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

Alright, Shameka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving my 9-5 to become an entrepreneur. I have been working since the age of 15 and was used to having multiple jobs if needed to have a stable income. No one in my family was an entrepreneur, so I knew nothing about what it took for me to be one. When COVID hit, I worked at top employers in Maryland and was already in the middle of a health crisis. As a woman, my body had betrayed me, and I had developed large fibroids causing me to bleed so heavily that I had to get nutrient and iron infusions weekly. My memory was gone, I could barely walk by myself, and I was in the hospital more days than not and had no energy. During this time, I had only been working for this company for about a year or so, and I had to apply for FMLA. FMLA is a great resource, but when the powers that be feel you need to return, they will do what they can to ensure you do. My health crisis caused me to have three different surgeries, not to mention one attempt at surgery had to be stopped because I could feel everything. My body took a major hit during this time, but so did my mental health. According to Human Resources, I should have been ready to return, but I was in no mental shape to return. I was stuck between having a job and choosing my mental health for the first time. I chose myself!

In previous years I always said that I would never be an entrepreneur because I knew it was hard. Although no one in my family was an entrepreneur, I knew it had no stability. I prayed and asked God what he wanted me to do since I was led to this place, and he spoke clearly. Do what I’m great at …What is that? Helping others with administrative tasks, overhauling businesses so they can run more efficiently, creating workflows, running an office, and operating with integrity in everything I do. At the time, I was learning more and more about being a virtual assistant, so I started looking for ways to be a Va. I was up learning as many platforms, programs, and skills as possible to offer up to potential clients. When I finally launched S.Williams Brand, I received clients immediately from people who had worked with me previously and knew my work. Eventually, I got so many clients that I needed to turn people away. I thought about how to help others become financially free, and I brought on other VAs to be a part of my agency. I can never say that every day was perfect and that money sometimes wasn’t funny, but it worked out amazingly. I am now teaching others how to be a VA and make more than most would on a job.

Not only did I start S.Williams Brand, but I also started Those Without Mothers, which is a nonprofit organization that supports those who have lost their mothers. I became a life & grief coach and have been helping individuals worldwide grieve more effectively without participating in destructive behaviors. We have had several events, including our annual, Those Without Mothers brunch. This organization is my heart project, and I desire a grief counseling center to provide resources to the young and old, no matter whom they lost. My goal is to plant seeds of healing wherever I go.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Shameka Williams, and I am a gardener. Not the kind that digs up flowers but plants different types of seeds to ensure they bloom in the best environment. In business, I work hard to help others have financial freedom who want to be Virtual Assistants or even start their agency. I consult with businesses to find out where they need more money and what workflows are not working. These seeds will grow into companies that maximize their revenue and have a track of longevity. On the other hand, my biggest and most passionate project is my organization, Those Without Mothers. This organization was birthed out of the pain of losing my mom. I had no one to help me or even understand where I was at the time. This caused me to make many mistakes along my healing journey and showed me how grief can change the trajectory of your life forever if not handled with care. I realized that at some point in life, everyone would deal with grief, even the grief of ourselves every few years. I became a life & grief coach because I knew from experience that therapy is not for everyone. Some people need a guide through their grief, which I provide. We provide financial help for co-pays or food that may be necessary after a loss, but most importantly, we provide support.
I have a podcast called Being Bipolar, which helps talk through the ebbs and flows of bipolar disorder for those suffering from it and those supporting someone who may be bipolar. Bipolar disorder is not a size fit, and I would like to open up conversations about the stigma the world has for this diagnosis.
Every business I have started is my form of planting seeds into the world to make an impact and be the change I want to see.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for me to grow my clientele was providing quality work and being honest about my capabilities. There was a certain point in my business where I didn’t need to market because the word of mouth was so strong. people appreciated that I was always honest with them about what they needed to do and treated my business as if it was my own . I treated every business owner as if they were the CEO of Apple because I believed in their vision. One of the worst thing anyone can do is work with individuals who you don’t believe in . This will show up in your work and your attitude towards it .
Money cannot be your main goal. Yes, we need money but when you just begin to look at the numbers will be working with people and doing things you don’t like to just for a coin .
People will always feel better about working with you if someone else sells you rather than yourself.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice for managing a team is being realistic about your expectations , create clear boundaries and never repeat yourself twice.

What I have learned in having a team is that although you want people to like you , you really need them to respect you . Team members like to know what’s going on because this is how they feed their family so whatever may come up be open about it . Treat your team as you would want to be treated but understand as a boss you can be kind and compassionate but too much can taint the respect factor. Everybody needs structure and it is your job to create that for your team . If you are not respected the structure will be broken simply by team members feeling like they can get by.

Appreciation will get you a longggg way when you have a team. It i imperative that you validate your teams feelings and work. Because a lot of companies do not have that you will be looked at as different and then you will be sought after as a leader.

High morale comes with communication, appreciation and mutual respect.

Contact Info:

• Website: thosewithoutmothers.org
• Instagram: thosewithoutmothers
• Facebook: thosewithoutmothers,
• Youtube: Being Bipolar

Image Credits
Michael vega for pictures of me Graced Pro for picture of brunch