We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Shara Fontaine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Shara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Entrepreneurship has always been a goal for me. I can remember being a young girl in the Urban League where we had to start our own businesses. I had a babysitting service complete with cards and references. I have always been independent person who has no fear when it comes to taking risk. As an officer in the United States Air Force, I can remember how stressful it was when we wanted to take a leave of absence. I thought, “Why should I have to ask and wait for an approval to attend an event that is very important to me”? Those feelings trailed me as I transitioned into the civilian sector working as a nurse. The appeal of being my own boss and being able to implement my thoughts and beliefs is truly fascinating.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a registered nurse whose focus is Women’s Health. However, I have worked as a nurse in varying fields and positions over the course of the years. I received my bachelor’s degree from Hampton University and my Master’s degree from UTEP. I earned my terminal degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. As one of the youngest students (of African American descent) in my program, I encountered several uncomfortable scenarios. Each one guided me into separate journeys which all propelled my innate desire to succeed and conquer any obstacle that I was presented with. Perseverance, love and patience are characteristics I strive to exhibit daily.

Furthermore, I own a residence for teenaged girls who have been abused or neglected. As a young girl, I had been been captivated by adoption and foster care and everything it encompassed. That curiosity and passion led me to become a foster parent soon after I graduated college. After being a licensed foster parent for over ten years, I decided to give back and serve in a different capacity. I opened a home for young adult females who had aged out of care. After that, I opted to offer shelter to girls who were still in custody of the state. Their stories are vastly different, nonetheless, they all share a common denominator which is abuse or neglect. Our residence provides their basics needs to include mental and physical health. We teach them basic living skills, educate them on an array of topics, obtain their driver’s license and or ID’s, provide mentorship, offer etiquette classes and fine dining opportunities, interview skills and more. Our operation ensures that the youth maintain normalcy while they reside with us. This includes trips out into the community, movie nights, community service projects, teen night out and attending religious events.
This operation was far from simple to initiate. I was subjected to many barriers. After about three years of exhaustive efforts, I was able to acquire contracts and began to welcome the teens into the residence. Without persistency and an aversion to the word, “No”, my dreams would have never come to fruition. It is important that within my program, I insist to each one of my girls that they are powerful overcomers who can tackle most difficulties despite their past. We speak hope into their hearts and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. Without a doubt, this operation keeps me beyond busy!


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 my friend were to visit, we’d definitely visit the museum district. The vast collection of art and history, would surely allow for a fantastic experience. Next, I would suggest a walking or biking trail within the city. This allows for an opportunity to breath in fresh air while enjoying the beautiful scenery Houston has to offer. Visiting Twin Lakes for a quick dip and relaxation also sounds exciting! After enduring all that walking, what else would be better than some great food?! We would visit my all-time childhood favorite, Pappasitos for their delicious sizzling hot fajitas. Or we could go to Moxie’s and enjoy their delectable food on the patio while we watch the hustle and bustle of the Galleria. Lastly, nothing would be more satisfying than grabbing dessert from Sugar Rush. Houston offers great lounges to enjoy as well. Taste Bar and Grill or Lucille’s would be great options that wouldn’t disappoint.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother, Sharon, has always supported my efforts and encouraged me to go after my dreams. I grew up watching her run marathons and participate in programs at NASA, the zoo, and various other professional science related organizations. The tenacity and perseverance she displayed lead me to want to do the same. To boost, she is effective in tackling her task and does so with tact and class. My mentor, soror and sister, Tiffany, has also impacted my life tremendously. I met her in the seventh grade during a summer program. She was a law school student at Texas Southern at that time. She took the time to take me biking, running, to college events and even the Mosque. She taught me so much about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but more importantly, the significance of assertiveness and determination. Tiffany also encouraged me throughout college and has never admonished my aspirations. Finally, I must recognize the beautiful, accomplished and prosperous women of my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.