Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Shelia Samone Brown.
Dr. Brown, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a survivor! Writing my book Beneath the Scar: Rise to Healing was my way of healing. I also wanted to bring more awareness of the issues of domestic violence/teen and young adult violence, as well as human trafficking. Serving as an author, educator, speaker, publisher (Samone Publishing) and movie producer (2 Brown Girls Productions) helps me to support others to find their inner strength, peace and passion to change their lives and the lives of others around them.
Shortly after the debut of my book Beneath the Scar: Rise to Healing, one of my co-workers told me that she had to introduce me to Director Cynthia Reid Wills. When I met Cindy, she purchased a copy of my book and said she would read it. Amazingly, nearly a year later, while sitting on my back patio on the morning of my birthday, I was having a conversation with God about how he had truly blessed me by giving me beauty for my ashes. I said, “God I know you have so much more in store for me!” Within thirty minutes, Cynthia Reid Wills called and said that she had read my book and knew that it would make a great movie; thus, Beneath the Scar: The Movie was birthed.
Beneath the Scar: The Movie, is reflective of the book highlights the character, Samantha Nicole Allen, who is the beautiful Mississippi debutante and daughter of one of the town’s most notable preachers. Despite her upbringing and sound judgment, she quickly finds herself entangled in a trap of abuse that has the potential to cause her to lose her confidence, beauty, and more tragically, her life.
As an educator for over 20 years, I have an innate part of me that wants to protect others from danger; specifically, young people. Making the transition into the authorship and being an executive producer seems natural, because my purpose is the same; I empower others to change their lives for the better. The transition from author to executive producer was just a natural progression because of my ability to serve and lead while developing and empowering others.
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?
My life’s path has not always been an easy path. As a survivor of young adult dating violence, it took me over 20 years to break my silence. I want to encourage individuals to stay true to themselves, believe in themselves and strive to reach the goals that they are most passionate about. Be sure that your purpose is what drives you. When you have a purpose, all other things fall in to place. When you support a cause, you can find true joy knowing that you are a world-changer, even if what you do only impacts one person. If I can save the life of one victim of abuse, my work is not in vain.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am so very proud of becoming a producer. It has helped me to touch the lives of countless individuals. I am also very proud to be the founder of Samone Publishing, LLC which serves as a catalyst in supporting authors in publishing their stories of resilience.
Below you will find additional information about Dr Shelia Samone Brown’s work.
She is noted for her workshop series, Pen, Publish & Profit providing proven steps for new and aspiring authors. As a speaker, Dr. Samone has educated and entertained audiences with her contagious personality, knowledge base and delivery skills. Her signature, Dr. Samone Breakfast Club Series™, Conversations with Dr. Samone Series™, Dr. Samone Dinner and Dialogue Series™ with and the SpeakHer™ Speaking Series engages participants in in-depth and engaging conversations centered around her topics of expertise (domestic violence, teen-dating violence, resilience, entrepreneurship). Her heart for publishing and education encompasses working to protect individuals from devastating life outcomes.
Dr. Samone has served as an exceptional leader in the field of education by being honored as one of the Top 100 Education Leaders in the State of Texas. This honor earned her the opportunity to serve as a fellow at the Harvard University Urban Schools Institute. She serves as an administrator in one of the Nation’s Best High Schools, according to U. S. News and World Report, the Washington Post, News Week the Daily Beast and Niche. In 2016, Dr. Samone was named as the Magnet/Choice Principal of the Year within the second largest district in the State of Texas. Dr. Samone possesses a Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University. She received her master degree from the University of Texas at Austin, principal’s certification was obtained at Texas Christian University and she completed her doctoral studies and superintendent certification at the University of North Texas. She currently serves as a university adjunct faculty member for graduate studies at the University of North Texas. A mother of two and a recent empty nester, Dr. Samone reside in Dallas/Fort Worth and serves within her church and various state, national, and international organizations.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Both my grandmothers served as sources of inspiration for me. My paternal grandmother attended college in the 1930s during a time when African American women were not known for attending college. She was a one room schoolhouse teacher. My maternal grandmother taught me that all work is honorable and whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability and do it for the glory of God. My mother has also been an inspiration. She raised a family and attended college at the same time as my younger sister. As a young mother, she always dreamed of being a registered nurse. One day, I told her to just register and go back to school and get your bachelor’s degree, and that she did! I am so very proud of her! All of these women taught me to have faith, trust God, dream and make your dreams come to fruition!
Pricing:
- Beneath the Scar: Rise to Healing $19.99 on drsamonebrown.com website also sold on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Contact Info:
- Website: drsamonebrown.com
- Phone: 214-273-4100
- Email: drsamonebrown@gmail.com
- Instagram: dr_samone
- Facebook: dr. samone
Image Credit:
GBADO, MOJO Q PHOTOGRAPHY
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