Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharlet Too.
Hi Sharlet, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, and my upbringing shaped the woman and leader I am today. I was privileged to grow up in a home where generosity was a way of life. My parents were—and still are—givers. Some of my earliest memories include accompanying my mother to children’s homes and shelters in Kenya, and watching my father open our doors to relatives and strangers alike. Service wasn’t something we talked about; it was something we lived.
After relocating to the United States, I carried those values with me while building a life rooted in faith, family, and purpose. I’m a wife and a proud boy mom, and alongside my nonprofit work, I also run an interior design business—creative work that allows me to blend excellence, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. My spirituality anchors everything I do; it guides my decisions, my leadership, and my commitment to serving others with intention and integrity.
30 To Infinity was birthed in November 2018, when I turned 27. To mark that birthday, my husband Elly and I committed to feeding 30 homeless people every month. We saved just one dollar a day, and at the end of each month, we would purchase meals and head into downtown Dallas to serve the homeless—no cameras, no recognition, just obedience to a calling.
One encounter changed everything. On a hot summer afternoon in Houston, we met a man named Marco sitting in a wheelchair, holding a sign that simply read, “Water please.” He wasn’t asking for money or food—just water. As he shared his story, we realized it mirrored so many others we had heard before. That moment became a wake-up call: the need was deeper than meals alone.
In 2019, we began the formal establishment of 30 To Infinity, a nonprofit later incorporated in 2020, with a vision to serve beyond limits—what we call serving the “infinity.”Our work centers on nourishment and mentorship, from feeding the homeless in Dallas,Texas to sustaining school meal and empowerment programs for women and the youth in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya.
My journey hasn’t been linear, but it has been intentional. I’m passionate about building sustainable impact—where faith meets action, creativity meets service, and purpose is lived out daily.
Alright, 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 hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think meaningful work ever is. Building something purpose-driven while balancing family, entrepreneurship, and service has required a lot of sacrifice, patience, and faith.
Some of the biggest challenges have been learning to grow sustainably—navigating limited resources, wearing multiple hats, and resisting the pressure to move faster than the foundation allowed. There were seasons where visibility was low, support felt quiet, and progress was happening behind the scenes.
What kept me going was clarity of purpose and a deep trust in the process. Those challenges shaped my leadership, strengthened my resilience, and reinforced my belief that impact built with integrity may take longer—but it lasts.
We’ve been impressed with 30 To Infinity, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
30 To Infinity is a mission-driven nonprofit founded with the belief that impact should have no limits. We focus on nourishment and mentorship—feeding the homeless in Dallas, sustaining school meal programs, and empowering women and the youth in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya through leadership and mentorship initiatives.
What sets our work apart is that it was built from the ground up—starting with personal savings, hands-on service, and a deep commitment to dignity-centered impact. We don’t just serve communities; we walk alongside them, building sustainable programs rooted in consistency and care.
Alongside my nonprofit work, I am also the CEO of Zawadi Empire, a short-term rental design and home staging business based in Dallas, Texas. Through Zawadi Empire, I specialize in styling and staging properties to maximize guest experience, elevate property value, and help investors and homeowners stand out in competitive rental markets. While the missions differ, both ventures are rooted in the same values—excellence, purpose, and creating spaces where people can thrive.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I see both the social impact and design industries moving toward deeper intentionality and sustainability. In philanthropy, there’s a growing shift from one-time aid to long-term solutions—programs that emphasize dignity, local leadership, measurable outcomes, and consistent presence rather than short-term intervention.
In the short-term rental and home staging space, the focus is evolving beyond aesthetics alone. Design is becoming more experience-driven, with homeowners and investors prioritizing storytelling, functionality, and spaces that feel both elevated and lived-in. Guests are looking for environments that feel intentional, culturally thoughtful, and wellness-oriented, not just visually appealing.
Across both industries, technology and data will continue to shape how we operate, but the real differentiator will be authenticity. Brands and organizations that lead with purpose, clarity, and human-centered design will be the ones that stand the test of time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://30toinfinity.org
- Instagram: 30_to_infinity
- Facebook: 30_to_infinity
Image Credits
Wanjala Photography
Masterdon photography
Live and Inspire photography
