We were lucky to catch up with Shana Gourdine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most mean full project is putting together a domestic violence awareness event called “We Survivor ” . Allowing individuals that never knew anything about domestic violence and abuse being able to educate themselves on the trauma , warning signs, and how they can help victims. Allowing individuals that were victims to tell their story and gain their power back. Allow advocates and survives to network together and give people better insight into being a over comer of trauma. This project mean so much because i am a 7 year survivor of domestic violence and abuse . I turn my life around after going through programs , therapy , and my faith. I want others to survive to know that it is life after trauma. Show them the ability to use there scars as a testimony for other individual that is going through domestic violence and abuse , individual that went through abuse , or individuals that don’t know the signs of abuse.

Shana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Shana writes relatable books from her experiences to help individuals learn to love themselves again after going through disappointments, trauma and disability. Moreover, Shana fits in several other shoes as a poet, motivational speaker, podcast host, spoken word artist, self-love life coach, advocate for domestic violence awareness and chronic illnesses. Shana has published several titles and co-authored several others in a writing journey that spans three years. Her debut title, The Mask Behind the Mask, is a poetry book that inspires people to appreciate and love their imperfections despite their daily experiences. Unveiled Pieces of a Broken Mask is a spin of her debut title, and the book helps people break the mask of baggage that people carry from their past. Further, Shana is a co-author in a poetry anthology Words Speak Hurt No More, Women Who Pray, a spoken word album I was a Rose in Darkness of Love and Winning Way. My company Shana Unmasking Motivation go to businesses, schools, and shelters to do workshops , we provide writing coaching , PR Packing through our podcast, television show, radio show , and write for Blessing Magazine and speaking engagements.
In her writing and motivation journey engagements, Shana has won the Purple Ribbon Award of Courage, Viewer’s Choice Award, Global Africa Fashion for Peace World 2021, and Art and Culture Award from YWCA 2023
She has been featured as the Best Seller on Amazon and nominated for both Women on the Rise and Women Influencer awards. She has also featured on Spotlight Magazine Cover, Hopez Magazine, Dream Spire Book Magazine, Channel 13, Channel 10, Troy Record Paper and Spectrum News.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I illustrate my resilience everyday when i get up and show up to inspire, empower, and motivate individuals to become the best version of themselves. I am diagnosed with five different health condition that limited my ability to do the normal range of things you do on a regular basis . My resilience to get up despite the chronic pain , lack energy , still healing through my trauma i still show up for everyone else.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

My audience was built with consistency of showing up on my social media platforms Being creative with my posting , marketing and being my community . Consistence is the keep to building your audience , next is figuring out who your product is marketing too. Also come up with creative specials to draw your audience into your community . Do some ways , be transparent with your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shanaunmaskingmotivation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybehindthemask22/
• Facebook: https://facebook/shanagourdine
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-gourdine-b27a3717a/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/w_gourdine
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW2nPm8Ewtzk199Pl4XiaYQ

Image Credits
photos by Mark Davis