in England *laughs* which is where I’m from. I have a big passion for music and right before I moved to America I had a dream of being in the music industry.  Being in the U.K., you sort of grow up on American pop culture. When I eventually moved here [America] for school, I started interning for a woman (she’s now my best friend) who was working at a small indie label. I loved being involved with music and dealing with artists, but I realized it wasn’t quite what I wanted to do. From there I jumped at different opportunities from hosting on public access shows, which led to an opportunity with Channel 9 News.

I love how you were fearless when you moved to NYC and tried so many different things!

I’m passionate about the creative side of things and at the end of the day that’s what really drives me; the opportunity to get creative with my storytelling and things that I put out. Ultimately I believe it’s difficult to really know what you want to do unless you immerse yourself in it first.  

And now that you’ve gained success in the entertainment industry do you think that you have a responsibility to become a role model for young girls who want to be in your field?

Definitely.  It’s something that has become more apparent as the years have gone on. It’s so important to me to encourage young women to stay true to what they believe in and follow your passion. I feel that even aside from young women who are looking up to me, I think there is an audience watching and listening and I think it’s my responsibility to bring the stories that are accurate, that are fact-checked, real journalism at the end of the day.

Photographer: Demetrius Martinez

Wardrobe Stylist: Roni François

Hair Stylist: Ronnie Nior

Make-up Artist: Asari

Make-up Assistant: Jordan Witherspoon

You’ve recently started an online network called Wiretapped. What will it consist of?

Wiretapped is an interactive website focused on pop culture new that I’ve created with my business partner Chris.  We’re allowing people to be more than just spectators by creating an element that allows viewers to chime in and create a live dialogue.

You’re also an ambassador for GEORGE [St. George’s Society].  What has that experience been like?

It’s a really fantastic charity and it’s the biggest British charity here in New York. I love getting involved with charities! I truly believe that to whom much is given much is required!  GEORGE helps out members of the Commonwealth who are in the U.S. and going through a difficult time. Whether it’s someone who needs financial assistance, health care or a child has cancer and wants a special treatment, GEORGE will help with the financial side of things or help bring the family over and assist them with accommodations and things they’ll need to get through their situation.  

Your passion is admirable and inspiring.  What does being passionate about what you love mean to you?

Passion is the key to any and everything you do.  You’re not going to be able to put in the effort it takes to reach success if you’re not genuinely passionate about what you’re doing.  The only way for you to get ahead is to outwork most people and that requires real passion.

Team Credits

Photographer: Demetrius Martinez

Wardrobe Stylist: Roni François

Hair Stylist: Ronnie Nior

Make-up Artist: Asari

Make-up Assistant: Jordan Witherspoon