Today we’d like to introduce you to Shonda Strives.
Shonda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My dying place became my birthing place. April 2017, I found my marriage thrown into the flames of divorce. This challenged me to stand on my own two feet. Married at 20. 11 years later, I was positioned to be repositioned. Somewhere between faith and fear, I found Shonda.
We can’t always control what happens to us but we can choose our response. I chose to respond. I made up in my mind that I would strive, even during my struggle. First among social media, as Shonda She Strives, I began to transparently share my journey, from the ground up. Was this easy? Not at all. Especially since my marriage was in the public eye and I was a Pastor’s wife. The backlash and the judgement was very disheartening. The support and prayers, from a major few, were sustaining. The transition was tough. There was one that was tougher, my friend made sister, Sam Ruben of Ruben Acquisitions and Development. She never left my side. Highs and lows, she was there and continues to be supportive!
Everything that I knew as comfort was stripped away. I had to rediscover me apart from us, my marriage. This was difficult, for me. But, I did it and I did it well! There were times that I wanted sit down on life. Yet, each time life would rise within me.
To help shift the perspective of my circumstances, I began to give back. It can always be worse, right!? From connecting with domestic violence shelters, to frequently feeding the homeless, my pain become my greatest push.
I wanted others to have hope. Over the past year, I’ve connected with the defeated, the hopeless, and the stuck. I’ve made myself available to counsel male and female. I’ve gone great lengths to lend a hand, without the expectation of a return. Show the world your heart and it will in turn lean its hand.
My key focus has been building a sisterhood that offers a bank of support, offering both resources and relationships. I’ve done this by creating opportunities for other women to gather, be empowered, exhale, network, and aggressive strive for more.
As a business coach, I provide hands on guidance. As a life coach, I lend my hand and my heart. As a spiritual advisor, I trust God, for the well-being of all I encounter.
I am where I am because I trust God’s plan, for my life. God gets all glory!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road to success is never smooth. It’s the potholes of life that strengthen our will and shape our character.
My greatest struggle was remaining true to me, after rediscovering me. It’s easy to conform to the opinions and trends of your surroundings. My journey is different and not often received by others. Remaining positive and empowering others, while I face life head on, is a waste time to many. But, it’s my passion. It’s what makes my life worth living.
The struggle to walk away, from who I’ve always been, and run towards who I am becoming was tough. Growth changes things. It’s changed my interests, relationships, work ethic, and altered my boundaries.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the She Strives story. Tell us more about the business.
She Strives is community focused. We feed the homeless, assist shelters, and give back where there’s a need. Our mission is to empower all women in all stages of life to strive for more. We are a sisterhood, offering hope and accountability.
She Strives Enterprise equips women to live out their passion. Beneath our umbrella are organizations that are owned by Sisters of She Strives. Each business receives the tools necessary to thrive.
I am a motivational speaker and a creative strategist. My skill is giving insight and guidance to the vision of others.
I am most proud of our efforts as a sisterhood to serve the community.
What sets us apart is that we are a broad community that seeks to serve, while focusing on self-development.
Lifestyle. Mindset. Choice. Change your mind. Change your life. It’s your choice.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Over the next 5-10 years, the vision is to expand globally. The goal for the She Strives Sisterhood is to equip women of all backgrounds and beliefs to strive for more. Workshops, mentoring, counseling, sisters building one another is the vision.
Over the next few months, I will reveal a major addition to She Strives that will include women, men, boys, and girls.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-669-4136
- Email: shondastrives@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/shondashestrives
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