Her name may not be one that you’re familiar with, but the artists she’s worked with will certainly ring a bell! Sherry D’Agostino have over 20 years of experience working in the entertainment industry. She’s worked with artists like the Dixie Chicks, Jermaine Jackson and several more. She’s a member of the Recording Academy and the Screen Actors Guild and now she’s embarked on a new venture, The Author’s World. I had the pleasure of catching up with her and learning about the new journey in her career!
What sparked the idea to create such a platform as The Authors World?
The concept is the original creation of Michael Pellegrino. He felt the opportunity and need to connect readers with authors through social media with a platform that could host the world that loves the written word. I fell in love with the idea, I love the written word, books, and the power it gives everyone. One of my favorite quotes about books is from one of my favorite authors, Stephen King. “Books are uniquely portable magic.” And I just love magic. The power of the written word is often the beginning of every great creation. The Authors World is magic ready to happen.
What will be some of the benefits for users who decide to take part in the platform?
The benefits for the users are unlimited. It will allow connection with like-minded peers, other readers from around the world, and the creators of the works. The authors, the journalists, the writers, the composers, the readers will all have the opportunity to connect, discuss, debate, learn, and have open discussions. Overall, the main goal is to bring the readers and the authors together. The benefits will reach all people involved, but through our young authors world program, these benefits will extend into the lives of the very young book lovers, as it will help instill literacy and the love of books at a very young age.
How did the business partnership with Hollywood Talent Agent Michael Pellegrino come about?
Michael and I met at a networking function over 19 years ago. We exchanged business cards and started exchanging ideas. It was an organic partnership. We both bring different strengths to the table. We embody the saying by Amy Poehler “Find people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life forever.” This is the foundation of our team, our leadership, and our partnership
What do you enjoy most about your line of work, and in what way are you using your platform to educate others who seek to follow in your footsteps?
More than anything, I love facilitating success. I truly love helping a talent, or an artist succeed at their talent and their craft. I have a strong creative side, so I love to see the creatives succeed. It’s a passion of mine. I use my platform by trying to be the guidance I wish I had when I was eighteen and trying to make it in the entertainment business. When I look back, I think of things I wish someone with experience would have told me. It is possible to do what you want, have success, and make your dreams come true. You can do it. One step at a time.
Tell us more about your community work with Gifts from the Heart for Downs. What made you take part in this charity?
Gifts from the Heart for Downs is a beautiful charity that grants wishes for young men, women, and children with down syndrome. A few years back there was a young man with down syndrome who had a dream to meet the Jacksons, as the late Michael Jackson was his idol. I was able to help orchestrate a full day event hosted by Jermaine Jackson and his mother Katherine Jackson. It was amazing to see this young man’s dream realized, and it was beautiful to watch the generosity and hospitality of the Jackson family. I was inspired to take part in this charity and become a board member because I have a younger cousin named Tommy who has down syndrome. He is a beautiful soul, and I am proud to be his cousin. I love helping make wishes come true.
As a powerhouse woman with so much positive influence, has your journey in the media industry been an easy one?
No. This is absolutely not an easy journey. I have fallen down many times. I have made mistakes. I have gone down some dark roads. I have had some of my closest friends and family give up on me. I have taken jobs in other industries in hard times, when I had to put food on a table or pay a bill that I fell short on. But the love of this industry and the dream calls me back. I heard that little voice in my head, “get up, and do it again” It’s my Mick in the corner yelling “GET UP” Yes, I am referring to Rocky. Rocky is in my top favorites. I love Sylvester Stallone’s story. His story inspired me to pursue this business.
It’s not about never falling. What defines us is how well we rise after falling. I’m always getting back up. I’m always gonna take the shot. My Rocky quotes are engraved in my DNA “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take…”. I am always gonna take the shot, It’s in me, it’s who I am. And NO, this journey has not been easy, and life is not always easy. So, what. GET UP.
What life lessons would you like to share for female entrepreneurs in the media world?
Watch all the Rocky movies, and the Creed movies. Pick your favorite quote from Mick. Memorize it. Pick your favorite quote from Rocky. Memorize it. It applies to life. Stay in your truth. Find a mentor that you can trust. Love always wins. It’s okay to hurt, to cry, to rest, to fall. GET UP. Prayer is more powerful than any human can comprehend.
