I would like to introduce you all to Sherice Sheppard! She is the founder and CEO of Pillow Talk Houston. Sherice created this platform that facilitates discussions surrounding a variety of topics, which brings awareness and allows people to express themselves, their opinions, gain information, and give their perspectives without having limits. The platform has taken on a life of its own and has transformed into a beautiful community. She is also the creator of “The Group Chat,” her first miniseries, which can be found on Tubi. She was voted “Girl Boss of the Year” and was presented with a certificate from the mayor’s office from councilwoman Plummer. Out of all of the beautiful and extraordinary hats she wears, she wears another powerful hat: a single mother raising three young men. Sherice is a true definition of determination and perseverance. Learn more and check her interview below!

Can you share your story about how Pillow Talk Houston came about and what inspired you to create this platform?

I wanted to do a podcast with a talk show feel. I wanted it to be like The View, where the panel was women from different walks of life. I’m interested in hearing people’s perspectives on different topics. We were going to discuss relationships, sex, and more. I asked 2 other ladies to join me; we did our first show, and we had so much fun. I started the PiIlow Talk Houston Instagram page to entertain them until shows aired. I would post different questions and topics, funny videos, serious videos, and memes.

As time progressed, shows were then posted on YouTube, and I added to it by not only talking about relationships but also personal interviews, off-site events, and skits. The Instagram page grew organically into a community where people can be informed, give opinions, debate on different topics, and be entertained. Today, I dislike the word podcast lol, and consider Pillow Talk Houston a “variety show” because it’s not limited to one thing. 

I know that this amazing platform that you have built has produced many other great shows, like your miniseries “The Group Chat”. Tell us what this series entails and where we can watch it.

The Group Chat is my baby, lol. This mini-series is about six girlfriends from all walks of life who try to navigate their friendships and relationships in today’s modern world. Nakita is married to a big-time dealer in the streets, Rochelle is with her baby daddy, Tiffany has a boyfriend who has a job but is also in the streets, Kim is common law married, Shameka man is a big-time gambler, and Meaty is single. They go through a lot, but at the end of the day, they’re there for each other. It’s entertaining; it will make you laugh and cry, and some may be able to relate to the characters or situations. Season 1 is available on Tubi now, and I’m excited about the new partnership with 1919 Distribution for Season 2, which will be on Tubi sometime in September. 

Having some level of support is really a key element when it comes to running our businesses. I understand by you creating this platform that you’ve been able to build community, which is amazing! Can you talk about your support system, what it means for you, and how imperative it is to be able to build community and have that support?

I’ve always thought of myself as being self-motivated, but God will bring people into our lives who can encourage us when we are going through times. Sometimes it feels good to hear “I’m proud of you”, “You got this”, “Keep going”, “You motivate/inspire me”, and so on from someone else, and that can push you to keep going. Sometimes I feel lost, worried, or have negative thoughts, so even if they just listen to me and give advice, that helps. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” I also love it when someone who has followed me from the beginning and they’re like “I remember when you said this, and now you’re doing it.”

Having a support system is imperative because when you’re going through a storm or want to give up, your support system can keep your eye on God’s promise. The same way it takes a village to raise a child, I feel it takes a village to raise an entrepreneur. I am truly blessed to have people in my life who genuinely want to see me win and keep pushing me. I love my tribe!! 

What has your entrepreneurial journey been like for you thus far?

You have to first be willing to be a survivor before you can be successful. My journey has been not all good, but not all bad either. I’ve been through a lot, but I continue to keep pushing. God didn’t say the journey would be easy; He said the destination would be worthwhile. I’ve struggled financially, had sleepless nights, worried, and sometimes I felt alone. I’ve had anxiety, been depressed, and had suicidal thoughts, and there were times on my journey when I felt like I didn’t have enough supporters or why certain people didn’t support me. I’ve had people who I had given a chance talk about me on social media after they were told their services we no longer needed.

It can get overwhelming sometimes, but that’s what comes with it. God is like, okay, this is what you want? Well, let me prepare you for it. With each test I passed, my relationship with God grew much closer. Waiting on God is definitely not for the weak, and sometimes I still battle with it. It’s not that we don’t know He won’t be there; I think it’s the when. Then again, we shouldn’t even worry about the when because we know God is always on time lol. The entrepreneurial journey, and God is teaching me patience and building my character. So although my journey has been like a rollercoaster, it has also been filled with valuable lessons, happiness, and new friendships. 

When you’re not busy, how are you practicing self-care and taking care of your mental health?

I practice self-care by writing down and saying affirmations. I also like to look up motivational videos on YouTube and videos speaking about God. I LOVE movies, so I watch them at home or go to the movies. I also love a good series too because, baby, I will binge-watch the whole season lol!! I spend time with my kids, and I also have gotten into journaling sometimes to express myself. I try to exercise, which I need to get back into the habit of doing, and I LOVE food, so I will take myself out to eat. I also go hang out with my friends, the owners of The Savoy here in Houston, because the vibe and food are always awesome. Self-care is very important to me because you need that break, even if it’s a small one, to recharge. Forget the kids (find a sitter) and do you! lol, you deserve it. You can’t be a good friend, aunt, sister, employee, CEO, companion, etc. if you’re not okay. 

Share your websites and any social media handles.

Instagram: @pillowtalkhoustonpt2  @msrere44_

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@pillowtalkhoustontv

Tubi: The Group Chat 

Before you go, drop a gem or some great advice for our readers out there. Feel free to say whatever compels you. I like to call this section UnpackingHer Thoughts. Let them know, Queen!

Social media can have you thinking you’re behind or losing, you’re not doing enough, or comparing yourself. I know because I’ve done it. People are literally putting years into their business. Just because you’re not where you think you should be or the level you think you should be; you’re on the level that God wants you to be on at this moment. You have to be persistent and resilient because those challenges or bumps in the road are going to happen. You have to dance in the rain. Find the silver lining when you’re going through the storm. Know that good times are temporary and bad times are temporary. I love to be around humble people who are doing better than me because I learn from them and enjoy talking to them. Have faith, trust God, and believe that your time is coming. Be appreciative, be grateful, and give yourself grace because we can be our own worst critics.

Every single step you take, you go higher, give thanks, and celebrate even if it’s small, because those small wins will keep you going to the big one. Keep God first in everything you do and talk to Him. Don’t be afraid to get down on your knees and tell God what you want. You have to fight for it because if it were easy, everyone would be doing it, and eventually you will get exactly what God has for you. This may be for the readers, but I also needed this for myself. 

Thank you so much, Sherice!