Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shadai Valentine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shadai , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

My missions and meaning for my brands are so dear to my heart. My candle company Hippie Mermaids started after I left Corporate America 3 years ago. I was tired and exhausted of the bustle and toxic work environment, the sexual harassment that was not taken serious and the biased work placed on woman ( especially woman of color). After leaving my career job of almost 9 years I decided that I wanted to work for myself and share the importance of self care, self love and self empowerment to the more women! I loved candles and decided that I would use my candle platform to share this message. To not only put eco-friendly candles in your home , but candles that come with a message and a reminder to love yourself and to pour into yourself before pouring into others while being your authentic self.

About 4 years ago I started my Podcast, ” Bossy Queens Podcast”. I started this podcast because I was previously (7 years ago) in a very toxic relationship that ended with domestic violence. I was so young, and in love with my high school sweetheart that I ignored the signs and when it was all said it done, I thankfully was able to leave. I know plenty of women who did not have the same fate I did and that fire and passion drove me to start my podcast and nonprofit Bossy Queens Podcast. On my podcast my mission is to inspire and empower women through engaging discussions and practical advice, fostering an inclusive and supportive community that celebrates diverse perspectives, encourages authenticity, and amplifies women’s voices. Occasionally, I also host vendor events for woman owned businesses to promote and share their products and brands. I would say, woman empowerment is my endgame and main mission overall!

Shadai , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my entrepreneur journey three years ago after leaving my nine year career job. I’m a Texas girl with so much fire, ambition and passion in me that I needed to walk my path and follow my true purpose. I’m very passionate about empowering young girls, promoting self care, promoting self love, self empowerment and entrepreneurship! When it comes to my candles (Hippie Mermaid Candles), my podcast (Bossy Queens Podcast) or just my social media presence all of those points and missions are shared in some form and fashion. To dive a little more into my brands,

Hippie Mermaid Candles is my soy candle company that promotes self care, true authenticity, self love and self empowerment. My brand is colorful, its bright, we are bold and authentic! And we’re a friendly reminder that “love will always win!”. What really sets Hippie Mermaids apart is the bold and authentic take and colors, as well as it the candle fragrances are hand mixed and very different from your normal candles. For example, I have a candle that I mixed with green tea, cucumbers and lilly flowers, You wouldn’t expect that blend but its so fresh, so smooth and one of my number one sellers. I pride myself in providing unique scents (now there are some more basic scents that we offer online such as Lemon Poundcake and Texas Pecan).

I’m most proud of my resilience and passion to never give up! 2023 was a rough year for a lot of business owners and still I remained agile and focused on my mission and purpose for my brands. I’m very proud that this year 2024 I will be hosting my 3rd Annual Woman Empowerment Seminar in Seattle, Washington this year with panel speakers and so much more!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson that I had to unlearn was to stop shrinking down for others. Being in Corporate America as a woman of color I didn’t want to be known or talked about for my fashion, my body, or anything else other than my hard work! In a field with many that did not look like me I wanted to only keep the focus on my numbers and excellent work so I tended to shrink myself as far as not being a vocal at first, not dressing as I wanted but dressing more to “fit in” if that makes sense. Once I left corporate america I had to relearn who I was as a woman. What my style was and in a way rebrand myself to be my full authentic self. It was a hard pill to swallow because I didn’t realize I was actually shrinking myself down all this time. I had to learn that God made me who I am for a reason. To always stay my authentic self wholeheartedly, to wear my fashion as empowerment and be who I want to be genuinely and loud. So if I can share anything with other women out there, its to be you loud and proud! Do not shrink for anyone else gains or to make someone else comfortable!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are a few books that significantly impacted my management and entrepreneurial thinking and mindset. In no particular order they are; Rich Dad Poor Dad , The 4 Agreements, Think and Grow Rich, Beating the Odds, and I have not read yet but I’m very excited to read I hope you Fail by Pinky Cole.

All of these books I tend to also go back and reread certain pages or chapters as they are so relevant for my journey.

I highly recommend all of these books. If I had to pick a favorite it would be The 4 Agreements! This book has tremendously helped reshape my frame of thinking personally and professionally in so many ways! I highly recommend.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hippiermermaids.com
• Instagram: @shadairenee @hippiemermaids_ @BossyQueensPodcast
• Youtube: @ShadaiRenee