We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shakela Matthews. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shakela below.
Shakela, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I’d be happy to share the story behind my business.
The idea for my business (Divinely Restored), which includes my book (Beautiful Brokenness) and my women empowerment coaching program, was born out of my personal journey and the countless stories of women I’ve encountered. It started several years ago when I found myself amid a painful divorce. Like many women, I had invested so much of myself in my marriage that when it ended, I felt lost, broken, and unsure of who I was without that relationship.
During this tumultuous time, I sought out resources to help me heal, but I found that many were either too generic or failed to address the deep-seated fears and traumas that come from unsuccessful relationships. I realized that what I needed was not just advice on moving on, but a comprehensive guide to help me be honest with myself, rediscover myself, forgiving the past, and truly walking in freedom.
As I began my healing journey, I started journaling my experiences, thoughts, and the steps I was taking to reclaim my life. I found solace in writing and noticed a transformation within myself. The idea of sharing this transformation with others began to take root. I thought about the countless other women who must be feeling the same way – women who had lost themselves in relationships and were in search of validation and worth.
I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because every time I shared a part of my story with friends or in support groups, I saw the impact it had. Women would tell me how my experiences resonated with them, how they saw themselves in my struggles, and how they were inspired by my journey towards healing and empowerment.
I decided to write my book to provide a roadmap for other women, offering them the tools and insights that had helped me. But I didn’t stop there. I wanted to create a more interactive and personal experience, which led to the development of my women empowerment coaching program. This program focuses on healing, regaining self-worth, recognizing value, and transformation – all crucial aspects that many women overlook while searching for external validation.
What excited me most about this idea was its potential to create real, lasting change in women’s lives. Unlike other resources that might offer surface-level solutions, my book and coaching program delve deep into the emotional and psychological aspects of healing. I provide a unique approach by combining personal storytelling with practical exercises, fostering a supportive community, and offering one-on-one coaching sessions to address individual needs.
I knew this would work because I was solving a problem that many women face but few resources adequately address: the need for a holistic approach to healing after relationship traumas. By focusing on self-discovery, forgiveness, and reclaiming one’s life, I offer a path to not just moving on but thriving.
Seeing the transformations in the women I’ve worked with – watching them move beyond their fears, embrace their freedom, and reclaim their power – has been incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms every day that this was not only a worthwhile endeavor but a necessary one. My business is not just about helping women survive; it’s about helping them thrive and live their most empowered lives.
Shakela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I wear many hats each of which I treat as my ministry: wife, mother, personal growth coach, author, speaker, founder of Divinely Restored, virtual director of Chosen Women Empower, and a proud member of the U.S. Air Force with 24 years of service. Each of these roles has profoundly shaped who I am and has driven my passion for empowering women.
The journey into my industry and the creation of my business, Divinely Restored, began from my own life experiences and the myriad of roles I juggle. Over the years, I have witnessed countless women, including myself, struggle with self-worth, identity, and the pursuit of personal growth amid various life challenges. My path of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment became the catalyst for my mission to help other women navigate their journeys.
Divinely Restored offers a range of services, including personalized coaching, transformative workshops, and books, which guide women looking to heal from past traumas and reclaim their lives. As the virtual director of Chosen Women Empower, I lead a community dedicated to fostering support and growth among women, providing resources and a safe space for them to flourish.
What sets Divinely Restored apart is our faith- based, holistic approach to personal growth and empowerment. We don’t just focus on one aspect of a woman’s life; we address the mind, body, and spirit. Our programs are designed to help women move beyond their fears, embrace forgiveness, walk in freedom, and reclaim their true selves. Whether through one-on-one coaching or community workshops, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of each woman we serve.
One of the core problems we solve for our clients is the loss of identity and self-worth that often accompanies life’s challenges, particularly in relationships. Many women seek external validation and lose sight of their intrinsic value. Through our services, we help them rediscover their worth, recognize their value, and transform their lives.
I am most proud of the transformations I witness in the women I work with. Seeing them blossom into the best versions of themselves, reclaiming their power, and living authentically brings me immense joy and fulfillment. These success stories affirm the impact of our work and the necessity of our mission.
