Today we’d like to introduce you to Rickeyta Starks.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a wife, mom, and giver it’s natural for me to continuously pour into other people. After birthing my second child (which I now have three), I went through postpartum depression without even knowing it. Depression corroded my mind with toxic thinking, leading me to isolate myself from friends, family, and even myself. Depression threatened my marriage with me constantly being on edge and on top of that my youngest son was diagnosed with esophagitis. It was brick after brick!
After reaching my lowest point mentally and my heaviest physically, I realized that I was depleted. I’d exhausted myself to where I no longer had anything to give to others because I never began pouring into myself. God then gave me the assignment to get my health in order physically, mentally, and spiritually. I wanted to get rid of anything that was holding me hostage to an unhealthy lifestyle-it was time for some spring cleaning!
It was then that “The Shed Women’s Group” was born. The Shed was symbolic to not only shedding weight but letting go of the things we store up in our sheds (temples). We pile the overflow into shed’s, the things we want but don’t need! It’s imperative that we are careful of the things we hold on to that we need to get rid of. We have to ask ourselves “is this growing me or holding me?”
The Shed is a private group and safe space for women to share their testimony’s and struggles while in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. I wanted to create a space that you won’t only see the end result of a persons success but their journey to getting there. I saw the need and wanted to expose it! Women need to know that a lot of us have the some of the same issues and if we push/pull one another up instead of tearing one another down we can change the culture of our upcoming generations. We all need a hand clap from somewhere and where’s a better place than from another woman cheering you on, we call them Shedsters (Shed Sisters).
Has it been a smooth road?
For me, starting the organization was so smooth and easy, I thought to myself “this will be a breeze!” Now, being four years in, I see that I was telling myself a lie! Running and maintaining an organization is so demanding. Being the face and lead example is so tough because every day I’m not motivated to eat healthily or go workout but since we live in a society that glorifies the highlight reel of our life we’re under the pressure to “be on it” 24/7! That is one of the challenges that I am thankful for at the same time because knowing that I have people looking to me for motivation and encouragement it pushes me to say “come on, get up! This isn’t just for you, it’s for them too!”
What else should our readers know?
The Shed Women’s Group is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping women grow through physical, emotional, and spiritual actives that promote a mindset of wellness. We are known for fitness motivation and being health advocates. We host a speaker series four times a year that is based around mental health and spiritual growth. I am proud that we stand on practicality and not only telling women how to become healthy but actually giving them the tools for a higher success rate. What sets The Shed apart is that were not about Instant results but lifestyle changing for long-lasting results. We stand on working from the inside out-which means working on your inner peace for physical (outer) results.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
For the southern sector of Dallas, I believe it’s a great opportunity for growth and change. A lot of people are looking for a quick fix to a deeply rooted issue. At “The Shed,” I want to help people change bad habits sparking a lifestyle change that will equal long term results. The facility I plan to open soon will give you the opportunity to get educated on being healthy from the inside out by being mindful of the things we allow to enter into our bodies. Due to the lack of whole food grocery stores and healthy restaurant options, it’s a little tough to stay the “healthy-life” course when your food options are low. My hope is to give the southern sector of Dallas more options and more opportunities for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theshedgroup.org
- Email: theshedwomensgroup@gmail.com
- Instagram: @theshedwomensgroup
- Facebook: @theshedwomensgroup
Image Credit:
CIR Design, Feniiix Raiii
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