Against All Odds

story by NAKEISHA DAWSON-THOMPSON          photos by TANYA LESHE’ PHOTOGRAPHY

Sabrina Milledge has always been a special and unique person, especially as a child. Sabrina is known for her heart and compassion for others and their well-being. As a child, Sabrina often wondered what her future would look like, and how rough the roads would be that she traveled in this life. Sabrina was born in New York, NY, and moved to Beaufort at the age of 13. Sabrina endured many troubled times as a child, leading her to be placed in the foster care system in NY. Sabrina says that it was God’s hands that removed her from the foster care system and placed her with her maternal grandmother in the Lowcountry.

Moving from “The Big Apple” to little ole’ country Beaufort was a culture shock for Sabrina. However, she was grateful for the large family and southern love she received when she came to the South. Sabrina has recently shared her story with the world through her newly published book titled His Beauty 4 My Ashes. She goes on to say, “It eventually became obvious that I was chosen to be a testimony to those that feel that there is no purpose in life, that they would end up being just another statistic, or that there is just no hope! I knew my life would touch somebody. God had a purpose for all the pain I endured.” Sabrina is thankful for all life’s lessons — the good and the bad. Some were blessings, and some were and still are life’s lessons. She gives all praise to God for giving her the strength to overcome all adversities. She believes her testimony will help other women, men, and children who find themselves as victims. Victims are often left feeling humiliated, and often humiliation and pain are a cycle of self-blame.

Sabrina met and married the love of her life, Antwan Milledge, of Burton. Together, they have one son and four daughters (Hershell, Ranesha, Sherelle, Makhalea, and Briana). They are blessed with seven grandchildren whom they love dearly.

Sabrina is a graduate of Battery Creek High School Class of 1988. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, an associate degree in Administrative Office Technology, a diploma in Administrative Support, a certificate in Medical Office Assistant, a certificate in Phlebotomy, and several other certifications.

Sabrina and Antwan are the owners of Unique Cuts Barbershop, LLC, which opened in 2010 in the Burton area. Their shop provides affordable haircuts and natural hair care services to all in the community. They are proud to give back to the community by offering free haircuts to young boys at the previous Back-to-School outreach event.

Sabrina uses her gifts and talents to provide several services in Beaufort County. Sabrina is the owner and operator of Milledge Printing, which opened in 2001 after being gifted a heat press by Harvey’s. Milledge Printing offers many options for t-shirt design and printing for family reunions, birthdays, memorial services, and other special occasions. In 2020, when Covid hit Beaufort County, Sabrina used her skills and handcrafted hundreds of face masks that she donated to Beaufort Memorial Hospital to distribute to the staff and volunteers. Milledge Printing brings your vision to life through creativity and commitment to excellence.

Lastly, Sabrina is a paparazzi jewelry consultant with Sabrina’s Bling Boutique. She loves to be stylish, and adding costume jewelry to any look can enhance any style. Five-dollar accessories are amazing! She has been a consultant for four years now, and she continues to love that she can bring affordable accessories to her customers. Sabrina exclaims, “You can look like a million bucks without breaking the bank!” There are pieces available for every occasion, every style, and every season.

Sabrina has big plans for her future. Her number one goal is to continue to be led by God to help other victims find their voice and inner worth. She is interested in going back to school to become a certified medical assistant, as she wishes to get back into the medical field. Sabrina states, “I will publish another book.” She has recently begun a podcast, with her husband at her side, to expand on healing and recovering from emotional or physical abuse. She is currently studying for her insurance agent license to provide people with affordable life insurance options. Lastly, they have plans to expand Unique Cuts Barbershop into a full-service salon. They desire to provide men and women hair care, nail care services, facials, and more. She believes that while you can be productive, you should do so. She has no plans on slowing down or dimming her passion.

Sabrina would like to share an excerpt from her book, His Beauty 4 My Ashes: Breaking the Silence

“As an adult survivor of child abuse, I can tell you that none of my peers or family had any idea what I really went through physically or mentally. Nobody ever asked me how I was feeling or what was on my mind or really talked to me about it. I never talked about my past to anyone. However, I learned a couple of years ago to start sharing my story with others. Even then, I would only share bits and pieces of my past. I do believe that many survivors go about their lives with little to no support from anyone. Whatever you wish to call it, humiliation, a common accepted silence, or shame, the results are all the same. By breaking the silence and the long-term effects it has had on my life, it replaced shame with pride; pride within myself for surviving such trauma.” She references a bible verse that she uses to remind herself to continue to be strong. Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This book was more than a project, it was a personal release and a weight-lifting event.

If you would like to know more information, how to purchase her book, or
schedule one of her services, please visit her website at
www.IamSabrinaMilledge.com