Meet Sharon Oh of SHARE Speech and Language

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Oh.

Sharon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew since I was in the 6th grade that I wanted to work with people who had disabilities. I used to give up my recesses and lunch times in school to help out in the special education class. Even at that young age, I loved feeling like I could make a difference. In high-school, I volunteered at a local nonprofit and met a speech language pathologist and felt that movie-like awakening in my soul. I knew this was what I was meant to do with my life. From that point on, I always say it was a straight shot to where I am today. College, grad school, every part-time job I had in between were all meant to push me towards my ultimate goal of becoming a speech language pathologist.

After working in a variety of different settings after getting my license, I decided that I could do much more as a speech language pathologist if I started my own clinic. I wanted to pass on my passion to clients, families, and new therapists, and I knew I could do this best in my own space, and on my own terms. I started SHARE Speech and Language to do just that. I also strategically placed our clinic in a lower income area in the South Bay, so I could make an even greater impact in my community by providing quality services in a place where it is rare. I love my work and really believe in the power of it, and it’s exciting to see that transfer over to my employees and to the families we service.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but it’s been worth it every step of the way. In school, I remember working almost full-time and taking on a full graduate course load, and all the stress, sweat, and tears that caused. I can’t remember a time when I’ve drank more coffee in my life than in grad school!

Business-wise, I didn’t have any idea what I was doing when I started. Everything was a struggle. When I first started my business I was still working from my car–lugging around all of my materials in my trunk. I had to figure out how to find an actual physical location, apply for a business license, figure out business structures, learn how to be the interviewer, payroll, etc. It’s been a learning experience, to say the least. I’ve had to learn not to be afraid to ask people about everything. It’s been a really humbling experience overall, because I’ve had to rely on the support of so many wonderful people in my life.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SHARE Speech and Language – what should we know?
SHARE Speech and Language is a speech and language clinic in the South Bay. We specialize in all aspects of communication development, difficulties, and disorders–from articulation, to language, to cognition, to socialization.

We are a company that is passionate about providing quality services to our families. I know that that statement is used often “quality services,” but for us, that means showing passion and empathy in all aspects of our business. From the first phone call to our client, to providing therapy, to seeing them exit out, we view our clients like they’re a part of our SHARE family, because they are! We are with them through this often difficult journey of figuring out what is going on with their child, and I make sure to constantly remind my employees that it’s a privilege to be a part of that journey. Our families have constantly reported that it feels like “home” or that they’re comfortable in our clinic, and we LOVE hearing that. I never want my business to feel like a business for them.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Hands down, the number one quality that is most important to my success is my willingness to take risks, or impulsivity in other words. I have crazy plans and dreams for my future, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people tell me to “slow down,” “be careful,” etc. If I listened to any of them, I would never be where I am today. That’s not to say be brash and irresponsible with your decisions, but if you know in your heart this is what you need to do, don’t be afraid and jump right into it!

Contact Info:

• Address: 19401 S. Vermont G106 Torrance, CA 90502
• Website: sharespeech.org
• Phone: 310-892-5812
• Email: sharon@sharespeech.org
• Instagram: instagram.com/sharespeech
• Facebook: facebook.com/sharespeech

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