Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShelia Coffer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My Story: Faith, Resilience, and Purpose
My name is LaShelia (Ingram) Coffer. I am 57 years old, a widow, a proud mother of five:
(Marcellus, Shearren, Darren Jr, Aleesha, Aleesa & Jonny..bonus son) plus, a blessed grandmother of sixteen. I was born and raised in Longview, Texas, alongside two brothers—Derrick Horne and Aransome Ingram Jr. Four years ago, I relocated to Arlington carrying with me a lifetime of experiences that have shaped who I am today.
Life has definitely had its challenges. Through it all, God’s grace has sustained me and carried me to a much better place. The greatest losses I have faced were the deaths of my parents—my father, Aransome Ingram Sr; in 2017 and my mother, Eva Mae Horn Ingram, in 2024. Losing them has changed my life in ways words can’t describe, but their love and lessons continue to guide me every day.
In 2015, my life was forever altered when I survived an attempted murder-suicide by my late husband. I was shot three times, and to this day, a bullet remains lodged in my lung. There were moments when I truly did not know how I would survive, or if I would, praying the bullet wouldn’t shift. While healing, I was struggling financially, working two jobs and still barely staying afloat. I knew something had to change.
Despite dropping out of Grambling State University, in 1987, due to pregnancy, I obtained my associates degree in 2013, at Kilgore College. I later made the decision to attend Jarvis Christian University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Management, in 2018, graduating “magna cum laude”, determined to elevate my career and my life. Despite 28 years of dedicated employment, at Target Stores, I encountered continuous roadblocks to promote into management. Realizing it was time for a new beginning, I chose to walk away.
In 2021, I started fresh at Vistar North Texas, where I worked as a Warehouse Coordinator but now working in the Will-Call area. This transition proved to be life-changing. My dedication and work ethic have been recognized with several honors, including 2025 Employee of the First Quarter, a Black History Month Spotlight, and multiple acknowledgments from both supervisors and peers.
Entrepreneurship has also been an important part of my journey. In 2019, I launched Lavish Travel with LaSheila, a business started from my love of travel, through Inteletravel, but also from a deeper purpose—to help as many families, as I can, create passive income/generational wealth, become travel business owners, supplement my income and one day give back to domestic violence organizations to help others escape domestic violence. In 2022, I expanded my vision by starting a tax business, “LaShelia Coffer Tax Service”. While I had the drive, I knew I needed mentorship to grow. Today, I also serve as a tax preparer with Community Income Tax of Irving, under the guidance of my mentor, Angela Faith Harris Covington. Her knowledge, leadership, and willingness to teach is a blessing.
My faith is the foundation of everything I do.
I was raised in Greater Mt. Gideon Church, under Robert Jones Sr. and also worshipped at Impact Church of Longview, under Pastor Randy Ross. I am now a proud member of Ben Washington Baptist Church in Irving, where Dr. Michael Oyedokun II serves as our pastor. I sing in the choir and find joy in praising God through song—it is one of the ways I express gratitude for how far He has brought me and continues to take me. I am definitely a work in progress.
I truly believe I am highly favored. Despite the hardships, God has blessed me and my family beyond measure. My life has been amazingly enriched by my wonderful children and grandchildren. My goal is simple: to be successful by my definition, not anyone else’s. Success to me means happiness, faith, peace, perseverance, the ability to help others
and standing, even when I want to literally ” sit down”.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road. Starting my life over was scary because everything was happening so fast but standing still at the same time. After being married over 20 years, adjusting took some time but also trying to cope mentally with a suicide and almost dying myself. People always have opinions about others situations but unless you have lived it, you have no idea of the trauma it causes the entire family, especially the children. I am thankful my kids helped me daily, even at their most broken moment, that gave me strength to get better and move forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I started as a Warehouse Coordinator, handling invoices and delivery assignments of incoming shipments. I also received in shipments making sure inventory is accurately counted. Working now in the Will Call area, I only deal with local and individual businesses in the DFW area buying snacks for their use . I am set apart from others because I am me. Not trying to be anyone else or compete with anyone…..setting goals that make me smile. I am working hard on staying focused but I’ve kept going even if it didn’t seem like there were any concrete steps ahead.
Contact me to get your taxes done then your vacation booked…..a one stop shop!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being with my family is the ultimate and watching my grandkids grow up. After everything I have endured and lost….Peace is at the top of my list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lasheilacoffer.inteletravel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laheshe1?igsh=MTF5bTQ1NWM1dG52eg==
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/sheboss51