For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that Divinely Restored is more than a business; it’s a movement. It’s a safe haven for women to heal, grow, and empower each other. We believe in the power of community and the strength that comes from shared experiences. Our goal is to provide the tools, support, and inspiration you need to embark on your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
My military background has instilled in me a sense of discipline, resilience, and a commitment to service. These values permeate everything I do and are foundational to the culture at Divinely Restored. We are dedicated to serving women with integrity, compassion, and unwavering support.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story. I invite you to join us at Divinely Restored and become part of a community where every woman is valued, empowered, and celebrated for who she truly is. Together, we can achieve remarkable transformations and create a world where women thrive.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I wasn’t good enough for anyone to love. This perception took root after my divorce and the various traumas I had experienced throughout my life. I had convinced myself that no one would want a woman with kids who had nothing to offer, and this led me down a path of accepting relationships with men who were far from what I deserved.
The backstory to this lesson is deeply personal and transformative. After my divorce, I felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy and fear. I was grappling with the emotional scars of failed relationships and the daunting reality of being a single mother. The combination of these factors made me believe that my worth had diminished. To fill the void and the need to feel wanted, I began to accept any decent man who showed even a hint of interest, regardless of whether they were good for me or met any of my standards.
These relationships were often unfulfilling and sometimes even detrimental to my well-being. I accepted deceit, disrespect, and lack of genuine connection because I thought it was better than being alone. I thought having anyone in my life was proof that I was still worthy of love. But in reality, these choices only deepened my feelings of inadequacy and prolonged my healing process.
The turning point came when I realized that I was perpetuating a cycle of self-sabotage. I recognized that my worth was not determined by someone else’s acceptance of me but by my acceptance and love for myself. I began the arduous journey of self-discovery and healing, learning to forgive myself and embrace my true value. I started focusing on my strengths, resilience, and unconditional love for my children.
Through this journey, I unlearned the false belief that I needed someone else to validate my worth. I learned that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely and that self-love and self-worth are the foundations of any healthy relationship. I began to set higher standards for myself and my relationships, understanding that I deserved a partner who would respect, cherish, and support me fully.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One of the most significant pivots in my life came in 2020 when I had to uproot everything and move to California for work. Up until then, my life was deeply rooted in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta was home; it was where I had built my life with my husband and kids, and where my extended family and lifelong friends resided. The decision to move was not easy, but it was necessary for my career.
Leaving Atlanta meant stepping into the unknown. California was a completely new environment, far from the familiar support system I had always relied on. The physical distance from my husband and children was incredibly challenging. At times, I could only see them once every few months, which was heartbreaking for all of us. The transition was emotionally taxing, filled with moments of loneliness and doubt.
During this period of upheaval, something unexpected happened: I felt a strong calling from God to step into ministry. This calling came at a time when I was already feeling overwhelmed and stretched thin, but it was unmistakable. I realized that this new path was part of a greater plan for my life, even though it required even more faith and courage.
As I embraced this calling, I began to find solace and strength in my faith. It was also during this time that I birthed my first book. Writing became a therapeutic outlet for me—a way to process my experiences, traumas, and the profound changes happening in my life. My book, aimed at helping women heal from their past traumas and reclaim their lives, was a reflection of my journey and the lessons I had learned.
This pivot not only reshaped my personal life but also my career and purpose. It led to the founding of Divinely Restored, where I channel my experiences and insights to empower other women. My role in ministry and my work as a personal growth coach have allowed me to reach out to women who are facing similar challenges, offering them hope and guidance through their pivots and transformations.
The move to California, though initially daunting, turned out to be a catalyst for tremendous personal and professional growth. It taught me resilience, deepened my faith, and clarified my mission to help other women find their strength and purpose.
What I want others to take away from my story is that pivots, no matter how challenging, can lead to profound growth and unexpected blessings. Embracing change, even when it uproots your life, can open doors to new opportunities and paths that you never imagined. My journey from Atlanta to California, from feeling lost to finding my calling, is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the transformative impact of following your true path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelatwrites.com
- Instagram: Kelatwrites
- Facebook: Shakela Matthews
