Today we’d like to introduce you to Toshiba Smallwood.
Hi Toshiba, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started BlackSheep in 2022 with a simple but powerful goal: to help victims of abuse overcome their fears and reclaim their lives. Having experienced trauma myself, I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming it can feel. But I also know the incredible strength that comes from healing and learning to trust yourself again.
When I launched BlackSheep, it was about creating a safe space where people could feel seen, heard, and supported. Over time, it’s grown into a platform that not only addresses trauma but also inspires personal growth and empowerment. Through coaching, storytelling, and spiritual guidance, I’ve been able to connect with so many people on their journeys, helping them shift from survival mode to truly thriving.
This work is deeply personal to me, and it’s been such an honor to walk alongside others as they find their voice, rebuild their confidence, and step into their power. I believe healing is possible for everyone, and I’m here to show people they don’t have to do it alone.
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?
Running BLVCK SHE3P has been an incredibly fulfilling yet challenging journey. One of the biggest obstacles I face is the emotional toll that comes with helping people confront their trauma while also navigating my own. As much as I am dedicated to guiding others, I am also reminded of my own healing process, which can sometimes feel like a heavy responsibility. Being a life coach means constantly being present for others, but I also need to prioritize my own well-being to avoid burnout.
Managing both my personal life and my business, while addressing my trauma, often feels like a delicate balancing act. There are days when it feels overwhelming when the emotions from my own past come rushing in while I’m trying to support someone else through their healing. But it’s also incredibly rewarding to see people make breakthroughs, to know that by sharing my story and embracing vulnerability, I’m helping others feel safe enough to do the same.
The challenge, though, is remembering that healing isn’t linear for anyone, including me. There are days when I feel more equipped to help others, and days when I need to step back and focus on myself. The most important lesson I’ve learned through all of this is that self-compassion and patience are key. We can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s essential for me to practice what I preach: acknowledging my trauma, addressing it, and continuously learning how to forgive myself as I move forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Certified Life Trauma Coach and the founder of BLVCK SHE3P, a business dedicated to helping people acknowledge, address, and talk about their trauma. My work is rooted in creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to reclaim their voices after experiencing pain and adversity. I specialize in guiding individuals through their healing journeys, helping them confront their past, break free from fear, and step into their power.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just coach from a place of knowledge I coach from experience. I know what it means to struggle, to feel silenced, and to battle the weight of past trauma. That’s why my approach is deeply personal, empathetic, and transformative. I don’t just help people talk about their pain; I walk with them through it, showing them that healing is possible and that their story doesn’t end with their trauma.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact BLVCK SHE3P has made in encouraging open, honest conversations about trauma from childhood especially in communities where silence has been the norm for too long. Watching people embrace their healing, find strength in their struggles, and step into a new version of themselves is what drives me every day. My goal is to continue breaking stigmas, pushing boundaries, and inspiring people to own their truth unapologetically.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to being a mentor, I know firsthand how important it is to have strong, supportive examples in your life. I’m proud to be a mentor, but I also recognize that I’ve had incredible mentors like Lisa and Stacee who have guided and encouraged me to reach my own goals. They’ve shown me what it means to push through obstacles, stay true to your purpose, and continuously strive for growth.
Lisa, in particular, has been a huge influence on me she’s always been there to challenge me, not to make things harder, but to help me see beyond my limitations and step into my full potential. Stacee has been equally impactful, reminding me to stay grounded in my values and vision, even when things get tough. They’ve both taught me that success isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about who you become in the process.
Their support and belief in me have inspired me to pass that same encouragement on to others. I see my role as a mentor as one that helps people unlock their own strengths and overcome the barriers that hold them back. Because I had such powerful mentors guiding me, I feel it’s my responsibility to do the same for others to not only teach but to push people to go further, dream bigger, and believe in their worth. Having mentors like Lisa and Stacee has truly shaped the way I approach my work with others, and I’m honored to carry that torch forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.blvckshe3p.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blvckshe3p_/profilecard/?igsh=MTdtZmhtNTEyaDV0Yg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ga7Qrj9Lq/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BLVCKSHE3P
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theblvckshe3p?_t=ZT-8sbSkUUZVfy&_r=1
Image Credits
Kandace Tuggle (videographer) V
