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

Nakia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, I’m also a Travel Agent and I enjoy hosting mindful retreats that promote taking a moment out focusing on relaxing, re-energizing and refueling.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a Life Coach for women, my specialty is helping women overcome their fears of rejection and find purpose. I hold a Masters in Counseling & Psychology. I’m a Certified School Counselor and formally trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and a National Facilitator for Youth Mental Health First-Aid. It is with this training that I birthed The Be You Society in 2018. My career has consisted of working with women and teens that battle depression, anxiety, self-esteem and survivors of sexual abuse. I’ve helped an array of women and families throughout my career. I’m passionate about helping women recognize self-love and self-worth.
The Be You Society was created to give women a village of support. It consists of group training programs, retreats, and one on one coaching. I learned at an early age that I had to make some hard choices and set goals in order to be successful.

As a teen parent I learned that my decisions would affect the lives of my children. I was determined to be a role model for my children and be the exception to life’s statistics. I was surrounded by a supportive network that consisted of a loving mother, grandmother, father and wonderful sisters and brothers to help see me through the rough time and this created a strong desire for me to create a village for others.

I’m very passionate about inspiring women to reach their highest potential and live out their dreams. I know firsthand if given a chance, encouragement and coupled with resources that any individual can rise above their circumstances.

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

The life of an entrepreneur is never easy. There have been a lot of ups and downs. The biggest struggle for me has been imposter syndrome. I often struggle with accepting accolades. I’ve never been one to brag and always just kind of kept my head down and did the work. I’m always like look, I’m just trying to make it and I would downplay my accomplishments a lot. I had to learn to walk in my fullness and show up for myself daily. I now stand proud and say I’m a Black Girl that Rocks!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

In all aspects of my business, I try to just consistently show up for clients and that generally leads to referrals. I network locally and collaborate with others. I’ve found that social media can be a great tool to leverage and expand. I currently participate in events with my local chamber of commerce and receive referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nakiashandall.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeyousociety/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebeyousociety
• Linkedin: Nakia Shandall Consulting
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nakiashandall
• Other: www.amazon.com/dp/B08VCKZCMY

Image Credits
Winterravenphotography