Today we’d like to introduce you to Demeshia Booker.
Demeshia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It’s a funny story that started me down this path. I started blogging as a release and therapy for my healing. At the time, I was going to counseling and of course, the first thing she wanted me to do was journal my feelings. I would journal and it would give me a sense of release like pressure lifted off me. I struggled with my identity and self-worth majority of my life. I was a teenage parent with two kids by the time I was 19. I experienced a lot of hurt and shame as a result. I was told I wouldn’t finish high school or become anything in life. All I could hear was negative about my situation and I started to believe what I heard. I was broken and daily trying to hold myself together with glue. My mom was my shield and best friend but sadly I lost my mom in 2012. A year after one of the greatest loss I had endured, I walked across the stage with my Bachelor’s degree. Four years later, I received my Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
So, needless to say, I didn’t only graduate high school but I didn’t stop or give up on myself. Over the years, I had always thought about starting a blog but really didn’t know how to get started. I wanted to tell my story but didn’t have the confidence to start the blog. One night, I was sitting at home on the couch and I decided to write my first blog, “Shattered Pieces.” I was amazed by how my words resonated with so many women. It was like women were experiencing the same brokenness but couldn’t put it into words. My blog became their voice. I would receive personal text messages and instant messages on Facebook telling me how much I had inspired them. I was in shock because what I was afraid to start became my purpose. By the time I wrote my second blog, I knew this was my purpose. My purpose was to encourage, empower and inspire women through my story. Today, I stand firm in that purpose knowing there will always be a woman who needs to hear my story. Through writing blogs, it led me to become a published author and empowerment speaker. I gave birth to my story.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I doubt that any goal worth reaching is ever easy and the road can be very bumpy. I had this false reality that the road would be smooth when I first started because so many people seem to appreciate what I was doing. However, as I went deeper into my purpose things weren’t as easy. I found it hard to get my blog out to a wider audience. I wanted more than just family and friends to read my blogs or hear my story, I desired to go deeper and further. Even when I wrote my book, I found that marketing a book isn’t as easy as it may seem. So, I would summarize my struggles by saying it is hard to get the platform you need at times. Your platform and reach are huge in being successful at changing lives.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am an Inspirational and Life-Style Blogger and Published Author. I released my first book in August 2018 titled “Refined” My Memoir. My book is a journey through my life and the obstacles I overcame which refined me to be the woman I am today. A few months before releasing my book, I hosted my first empowerment seminar, “Winning Against Me.” As a result of my blog and book, I started offering business solutions to women who wanted to start their own business. Whether it’s coaching women to win or writing to inspire my goal remains the same, helping women to rise above the ashes. This year, I started weekly affirmations called “I Affirm.” These are weekly emails that are sent every Sunday morning to give women affirmation of their greatness. If you are signed up for my email list, you will receive these personal messages weekly. However, my proudest moment was releasing my book. I know there are so many women writing memoirs but my transparency is what I feel set me apart. I am telling the raw details of the most painful moments of my life. The moments that made me ashamed and broken, but also the moments that sculpted me to be unstoppable.
Refined, My Memoir can be purchased on Amazon.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had it to do over, I would definitely learn as much as I can about marketing. After the fact, I know I should have done press releases and marketing campaigns prior to releasing the book, I would have a plan that I feel I lacked at the time of my release. Another thing, I would silence everyone’s opinion and do everything my way. I am my brand, so every decision I make reflects my brand. However, I wouldn’t change anything about my blog. I believe it was released at the appointed time. Even though it was a dream of mine for years, the night I wrote the first blog was right on time.
Pricing:
- Refined, My Memoir $14.99
- 30 minute coaching call $25
- Virtual Coaching Session $75
Contact Info:
- Website: www.demeshialavette.com
- Phone: 682-305-1662
- Email: demeshialavetteinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: Demeshialavette
- Facebook: DemeshiaLavette
- Twitter: DemeshiaLavette
Image Credit:
Derrick @ Affordable Photos
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