Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawonna Metcalf.
Hi Shawonna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Many years I felt like I didn’t have a voice and I allowed my mistakes to be my identity. One day, I woke up and I was tired of living an unfulfilled life. I knew there was more to life and I was called to do great things. I’ve always been the person who loves to encourage and motivate other people. When I’m not my best I still have room to celebrate and uplift those around me. I just love to see the people that are in my circle and others win and live freely. So, when I decided to start “Own It Boo” podcast, all I could think of was how I can use my platform to encourage and motivate others from all over. I’m very transparent and don’t hold any of my flaws hostage, instead, I use them to show others you are not alone. I want us to “Own It” no matter what it is without shame or guilt. My prayer is that my listeners will be inspired by my guest and myself as we tell our stories.
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?
Who I am today didn’t come easy. I hide behind a mask most of my life, while I was slowly dying on the inside. I used to be a people pleaser, insecure, broken, and carrying my childhood trauma around like a suitcase. My vision was so cloudy and I wasn’t’ still long enough to hear from God. I knew it was more to life, so I decided to make some changes. First, I had to forgive myself. Second, I had to forgive those who hurt me. Third, which is the most important. I had to put God at the center. I spent time alone, started reading my word more, let go of things and people that no longer serve me. After a while, I started to see the woman God had created me to be. My vision was clear and I was owning it all. I learned that being patient is so important because great things don’t happen overnight. What I have now I prayed for over 7 years ago. When people tune in to listen to my podcast, I want them to know that I’m giving them everything I have. I want people to see that you don’t have to have it all together for God to use you. Take your life lessons and use them to push forward. Don’t allow your story to end being broken and not satisfied with life. We have the power to change that, but you must identify the things that are holding you back to become who you were created to be. I am Unapologetically me and I will not allow my mistakes to hold me back from my destiny.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a non-profit organization called H.U.G.S (Hope, Understanding, Giving, and Support). When I was growing up, I would always see my mom giving back, helping the elderly, or letting someone stay with us till they got on their feet. Needless to say, I got it from my amazing mom. Ever year around Christmas my team and I get together to give back to the homeless community. Over thirty volunteers each year comes out to give out free clothes, blankets, toiletries, and food. We laugh, cry, and pray together, and to see the joy on their faces knowing someone cares mean everything to me and my team. I’m just amazed how we have grown over the past six years and how one mission brought so many people together to make a difference.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do it afraid and don’t compare your journey to anyone else. A lot of times we allow fear to hold us captive. It’s not always easy starting and there will never be a perfect time. Just start and God will bring the people, that’s connected to your journey. Remember these two verses Habakkuk 2;2 and Jeremiah 29:11. God didn’t give us the vision for us to sit on it. MOVE!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ownit_boo
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ownit_boo, http://spoti.fi/3qJyWZC
