We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shameka Jones. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shameka below.

Hi Shameka, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

In 2014, I embarked on a new chapter in my career journey, joining a large IT & Business consultancy firm. With nine years of consulting experience under my belt, I approached my role with confidence and dedication, consistently meeting client expectations and contributing to the growth of my practice. Despite receiving accolades from clients for my contributions, I found myself overlooked by my manager and managing partner for recognition and advancement within the firm.

Feeling pigeon-holed and recognizing the need for change, I confronted the reality that staying in a stagnant position was not an option. I considered my options carefully, hesitant to jump from one firm to another only to face the same situation. Instead, I entertained the idea of branching out as an independent contractor, inspired by successful colleagues who had taken this path.

However, the prospect of starting my own business was daunting. The uncertainty of where to begin and the fear of financial instability loomed large. Yet, I knew that remaining in a position where I felt undervalued would only lead to further disappointment. So, I resolved to take a leap of faith.

To overcome my fears and equip myself for this new venture, I immersed myself in professional networking events and business development conferences. By connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and learning from their experiences, I gained the confidence to resign from my full-time job and pursue subcontracting opportunities with a staffing agency while laying the groundwork for my own consultancy, Mainspring Business Group.

Navigating the initial challenges of managing administrative tasks and bookkeeping proved demanding, but I embraced the responsibility, knowing that it came with the territory of entrepreneurship. Through perseverance and resilience, I successfully established and operated my consultancy, maintaining billable status for four years until the unforeseen challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted business operations.

In response to the pandemic’s impact on my business, I made the difficult decision to take on a full-time role for two years, finding fulfillment in the new role and the relationships I cultivated. However, a health setback prompted me to reassess my priorities, leading me to resign and refocus on relaunching my consultancy.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about self-worth, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself. I’ve come to recognize my strengths and weaknesses as a business owner and have embraced vulnerability as a pathway to growth. If there’s one piece of advice I could offer to others facing similar crossroads in their careers, it would be to assess your skills, passions, and aspirations, and forge your own path to success.

In conclusion, don’t be afraid to chart your own course in pursuit of your dreams. Your journey may present unforeseen challenges, but it will also unveil blessings and opportunities beyond your imagination.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Shameka A. Jones is a highly accomplished Business Management Consultant with a remarkable career spanning over 19 years. Her expertise extends across diverse industries, including the federal government, state government, municipal government, hospitality, banking, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications. In 1994, Shameka enlisted in the U.S. Army, dedicating six years to supporting multiple Commanding Generals and their staff. Her outstanding service garnered prestigious honors, such as “Soldier of the Year for 1st U.S. Army Headquarters” and induction into the “Sergeant Audie Murphy Club” for exceptional leadership as a Non-Commissioned Officer.
Shameka’s commitment to excellence led her to academic achievements, earning a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Management and a Master of Science in Project Management. With a profound background in IT and Business Management Consulting, Project Management, and Change Management, she further honed her skills by joining The John Maxwell Team and obtaining her Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shameka is dedicated to community development. She served as the Director of 7 Angels Outreach Ministry and as a board member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA), providing training, support, and networking opportunities. She also contributed her expertise as an Atlanta Area Council, Boy Scouts of America board member, the District Chairwoman for Southwest Atlanta District, a Public Facility Authority Board member for the City of Stockbridge, and Vice-President of the Stockbridge Youth Council Advisory Board. Shameka currently serves as an adult volunteer for Troop 4195, an all-girl troop in the Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts of America, and as the Friends of Scouting Chairwoman for Southwest Atlanta District.
In addition to her professional and community achievements, Shameka is deeply committed to holistic well-being through Absolute Beauty & Wellness. Her certification as a Reiki practitioner from Ra Sekhi Arts Temple and her studies in various holistic practices such as numerology, crystal healing, aromatherapy, Kemetic Yoga, vibrational medicine, and energy healing underscore her dedication to a holistic lifestyle.
The motto “Servant Leader isn’t a role, it’s a lifestyle” reflects Shameka’s belief in leadership as a service to others, emphasizing her role as a healer and servant leader. Her continuous commitment to education not only enhances her knowledge and skills but also positions her to guide and support others on their healing journeys.
In 2022, Shameka was awarded the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award for her instrumental role in developing Scouting for youth facing challenging barriers. In 2023, she was honored as the 2023 Women’s Golf Day in Georgia Driven Woman Award Finalist, recognizing her as an inspiring and impactful woman in the Georgia golf community.
Shameka A. Jones undeniably stands as an asset to the Metro Atlanta community and workforce—a visionary in the business world, continually making a positive difference in the lives of all who encounter her presence.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Attending networking events, conferences, and referrals has been the source of new clients for Mainspring Business Group. The source of new reiki clients for Absolute Beauty & Wellness is by referral. I also meet new customers for Absolute Beauty & Wellness products when I do pop-up sales and vend at festivals.

Any advice for managing a team?

It is vitally important to maintain high morale to deliver a project successfully. Fostering an environment for transparent communication allows team members to feel heard and valued. Cultivate a positive work environment and regularly acknowledge and recognize team members. Also, encourage your team to take initiative, make decisions, and innovate within their roles. This fosters a sense of trust and accountability.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mainspringbusiness.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShamekatheActivator
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajones/
• Other: Absolute Beauty & Wellness website: www.absolutebeautywellness.com Instagram: @absolutebeautywellness Facebook: @absolutebeautywellness