Conversations with the Inspiring Shureka Ward

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shureka Ward.

Shureka, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The first thing people should know about Shureka is that I’m a Southern girl with a city mindset, hence my blog name. What exactly does that mean?! Well, I was raised in a small Arkansas town, growing up with traditional values and beliefs. These are all values which helped shape my thinking, ultimately leading to my chosen profession. With a professional background in corrections/social services, I’ve always been drawn to helping others. When thinking of branching out to start my blog (Southern City Lights), the idea originated from my overwhelming love for fashion and beauty but quickly became a bit more defined. I began to realize the equally overwhelming love I had for motivating and teaching others. At that moment, I had the realization that I was motivated by my desire to inspire and share information with others. Inspire for me doesn’t have to be extremely deep. Some may need only an ounce of encouragement to start doing something that interests them, while others may need more. My blog has allowed me the opportunity to share information with others, also something I’m hoping to do with my newly created YouTube channel (SCL Diaries x Shureka).

Has it been a smooth road?
I must say, the road to starting my blog wasn’t necessarily rough but could have been smoother if I had just moved forward when I had the initial idea. When I say procrastination is the devil, believe me. It causes so much more added stress and pressure, rather than just doing it; in the words of NIKE! I feel when starting new projects, it’s so easy to stress about it not being the right time. We should all just STOP and ask ourselves one major question; when is it EVER the right time?! So, to answer the question… my only struggle was PROCRASTINATION! Advice for others starting any journey, START NOW! You can pat yourself on the back later!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As previously mentioned, my professional background is corrections/social services. My profession doesn’t leave much room to be colorful, which is how I describe my personality. I’m pretty certain all my friends would attest to that. Something I haven’t mentioned but am extremely proud of is the mentoring aspect of my life. I have always loved working closely with young ladies in my community, particularly those involved with the juvenile justice system. This allows me the opportunity to encourage change through various behavior modification techniques, which ultimately have lasting impacts on a number of cognitive abilities.

When thinking of what sets me apart from others, it’s not at all one particular thing; rather many layers to my being! I’m a change agent, mentor, fashion and beauty enthusiast, content creator, and so many other things. I’m not limited to being one particular thing, which truly excites me!

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
The most important piece of advice I could give to a young woman just starting her career is to choose the career, don’t let it choose you! We can easily get wrapped up in things that may not necessarily drive us but force us to settle. We have to choose to do things that fuel us, eliminating those things that don’t allow us to reach our full potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.SouthernCityLights.com
• Email: southerncitylights@yahoo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shurekaward/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shurekaward/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV1qOwRAOEcK_EeOcl3zySQ

Image Credit:
Marrica Evans

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