About

Sharon Soliday, smiling

Meet Sharon Soliday 

Hard-wired to be a business owner, Sharon’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. Her first business venture was in the 9th grade, undercutting the high school student store by selling cookies during second period. Driven by her family’s economic struggles, she knew that if she wanted financial stability, she’d have to do it on her own.

Sharon made her way through community and state colleges, juggling various jobs to make ends meet, including waitressing, telemarketing, and coaching high school speech and debate. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders and a Master of Science degree in Speech & Hearing Sciences. These degrees led to a successful career as a speech-language pathologist, helping support young people with communication challenges and disabilities.

This career, through rewarding, also proved frustrating as Sharon worked to juggle the demands of the job with those of being a mother to a young child. Determined to find a better way, Sharon started a small company that sought to both enhance the specialized services being provided to children and improve the lives of the clinicians who served them. In the ensuing 17 years, she built a multimillion-dollar company staffed by hundreds of specialists. Acknowledged for excellence, her company earned state and regional recognition, twice receiving the When Work Works award and being voted one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon in 2018.

Sharon’s commitment to advocating for children has included seven years of service on her local school board and an ongoing seat on the Our Children Oregon Board of Directors. She was recognized as a Woman of Influence in 2017 by the Portland Business Journal for her business and service accomplishments. 

Sharon sold her company in 2022 and now spends her time writing and providing financial and business mentorship to young people who have the odds stacked against them as she once did. She believes in the power of dreaming a bigger dream for kids everywhere, and is committed to helping that happen however she can.

Sharon’s Why

To inspire, empower, and educate young people so that they can realize their biggest, most audacious dreams.
If you're feeling close to the bottom of the ladder, you're better positioned than you realize.
Let’s climb it together.

  • "We want to thank Sharon so much for coming to talk to us, and for her generosity, and inspiration. Her questions are very thought-provoking, making me think deeper about the problem my business is facing."

    -Business Owner M. @ National Association of Women Business Owner's Luncheon Portland chapter

  • "When I first met and heard Sharon speak, I was immediately inspired. She a strong presence...I love how she is an advocate for fighting the red line - defying the odds and never limiting yourself. Her lessons stick with me to this day."

    -M., College Senior & Entrepreneur

  • "Sharon has a unique combination of business acumen, strategic insight, and compassion. Her honesty and humor are compelling, creating strong relationships with people across sectors. Impressive."

    -J, MBA, Director within large healthcare organization

  • "It was a delight having Sharon as a Speaker at Young Entrepreneurs Business Week; I remember your talk fondly and would love to see her return..."

    -K., Young Entrepreneurs Business Week, Oregon

  • "It's all true, and free. She has never asked for a dime. Just wants to share her knowledge with as many budding entrepreneurs as possible along the way.

    - Everyone Sharon works with