Meet Sharnae Smith | Lupus and Disability Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharnae Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharnae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Lupus is a cruel incurable disease and is often overlooked and isn’t publicized enough and because of that, I wanted to create a space that was inclusive and supportive for those who are fighting lupus. It really does take a village to navigate this disease, and I wanted to create a village for all lupus survivors and their caregivers so that they know they aren’t alone in this fight.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I run a small nonprofit organization called “Memphis Lupus Support Group” here in Memphis, TN, that is dedicated to helping lupus survivors navigate this disease. I started this organization because when I was diagnosed, there was a lack of support in my area, which made me feel alone and I didn’t want any other person in my situation to feel the way I felt. Lupus is a debilitating disease and many members of the group are on disability or awaiting approval for disability benefits, It has not been easy running the group due to us being small, and trying to compete against other larger organizations for grants but once we obtain more grants, my hope is to assist in prescription , transportation, light, gas and water assistance to the support group members who are unable to afford those things. I overcome most challenges by leaning in on my own support system. I know that I can’t do this fight alone so I pull in some of my family and closest friends to help me in running the group and fundraising. I’d love for the world to know that although they may not have lupus, or they may not know much about it, definitely take the time to support lupus awareness efforts because its a deadly disease and we are fighting for our lives on a daily basis.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a nerd so my itinerary for Memphis might be lame for some. Ha! I would take them to the Novel. bookstore, and head across the street to Venice Kitchen for pizza or pasta. If they were interested in visiting downtown, I’d take them to a Grizzlies game at the FedEx forum, and convince them to order a prime rib sandwich and some poutine fries at Kooky Canuck after. I would take them to the Concourse for live music and arts and for a yummy dessert, Gibson Doughnuts. Definitely would introduce them to brunch at the Yolk Cafe and then take them to the SlaveHaven and Stax museum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to shout out my mother & grandmother, who have always pushed me to be a better person and to stay strong, my closest circle of friends (and they know exactly who they are) who checks in on me frequently to ensure that I am taking care of myself, my sorority sisters of Sigma Gamma Rho who always support my lupus awareness efforts, my church, the Redeemed Empowerment Center who are always praying for me and giving me the boost of hope I always need, and of course my lupus support group members who always give me the motivation to stay the course and never give up on my advocacy efforts.

Website: linktr.ee/memphislupus

Instagram: @memphislupus

Twitter: @memphislupus

Facebook: facebook.com/memphislupussupport

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiZmeHWBhKdTv3QIZQNcjTw