In a trend-driven society, there is a genuine need for the wisdom, clarity, and benevolence that can only come from those seasoned with the grace of life’s experience. Leading the way, as an exemplary example to many, is the compassionate professional Sandy Sanders.
Sandy Sanders is a 3x International Bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate against Gun Violence within the Black Community, and CEO and Founder of social media talk syndication, Coffee Conversations with Sandy and Friends and Book Talks with Sandy; a culture-savvy segment highlighting life-changing issues, catalysts, and conversationalists, making outstanding impressions in their realms of influence.
Having over 25 years as a Contact Center Specialist and ministry and life skills teacher to female inmates in a local Adult Detention Center, Sandy understands all too well the importance of addressing, covering, and challenging souls who need it most; through the power of conversation.
Sandys Mantra is simple: Live with the enthusiasm and determination necessary to be the best version of yourself possible, even when the odds are against you.
Owning her personal story of overcoming a traumatic childhood, low self-esteem, alcoholism, and domestic violence, has given Sandy a great sense of relation with collective advocacy. Through her advocacy, she has reputed a trusted help in her local community. She has hosted community prayer walks and vigils in memory of youth who have lost their lives due to gun violence, along with an annual communal procession, Love Doesn’t Hurt: Anti-Domestic Violence Walk. In hopes to heal, prevent, and bring awareness to the painful epidemic of domestic violence.
Adding to her undying devotion to the community, Sandy serves as an active Board member of Transition Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides housing for women inmates recently released. Her charisma lends a hand; to her selection, as a recipient of the Chief Ambassador Best of Mississippi Award, in 2020, and Sandy was also chosen as a Brand Ambassador with Success Women’s Conference 2020. Sandy also sits on the Board of Governors of Business Empowered Mississippi Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Partner, a Christ-centered chamber, helping businesses advance the Kingdom of God in their sphere of influence. Sandy is also a Licensed Evangelist and serves in various capacities in her local church.
Sandy Sanders is not out changing the world through a simple conversation. Sandy is a loving wife, devoted mother of three adult children, and a grandmother.
Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Sandy, Sandy?
Sandy: I am a people person by nature – God created me that way. However, I’ve had some things in my life that would or should prevent me from connecting to people. But I just trust God and walk in my truth. My confidence relies on how God sees me. Helping others now is what I love doing.
Christina: What inspired you to start Coffee Conversations with Sandy and Friends and Book Talks with Sandy?
Sandy: Well, that brings me smiles when asked that question because I love coffee.
So about three years ago, I started with a simple FB daily post of scriptures, inspirations for the day by referencing a picture of a cup of coffee. I started like everyone else got bold with FB Lives and my coffee cup, lol. My story is that I also love thrifting, so I would buy cups, so I had tons of cups. Anyway, my spiritual daughter is a Chiropractor, and I shared with her how I want to have this FB Live show called Coffee Conversations with Sandy, so I added the “Friends” part. We start our roundtable discussions with her, my dear friend, at her office every Saturday morning. Perfect or not, we did it as if I was going to a job every week. Book Talks with Sandy was born out of that time doing FB lives, but it did not manifest until two years later, and that’s what you see now. I knew that I was an author, but no one else knew, so I committed to God that CCWS would always have space for authors to share their books. So it’s my first fruit offering to God, and now BTWS is a platform for Authors and Anthology Projects worldwide.
Christina: You’ve been through a lot in your life. What advice would you give to someone who has gone through or who is going through domestic violence?
Sandy: Christina, I would say this is don’t lose hope, that to me was my light. There have been different levels of domestic violence with me. I believe it started as a child. Those responsible for me were verbally abusive and also physically abusive, so I truly had to learn what “love” looked like because I didn’t know. I could go more about that, but maybe in another conversation. What I truly believe is that the key is don’t lose hope of having peace, never accept that “it’s always going to be this way” or “maybe he/she will change” worse is “I am embarrassed to tell someone” share with someone a dear person of trust, don’t go it alone. When you have no other option and your life depends upon it, seek help immediately, have a plan, and seek services provided for domestic violence victims. Remember, the person causing the harm most times will not change their habits or pursue their own healing for their hurt, so they hurt others, and that has often resulted in deaths.
Christina: Tell us a little bit about your life motto, “Live with the enthusiasm and determination necessary, to be the best version of yourself possible, even when the odds are against you.” Please explain to us what this means to you.
Sandy: Wow! Remember, I stated that God created me to be this enthusiastic person. Even when I was at the lowest point in my life, I had to find determination somehow because it was my key that would unlock me to walk in who I am today truly. I continue to evolve at the age of 60 years old I feel I am just starting to live.
Christina: You are an author. Tell us a little bit about one of your books. Where can it be purchased?
Sandy: Yes, the book “Make it Happen: – made me a #1 International Bestseller. I share that you should never despise small beginnings because you never know who is watching. I credit Kearn Crockett Cherry for her faith in me and for helping me become who I am today. She saw my FB Lives and saw the value and wanted to have the authors on the show, which catapulted my confidence, and from there is history. We host talking segments reaching thousands of viewers all over the world now. “Make it Happen” can be found on my website.
Christina: Who or what motivates you to keep doing the work that you do?
Sandy: Well, not to be funny or boastful, but I have to motivate myself because others are just like I was but no longer a beginner, but still I am growing. So I am here to help my sister and brother keep their crown straight.
Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you would like to share with our readers?
Sandy: Yes, it has nothing to do with books or interviewing people (smiles).
I am hosting a Gulf Coastwide Prayer Gathering on July 31st in Gulfport, MS, against gun violence and domestic violence. We have seen an increase in gun violence among youth and increased deaths due to domestic violence. This is a Godly assignment that I am lead to host.
Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Sandy: Yes, my gratitude to this magazine SwagHer! Thank you so much for finding value in what I do. It is humbling, and I honor to be a part of this amazing brand. To the reader, thank you for taking the time to learn just a portion of who I am. You, too, have a story and a dream, so dust it off and run with it!
Connect with Sandy below:
Website: www.coffeeconversationswithsandy.com
Instagram: @sandersevangelistl
LinkedIn: Sandy Sanders
Facebook: CoffeeConversationwithSandy
