theteam
WHO WE ARE
Sharon Oliver
Founder & Editor in Chief
Sharon Oliver is a visionary entrepreneur and the driving force behind The Creatives Playground, a vibrant hub for innovation and expression located in Richmond, VA. As the owner and founder, Sharon has cultivated a dynamic space where Richmond's creative minds and influencers converge to explore, collaborate, and celebrate their passions.
What sets The Creatives Playground apart is its versatility. With six distinct rooms, the space offers endless possibilities for individuals and brands to customize and transform their environment. Whether it's creating the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot, hosting a workshop, or curating a memorable event, Sharon and her team provide the tools and support to bring any vision to life.
Sharon's journey as an entrepreneur began long before the inception of The Creatives Playground. With a passion for empowering women and a keen eye for business opportunities, she initially ventured into the world of childcare, establishing two successful daycares in 1998. Recognizing the untold stories and resilience of single mothers, Sharon launched CEO Magazine in early 2010, providing a platform to amplify women's voices and experiences. She is now excited to announce her new partnership with upcoming authors under the umbrella of formally CEO Publishing.
From CEO Magazine emerged the seeds of inspiration for The Creatives Playground. Recognizing a growing demand for immersive branding experiences and versatile studio spaces, Sharon expanded her vision, transforming her passion project into a thriving community hub. For the past seven years, The Creatives Playground has been a beacon of creativity and collaboration, enriching the lives of its members and patrons.
Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Sharon espouses a new motto: "Screw perfection. Everything is not going to be perfect. But always show up unapologetically for YOU!" With this mantra as her guide, Sharon continues to empower others to embrace their authenticity, pursue their passions, and forge meaningful connections within The Creatives Playground and beyond.
​
To learn more about Sharon Oliver and to The Creatives Playground, please visit CreativesPlaygroundRVA.com.
Diane Williams
Co-Founder & Editorial Director
Diane Williams boasts over three decades of invaluable expertise in the realm of human resources, earning her widespread respect in the field. Her academic journey culminated in a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from St. Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, VA. As an esteemed member of the Society of Human Resources Management and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., she actively contributes to her professional community and the community in which she lives.
In 2010, Diane's trajectory took an exciting turn as she discovered her passion for creative writing, marketing, and empowering women. This newfound passion led her to join forces with her sister, Sharon Oliver, at CEO Magazine, where they embarked on a mission to empower women to become the Chief Executors of Their Lives. Embracing Sharon's vision wholeheartedly, Diane recognized the imperative need to uplift and inspire women.
CEO Magazine swiftly became a beacon of empowerment within the Richmond, VA community, celebrating local entrepreneurs and individuals who were making a difference. With a focus on topics ranging from fashion to family and home decor, the magazine resonated deeply with its readers, encouraging them to share their own narratives. Through Diane and Sharon's leadership, CEO Magazine catalyzed a wave of female entrepreneurship and authorship.
Driven by their passion for storytelling, Diane and Sharon are embarking on a new venture, founding CEO Publishing, LLC. This entity's primary mission is to provide authors with the platform and resources needed to share their authentic stories, thus bringing their dreams to life. Diane firmly believes in the power of storytelling as a tool for inspiration and connection, and she is dedicated to creating avenues for individuals to share their experiences and inspire others.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Diane finds immense joy and fulfillment in her role as a wife to Michael and a mother to their son, Joseph. Her family stands as a pillar of support, reinforcing her endeavors with love and encouragement every step of the way. With her exceptional communication skills and innate ability to motivate others, Diane continues to leave an indelible mark on both her professional field and personal relationships alike.
Alonda West-Johnson
Creative Director & Concept Creator
With over a decade of experience behind the lens, Alonda West-Johnson is a seasoned photographer specializing in bridal, boudoir, and branding photography. Based in the vibrant city of Richmond, VA, she brings a wealth of talent and creativity to every shoot. In addition to her expertise in photography, Alonda is also knowledgeable in graphic and web design, marketing, and advertising. This diverse skill set allows her to offer comprehensive services to her clients, ensuring that every aspect of their visual branding is cohesive and impactful.
A proud Air Force Veteran, Alonda embodies discipline and commitment in her craft, traits honed during her military service. Her journey into photography began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts, complemented by a minor in Journalism; cultivating her knowledge amongst prestigious institutions including Howard University, Tulane University, and The University of Maryland.
While writing is her first love, she is obsessed with freezing a moment in time. Within her boudoir brand she champions less on the sexuality of a boudoir experience and more on self-love. LaLovely rallies around women whose goal is to embark on a new journey of discovery, to love themselves as they are now, to see the beauty of their body and skin no matter the societal opinions on beauty.
She approaches each project with a keen attention to detail, a trait fostered during her military service. She ensures that every aspect of the client's vision is captured flawlessly. She takes pride in collaborating with clients to blend her unique perspectives with their timeless vision, whether it's for their brand, wedding day, or self-love journey. Beyond her technical expertise, Alonda is known for her warmth and professionalism, putting clients at ease and bringing out their authentic selves in front of the camera. Her portfolio is a testament to her ability to capture the beauty, emotion, and essence of every moment she photographs.
Danielle Branch-Harris
Author Development
Danielle Harris-Branch, the resilient author of the award-winning book “The Payoff of Pain: How to Turn Your Pain Into Power,” is a beacon of hope and healing for those who have endured life's most challenging trials. As a double cancer survivor and conqueror of Steven Johnson's Syndrome, Danielle's story is one of turning personal pain into tremendous power. Her metamorphosis developed through life’s painful blows and the love, journey, and loss of her beloved husband, Delmar Branch. Her story has been featured worldwide through several media outlets. Her unique ability to empathize and connect with the suffering of others, coupled with her creative approach to healing, has made her a sought-after speaker, coach, image promoter, and minister. With a rare blend of humor, transparency, and hard-earned expertise, Danielle helps those in pain bound by mental shackles heal from pain, re-imagine their lives, and break free from limiting beliefs to live a life of power, resilience, and freedom.
Beyond her impactful writing and speaking, Danielle is a certified master coach who helps navigate grief and loss and reconnect with their identities., engaging speaker, minister, visionary founder of Global Girls Connect, executive director of R.E.A.C.H. Community Services, Inc., an entrepreneur since the age of 13, Danielle is a licensed cosmetologist, retired salon owner, and founder of Image Promoters LLC.
