We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shai Hawkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shai, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
In the midst of the pandemic, when uplifting messages were at their lowest in my healthcare career, I found myself longing for a way to heal both professionally and personally. I’d always written positive messages and shared motivational ideas, but during that time, the weight of negativity made it clear I needed to branch out—both for myself and to uplift others. I started with professional social media pages and launched my podcast, Heal “U”. It was a small but meaningful way to begin sharing my journey and my voice.
The idea of turning this passion into an actual business was exciting, but I had no idea where to start. One day, I came across a consulting company that offered a free consultation. That conversation opened a door I hadn’t even known existed. They guided me through the process of setting up my LLC, creating a logo, designing a website, and laying the groundwork for my podcast. It was initially a six-month contract, but the work and transformation extended over a year.
The journey from idea to execution was filled with discovery. I had to figure out my branding—everything from the colors and logo design to defining the tone and message of my work. It was essential to identify my target audience, and I realized my initial focus needed to be on women struggling with self-care and motivation—women facing life’s challenges, much like I had.
Each step of the way, from designing the website to launching the podcast, required intentionality. The consulting company gave me tools and insights, but I also had to reflect deeply on what I wanted this brand to represent. What started as an idea grew into a business, and with every step, I found more clarity, purpose, and passion for helping others navigate their own journeys toward self-care and growth.
Shai, 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?
I’m Shai Hawkins, though my legal name is Kinshasha Hawkins, and I am the heart behind CreativelyShai, LLC. The foundation of my work is rooted in creativity and positivity, blending these elements into every service, product, and message I provide. My journey began with a simple yet powerful idea—sharing positive and inspirational quotes on social media to uplift and inspire. From there, I expanded my platform to include my podcast, Heal “U”, where I share personal stories of overcoming childhood trauma and insights into healing and growth.
Over the past five years, CreativelyShai has evolved into so much more. I now offer Life and Business Coaching, helping individuals and organizations take intentional steps toward achieving their goals. I’ve authored and sell self-care journals designed to guide people in prioritizing their well-being, launched merchandise with a positivity theme, and created masterclasses focused on goal-setting and bringing dreams to life. My popular “Cup of Positivity” series—one-minute social media snippets—provides quick, actionable ways to incorporate positivity into everyday life.
What sets me apart is my commitment to turning abstract ideas into actionable plans. Whether it’s helping individuals embrace self-care, assisting businesses in crafting marketing strategies, or guiding clients through the process of turning goals into realities, my focus is on clarity and execution. I’m passionate about working with clients to not only think about their dreams but to make them happen.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on others. It’s deeply rewarding to hear a client express gratitude for helping them see their worth or share how much my coaching has transformed their perspective. Moments of clarity, when someone recognizes their own potential, are the cornerstone of what I do. Through CreativelyShai, I aim to inspire, uplift, and empower—helping others realize that they are capable of living the life they’ve envisioned.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Resilience has been the thread that’s held my life together, even when it felt like everything was unraveling. As a child, I endured physical and emotional abuse, which left deep scars that followed me into adulthood. At just 15, I left “home” and spent years couch-surfing with family and friends, working to provide for myself. By 18, overwhelmed by hopelessness, I attempted suicide. At 21, I became a mother. My life was shaped by survival, not love or growth. I internalized the words “you’ll be nothing” and vowed to prove them wrong, determined to become more than the limitations others placed on me.
When I moved to Cleveland, OH, three months pregnant and with nothing but my clothes, I was greeted by family who welcomed me with open arms. But I didn’t know how to accept love—I’d never been taught how. It wasn’t until a doctor encouraged me to write my thoughts down daily that I found a way to begin healing. In my 20s, I started writing motivational quotes on a board at work, and my coworkers began calling them “Shaisms.” Those simple quotes became my lifeline and a symbol of hope during tough times.
Writing evolved into more than a coping mechanism; it became a source of strength. Sharing positivity, first with coworkers and eventually on social media, allowed me to transform my pain into purpose. Over the years, I’ve taken the phrase “you’ll never be nothing” and rewritten it into my truth: “I will be Shai—capable, worthy, and able to do anything.” That mindset, rooted in positivity and authenticity, is what inspired me to create CreativelyShai.
CreativelyShai is more than a business—it’s a reflection of my journey. It’s about proving that we are not defined by the labels or limitations others place on us. It’s about embracing who we are, healing from the past, and moving forward with purpose. Through my work, I strive to empower others to rewrite their own narratives and embrace the beauty of being their authentic selves.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for me has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and the visibility of my work. As the sole owner and operator of CreativelyShai, I’ve had to be strategic about how I approach each project, ensuring I can fully support my clients while maintaining the quality and authenticity that sets my brand apart.
From a business coaching perspective, referrals have been invaluable. Much of my work is done behind the scenes, allowing my clients to take center stage as the creative force behind their own successes. This “faceless” approach has proven to be a significant advantage, as it empowers clients to shine while still benefiting from my strategic and creative input.
Life coaching, however, requires a more personal connection. It’s about individuals being ready to invest in themselves and take intentional steps toward their goals. Offering a discounted initial consultation has been instrumental in encouraging clients to take that first step. It creates a space for them to explore their potential and see how we can work together to achieve their dreams.
Ultimately, my focus is on building genuine relationships with my clients, providing them with the tools and confidence they need to succeed. This trust and authenticity have been the foundation of my business’s growth and the key to attracting clients who are ready to embrace positive change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativelyshai.com/
- Instagram: CreativelyShai
- Facebook: CreativelyShai
Image Credits
Studio Parks by S’reane LeRae