We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sharelle Mendenhall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sharelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Everyone loves good coffee so we created coffee that does good!
We give back to 8 vetted charities.

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?

About You & Your Business / Brand: Mendanation

Hello, my name is Sharelle Mendenhall, and I am the founder of Mendanation. My journey into this industry is deeply personal and shaped by the challenges I’ve faced throughout my life. From a life-saving surgery at just five weeks old to navigating the complexities of family health issues, including my sister’s battle with type 1 diabetes, the tragic loss of my older sister who went missing for five years, my step-son’s snowboarding accident that resulted in paraplegia, and my husband’s skin cancer diagnosis earlier this year—these experiences have profoundly influenced my mission to give back.

Mendanation was born out of a desire to support multiple vetted local charities that are making a difference in our communities. I wanted to create a platform where every purchase contributes to meaningful change, so when you choose Mendanation, you’re not just enjoying a premium product; you’re also participating in a larger movement of compassion, love and healing.

At Mendanation, we specialize in high-quality coffee that aligns with my values of sustainability and ethical sourcing. We believe in organic and fair-trade practices, ensuring that our coffee is not only delicious but also free from mold and low in acidity. Our blends are meticulously curated by a Q grader, a world expert in coffee, who crafts each experience to bring out the best flavors and aromas. This commitment to quality sets us apart in a crowded marketplace and guarantees that every cup you enjoy is a celebration of both taste and purpose.

Beyond my work with Mendanation, I am also a motivational speaker, TV host, inventor, and writer. I’m passionate about sharing my story to inspire others to overcome their own challenges. One of my proudest achievements is earning the title of Mrs. United States—a dream I committed to writing in my journal and pursued relentlessly until I achieved it. This title has allowed me to amplify my message of walking out my God sized destiny, resilience and service to others.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and Mendanation is that we are more than just a brand; we are a movement rooted in love, compassion, and community support. Each time you choose our coffee, you’re not only treating yourself to a remarkable experience but also contributing to the well-being of others. I am proud to combine my passions with purpose, and I invite you to join us on this journey of making a difference—one cup at a time. Thank you for being a part of our story!

“Everyone loves good coffee, so we created coffee that does good!” tm

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building an audience on social media has been an incredible journey for me, one that began in Los Angeles thanks to the encouragement of my friend April. She introduced me to some workout videos and suggested I share my own fitness journey. At first, I was reluctant, but with her support as an accountability partner and fellow business owner, I decided to take the plunge.

As I began this process, I immersed myself in learning about social media strategies. I researched solutions, focused on what I wanted my personal brand to represent, and explored various tips, tricks, and algorithms. Through this exploration, I came to a crucial conclusion: authenticity is key. I realized that by sharing my genuine experiences and inviting people into my life, I could create a real connection with my audience.

For anyone just starting to build their social media presence, here are a few pieces of advice based on my experience:

1. Be Authentic: Share your true self and your unique story. People are drawn to authenticity and can sense when someone is being genuine. Don’t be afraid to show both your successes and your struggles.

2. Engage with Your Audience: Social media isn’t just a broadcasting platform; it’s a community. Take the time to comment on and engage with others—whether they’re followers, brands, or fellow creators. This builds relationships and helps you understand what your audience is interested in.

3. Utilize Tools Wisely: There are fantastic tools available for scheduling posts, creating curated campaigns, and using effective hashtags. These can help streamline your process and ensure your content reaches the right audience. However, remember that the content should always come from a place of authenticity.

4. Find Your Tribe: Identify communities and brands that align with your interests and values. Engaging with them not only expands your network but also helps you learn what resonates with your target audience.

5. Be Consistent: Consistency is crucial in building a social media presence. Whether it’s posting regularly or maintaining a cohesive brand voice, staying consistent helps establish trust and keeps your audience engaged.

Building an audience takes time, patience, and dedication, but by focusing on authenticity and connection, you can create a meaningful and engaged community around your brand. Embrace the journey, stay true to yourself, and remember that every interaction is an opportunity to build relationships that matter.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining stories from my journey that illustrates resilience comes from my experience with my first company, Elite Expo Talent Agency. Founded in 2016, this business has become a labor of love for me, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see it thrive.

From the very beginning, we faced numerous obstacles that tested our resolve. One of the biggest challenges was establishing trust with potential clients. Many of them were hesitant to partner with an outside agency, and it often took months—even up to a year—to win them over. There were moments when I questioned whether our efforts would pay off, but I knew that perseverance was key.

What kept me going was my unwavering belief in our mission and the value we offered. I focused on understanding our clients’ needs and aligning our services with their goals. Slowly but surely, as we began to deliver results, we started to gain their trust.

There was a pivotal moment that stands out in my mind. After months of hard work and dedication, we finally secured a significant account. The marketing director, who had previously been skeptical, was so impressed with our partnership that when he left his company for a new opportunity, he chose to take Elite Expo Talent Agency with him. His words were incredibly affirming: he said that we didn’t just send talent; we partnered with their goals and executed above and beyond their expectations.

This experience truly encapsulated the essence of resilience for me. It taught me that building trust takes time, but when you remain committed to your vision and consistently deliver value, you can turn skeptics into advocates. It also reinforced the importance of forming genuine partnerships and understanding the unique needs of each client.

Today, as Elite Expo Talent Agency continues to operate and grow, I carry this lesson with me. Resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about learning from them, adapting, and emerging stronger. Each obstacle we faced was an opportunity to refine our approach and deepen our commitment to excellence, and I am proud of what we’ve built and the relationships we’ve fostered along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Mendanation.com
• Instagram: Sharelle Mendenhall
• Linkedin: Sharelle Mendenhall
• Other: @Mendanation
  @Eliteexpotalentagency

Image Credits

@georginavaugnphoyography
For my pageant photos