Meet Sierra Williams | Owner and Author at Siohan Press LLC.

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

Hi Sierra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my own business as a way to fill the gap in early reader books after homeschooling my nephew during the pandemic. While it began as publishing early reader books where a black boy could see himself as the main character, it has grown to include many characters and both fiction and non-fiction reading books that blend literacy and STEM.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have had a great 15-year career in Information Technology! It has been both rewarding and had its challenges, but it has brought me to where I am today. What I love most about my career is that it has awarded me the opportunity to be a lifelong volunteer and role model for Black women pursing and excelling in STEM careers. With a master’s degree in computer engineering and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, I have had opportunities to design and create world changing technology as well as lead technical teams throughout all phases of the engineering design lifecycle. I am grateful for my network to include those from Claflin University where I completed my undergraduate degree and Clemson University where I completed my master’s degree. The National Society of Black Engineers allowed me to find the GEM Fellowship with paid for my graduate degree and provided paid summer internships. I have been a member of the organization for 20 years.

My tagline for my Auntie Sierra brand, which is my penname, is Let’s Read and Solve Problems. It is exactly how I approach every day. When it comes to being able to overcome challenges, learning from the day before and viewing your previous experiences as information and not setbacks that will help you solve your next problem.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If people are coming to visit North Charleston, SC, they must enjoy the jerk chicken from Jamaican Grill. It is made with love and cooked to perfection. As far as a good time, the Montague Room and its live outdoor music provides the perfect summer vibes. A scroll on any of the local beaches is just what you need to rejuvenate your spirit any time of the year and last but not least, in the Holy City where Sunday Service is key, stop by Royal Missionary Baptist Church.

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 love to shoutout my parents who have been supportive of journey throughout my entire lifespan but most importantly who support my business by working as unpaid retired interns. They truly make sure vending events are staffed and photographs are taken as well marketing and promotion. I would not have been able to do a lot of this without their support.

Website: AuntieSierra.com

Instagram: instagram.com/AuntieSierra/

Facebook: facebook.com/AuntieSierra

Youtube: YouTube.com/AuntieSierra/