Daily Inspiration: Meet Shara Ally

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shara Ally.

Hi Shara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
My Story = The Little Engine That Could.

While my story sits on copious amounts of education, certifications, and designations, I think the underpinning theme to my story is learning how to manage rejection. Rejection has always been such a hard thing to face in my life, and no matter how much I earned externally, it did not allow me to feel secure internally. With that being said, my story includes the external success of earning my bachelor in nursing, masters in nursing and business, and doctorate degree in nursing. I have been fortunate to publish my research in the Family Physicians Journal, become a Professor, and own my own business. Outside of academics, I have been successful in earning the pageant crown for Ms. Canada United World 2022, producing a Tedx Talk, and walking in multiple fashion shows including New York Fashion Week. However, with each stepping stone of external success, I simultaneously experienced a source of rejection that would often be equally heartbreaking but necessary to build internal grit, character, and resiliency. At each professional and personal milestone, it always felt like taking one step forward and taking three steps backwards. What I found in this tango between success and rejection is this: you are tested until you get the lesson. It will break your heart. It will affect your sleep, your diet, your wellness. It will make you have low self-esteem. It will make you ask the question “what’s the point?” But, it is in these particular moments that I ironically found myself and my greater purpose in life. It was in the rejection that I could authentically bask in the joy of my external accomplishments and practice the act of abundant gratitude. It was in rejection that I found the network of people in my life who have my best interest at heart and encouraged me to be the better version of myself. It is through rejection did my internal confidence begin to build. My uphill battle in dealing with rejection creates a story of The Little Engine That Could, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let’s just say my road has the ingredients of Milk & Honey, and a touch of Vinegar!

My road has not been smooth at all. I actually question, what is smooth?

While I had my own plans on how things were going to go in my life with regard to education, work, relationships, travel, and so on, there was always another plan waiting for me, which I believe made the road to be perceived as not smooth. I’ve learned that while I may be interested in pursuing life on my own terms and timeline, this is just not realistic. Therefore, I’ve learned to embrace the Vinegar in my life with healthy habits, connecting with good people in my life, and practicing gratitude. Furthermore, the Vinegar is really a test of can you overcome your fears? The more I resisted my fears, the harder the road became, affecting all relationships in my life. It literally caused a ripple effect. Once I surrendered to the challenge, I was faced with a lesson that I needed to gain in order to achieve the goal I was working toward in both my personal and professional lives. So, looking back, there were absolutely tough times that caused heartache, sleepless nights, and isolation, but once the lesson was learned I equally experienced joy, gratitude, and bliss. I believe this is what they call, The Pursuit of Happyness.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Being a female in today’s world is a supernatural power within itself. I say this because we have the opportunity to live multiple chapters in one lifetime. Chapters can range from education, work, motherhood, family, and risks. For me, I adore my chapters of education, being a Professor, entrepreneurship, and nursing, however I equally love my unconventional chapters that include skydiving, solo travelling, owning a business, becoming Ms. Canada United World 2022, modeling for New York Fashion Week, authorship, and delivering a TEDx Talk. Growing up as a girl, there are always safety concerns, social constructs, cultural barriers, and overall a perspective the women ought to stay in one lane – the safe lane AKA don’t take risks. I think what sets me apart from others is the marriage of chapters I’ve lived in my life that are not considered typical, rather might actually scare people that I could wed education and professionalism with pageantry and modelling. However, the beauty in my perspective is these are just chapters, and one day I hope these can be inspirational to others to live fully and authentically. Furthermore, one day when I move into other chapters in my life, I know I can look back without regret as I’ve lived life rather than being scared of it.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost, God. God has brought me through darkness to appreciate the light with an abundance of gratitude. I am nothing without him.

My family has been a support system for me, especially at my lowest points. Friends have been a positive reinforcement of keeping me grounded, also. In terms of mentorship, Dr. Michelle Acorn and Dr. Christine Magladry have been extremely essential in my professional and academic careers. Their working knowledge has been instrumental to my success, as their guidance is genuine and honest. Another mentor that I’ve always admired for his technical, operational, and strategic skills is Mr. Ashraf Eleish. Ashraf is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of multiple Beauty Bar Clinics across Canada and the US, as well as the owner of Sol Pizza in Toronto, Canada. His work ethic, investment intelligence, and exceptional customer service breathes through his online presence, the teams of people he hires, and the services he provides. I am thankful for having the working knowledge of such people like Ashraf, as he truly is an inspiration; however, he remains so humble that I hope he realizes the impact he has on others. Finally, a supporter that I believe has been divinely guided to me is Mrs. Shirelle LaTortue. Shirelle has been a dear friend and Partnership Manager of mine who simply has always provided me with guidance that was never selfish or fabricated. The authenticity that Shirelle brings to the table reminds me of how to become a better human being to myself and to others, and I sincerely thank her for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sharaally.com
• Instagram: dr_shara
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z7LZVTnj08

Image Credits
Jennifer Johnson Photography