Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikisha Grinstead.

Hi Nikisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey is deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, Louisiana, where I was raised. I AM New Orleans; it is a huge part of my story. Growing up in such a rich cultural environment instilled in me a strong sense of identity and purpose. However, I felt a calling to leave the city to seek greater opportunities, broaden my horizons, and eventually give back to the place that shaped me in ways God saw fit.

I initially ventured to Florida for college, but life took an unexpected turn when I returned home and became pregnant. This significant event added a new layer of motivation for me to get things right. Determined to build a stable future, I joined the military and embraced the challenging role of an air traffic controller. My time in the Air Force was transformative, teaching me invaluable skills in leadership, discipline, and resilience.

After years of dedicated service, I transitioned out of the military with a clear vision: to never work for or be controlled by anyone but God. This determination led me to start a cheer and dance company while I was still in the Air Force. Once I left the military, I launched ShePurposed, a ministry dedicated to helping women discover and walk into their God-given purpose. This ministry has been my passion and calling, allowing me to spread the good news about God and uplift women on their journey.

Balancing personal life and professional aspirations, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University and a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Belhaven University. I have been blessed with a supportive family—my husband of thirteen years and our three sons (which still blows my mind), whom I refer to as my handsome kings.

In addition to ShePurposed, I started a hybrid publishing company, Black White Productions LLC, to empower individuals to share their stories. I believe everyone has a voice that deserves to be heard, and God chose me to create a platform that facilitates this.

Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, but my faith, discipline, and consistency have kept me moving forward. My upbringing in New Orleans, combined with the lessons learned during my military service and the support of my family, has shaped me into the goal-driven and passionate individual I am today. Despite the bumps in the road, I remain committed to the mission of educating, encouraging, empowering, and elevating women personally and professionally.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has been far from smooth. One of my biggest struggles was dealing with depression, which sometimes made it difficult to get out of bed. Life circumstances often clouded my vision, making it hard to see beyond what appeared to be my reality.

Lack of support was another significant challenge. I often felt that I didn’t receive the support I expected from people around me. Additionally, I’ve had to deal with financial setbacks, such as money going missing and betrayal from people within my circle. There were instances of deceit and conspiracies, with some people turning others against me through lies.

People have been a central struggle because they were given power over me that they shouldn’t have had. Involving the wrong people in my journey caused unnecessary bumps along the way. Self-inflicted wounds were also part of my struggles, compounded by life events such as death, pregnancy, and financial strain.

The path that God has destined for us is rarely smooth, but our response to challenges makes all the difference. Finding reasons to be grateful, even in hard times, can bring peace and help shorten the duration of struggles. Despite the obstacles, I’ve learned that perseverance, faith, and a grateful heart can turn even the toughest times into periods of growth and strength.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ShePurposed is a ministry passionately dedicated to encouraging and empowering women through education to discover and pursue their destiny. Our mission is to help women embrace their past, understand who they are, and realize their divine calling. We believe that every woman has a unique purpose, and our goal is to provide the support and resources needed for each woman to achieve her full potential.

We specialize in four key areas:

Education: Our comprehensive courses are designed to equip women with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in various aspects of their lives. These courses cover a range of topics from personal development to professional growth.
Encouragement: Through the Word of God, we offer spiritual guidance and encouragement. We believe in the power of faith and scripture to uplift and inspire women on their journey.
Empowerment: Prayer is a cornerstone of our ministry. We empower women through prayer, helping them to develop a strong and personal connection with God, which in turn builds confidence and resilience.
Elevation: Our programs are designed to elevate women, guiding them on the path to their destiny. We provide a nurturing environment where women can grow and thrive, both personally and professionally.

One of the highlights of ShePurposed is our annual retreat in October, where we encourage women to escape their everyday reality to find God and themselves. This will be our 7th year hosting the retreat, and we are excited to include a portion for teen girls for the first time. No one ever enters that space and leaves the same; it’s a transformative experience.

Another proud moment for us is our annual give-back event at a women’s shelter. We provide the ladies with full makeovers, including hair and makeup, and they get to pick out brand-new outfits and shoes. We also provide a fully catered meal. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles and gratitude from these women. It’s a humbling and joyous experience that truly embodies the spirit of ShePurposed.

What sets ShePurposed apart is our holistic and compassionate approach to personal development. We understand that each woman’s journey is unique, and we tailor our programs to meet individual needs, ensuring that every woman feels supported and valued. We are not just a ministry; we are a community where women can find strength, support, and inspiration.

In addition to ShePurposed, I also own Black White Productions LLC, a hybrid publishing company that I often incorporate into my ministry work. This venture is dedicated to helping individuals share their stories and amplify their voices. We provide a range of services, including editing, layout, platform placement, coordination of illustrations, copyright, and ISBN acquisition, as well as event coordination related to book production.

At ShePurposed, we are committed to providing a nurturing and empowering environment. Whether you are seeking personal growth, spiritual development, or professional advancement, we have the programs and resources to support you on your journey. Our aim is to educate through courses, encourage through the Word of God, empower through prayer, and elevate women to their destinies.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Can you talk to us about your view on risk-taking? Have you taken any major risks (and if so, can you tell us about those risks)? Regardless of whether you view yourself as a risk-taker or not, we’d love to hear your perspective on how you think about risk.

I definitely consider myself a risk-taker, but I like to think of it as having faith. I believe that faith without works is dead, and my actions make my faith complete. Serving a God for whom nothing is too big emboldens me to go to extremes.

There have been instances where I’ve taken every penny out of my account to put on an event without a single person registered, believing wholeheartedly that it would work out. These moments required immense faith, but they also reinforced my belief that great things often come from taking significant risks.

I’m also an avid reader and subscribe to the philosophy that “scared money don’t make no money.” This means that in order to achieve something substantial, you have to be willing to make sacrifices. A risk is essentially a sacrifice, and I am always willing to take that step if it aligns with my purpose and vision.

Taking risks has been a crucial part of my journey, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it has always been worthwhile. Whether it’s investing in an event, starting a new venture, or making a significant life change, I embrace risks as necessary steps toward achieving greatness and fulfilling my God-given purpose.

Pricing:

• I am She Becoming a Better Me Book- $15.99
• The Wilderness Experience- $11.99
• Retreat 2024_ $375

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shepurposed.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepurposed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shepurposed
• Twitter: https://x.com/Shepurposed