The Blindfolded Man

S+S Magazine: Tell us a little about yourself.

Edwin: My name is Edwin Sheppard, born and raised in Miami, Florida. I always knew I had a calling of bringing people together, but I never thought it would be in the realm of entertainment. Born of Haitian descent, both of my parents are from Gainesville, Georgia. I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for close to twenty-two years, where I’ve learned the art of bringing people together. The skills I learned a lot in the hospitality industry. It has been of great benefit since forming my own entertainment company, Blooming Rose Promotions & Entertainment, Inc., in 2011. Through the years, I’ve been able to bring live shows to Miami, Naples, Atlanta, & New York with Real Talk Real People Forum, Sunset Rewind Poetry, The Spotlight Poetry, Word Play, and The Final Say Talk Show on ExcitementRadio. I’ve worked with actors like the late Tommy Ford, Terri Vaughn, & syndicated radio personality Rick Party.

S+S Magazine: Tell us about your documentary?

Edwin: My first feature film documentary, Blindfolded “How They Hid My Heritage from Me”, where I chronicled my travels to South Africa and Botswana. I wanted to open and start a dialogue about the perception African Americans have of Africa. I wanted to openly talk about the negative influence we have on the continent of Africa and each other. That documentary encouraged me to do the unthinkable in bringing students from Africa to the United States in 2020.

S+S Magazine: Growing up, who were your influencers?

Edwin: My mother inspires me. Her resilience in raising three children alone after being widowed has inspired me. Watching her persevere regardless of our circumstances is what drives my passion for being an entrepreneur.

S+S Magazine: Sometimes success is slow or doesn’t come so easily. Did you experience or have to overcome any challenges or barriers as a black entrepreneur?

Edwin: Absolutely, my first few events were nonexistent, attendance wise. It was persistence and patience that got me over the hump of being able to have successful events.

S+S Magazine: What advice would you give your younger self or other aspiring entrepreneurs with hopes of pursuing their passions?

Edwin: I would tell my younger self not to be so trusting in everyone you meet. Everyone doesn’t have your best intentions.

S+S Magazine: At Soigne’+Swank Magazine, we make it our business to highlight and promote positive, uplifting, and meaningful examples of black excellence. What does black excellence mean to you?

Edwin: Black excellence is the mindset, backed by continuous action, to look within ourselves and act in ways that progress our communities without discrediting the effect of forces outside of our communities. That’s the best way I can describe what it means to me.

S+S Magazine: What’s next for you and how/where can our readers connect with you?

Edwin: I’m pushing a movement called “Do Something Black” where I will be highlighting Historic Black locations in South Florida and abroad. You can connect with me on all social media outlets.

www.BISCEP.org @Edwin Sheppard on Facebook, Instagram, Linked In and Twitter