We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakira Hemphill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shakira, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
I genuinely believe our greatest reward lies on the other side of our comfort zone. Just a few years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my career, torn between the stability of my fulfilling role in education and a chance to make God visible. I was met with a more profound calling aligned with my purpose and passion for serving others. Despite my job’s comfort and familiarity, I boldly decided to step out in faith and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams and what I say – ministry.
This decision to transition was not made lightly—it was rooted in years of introspection, prayer, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on women’s lives. I have always been passionate about empowering women and helping them discover their worth and purpose. This passion fueled my decision to start Women of Worth (WOW), Inc., a community dedicated to guiding women toward purpose, spiritual connection, and transformation.
Leaving behind the stability of a corporate job to embark on this entrepreneurial journey full-time was far from an easy decision. I faced doubts, uncertainties, and financial hardships along the way. But despite the challenges, my unwavering faith and belief in the vision God had placed in my heart kept me going.
Today, WOW Inc. has grown into a thriving community and coaching platform, touching the lives of countless women worldwide. The risk I took to get here was big and, honestly, scary, but the reward that followed was even bigger, and it was a God MOVE. It’s a testament to the power of putting your complete trust and faith in God’s plan and pursuing your dreams with conviction and purpose.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Shakira Hemphill, your Inspirational Purpose + Connection Coach and the passionate founder of Women of Worth (WOW), Inc. Coaching and entrepreneurship aren’t just professions—they’re the divine pathways to fulfilling a profound mission that God has given me: to engage, empower, and educate women as they disrupt the enemy’s agenda, deepen their faith, and dive into their destiny.
Since I can remember, the heartbeat of my purpose has been intricately woven with a commitment to serving women. Through authentic spiritual guidance, empowerment, and nurturing genuine connections, I ignite spiritual transformations that resonate deeply with the souls of women everywhere. The women I have been given the joy of being a part of their journey as they deepen their faith, disrupt the enemy’s agenda and dive into their destiny.
Through WOW Inc., I deliver various services, including coaching, mentorship, immersive live experiences, in-person speaking experiences, and community-building initiatives. I am committed to serving women and supporting them in discovering their worth, unlocking their potential, and confidently stepping into their God-given purpose.
I take a unique, holistic approach to helping women discover and achieve their purpose, deepen their faith, and walk in their worth anchored in faith. My approach combines spiritual guidance, practical day-to-day tools, a signature framework, and community support from other women on similar journeys. I believe in addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—to facilitate lasting change and growth. My background in education, coupled with my journey of resilience and transformation, equips me to connect with clients on a deep level and guide them toward meaningful breakthroughs.
With a background rooted in over 20 years of leadership and education fueled by personal resilience, my approach resonates deeply with clients, igniting meaningful breakthroughs on their journeys. Witnessing the transformative impact of WOW Inc. fills me with immense pride—from dispelling self-doubt to encouraging women to pursue their God-given purpose and dreams boldly.
My commitment to each woman I serve through WOW Inc. is personal. Together, we cultivate an environment of support and empowerment with faith at the center, where every woman steps into deepening their faith, disrupting the enemy’s agenda, and diving into their destiny —because every woman is worthy of her divine calling.
In the journey of building WOW Inc., there were moments when the weight of financial strains, imposter syndrome, and external pressures tried to derail the vision God gave me. I remember these moments vividly. However, instead of succumbing to despair, I chose to lean into my faith and resilience.
One season stands out vividly—when it felt like everything was unraveling. Funding was scarce, and I questioned whether or not I had what it took to lead and inspire others in such a big way. In those moments of uncertainty, I turned to prayer and sought wisdom from mentors who reminded me of my purpose and the profound impact of my mission, even when I struggled to see it myself.
Through perseverance, strategic planning, and a steadfast belief in God’s promises, I navigated the challenges and emerged stronger than ever. This journey taught me the invaluable lesson of resilience—the art of rebounding from setbacks, staying steadfast to my vision, and embracing every obstacle as an avenue for growth.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In the journey of building WOW Inc., there were moments when the weight of financial strains, imposter syndrome, and external pressures tried to derail the vision God gave me. I remember vividly thinHowever, instead of succumbing to despair, I chose to lean into my faith and resilience.
One season stands out vividly—when it felt like everything was unraveling. Funding was scarce, and I questioned whether or not I had what it took to lead and inspire others in such a big way. In those moments of uncertainty, I turned to prayer and sought wisdom from mentors who reminded me of my purpose and the profound impact of my mission, even when I struggled to see it myself.
Through perseverance, strategic planning, and a steadfast belief in God’s promises, I navigated the challenges and emerged stronger than ever. This journey taught me the invaluable lesson of resilience—the art of rebounding from setbacks, staying steadfast to my vision, and embracing every obstacle as an avenue for growth.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
I thank God every day that I can say YES! What began as a passion project, a calling to empower women and foster meaningful, faith-based connections, became a full-bodied surrender. I thank God daily for choosing me to serve the women and souls He’s connected to my life. It’s not a job but a ministry. As I listened to God and poured more time, energy, and resources into WOW Inc., I witnessed its impact and its growth – two signs from God that it was due time for me to transition into full-time entrepreneurship.
During this journey from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship, WOW Inc. has truly been a blessing and bridge for me to see God move and birth a thriving enterprise. Through WOW Inc., we’ve witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. Together, we’ve cultivated a vibrant community of women deeply connected to the heart of God, expanded our presence across digital platforms, and fine-tuned our services to meet the evolving needs of our cherished community.
What began as a divine seed has blossomed into one of my greatest blessings—a purpose-driven venture that touches women’s lives worldwide. At the core of our success lies a fundamental principle: keeping God as the CEO of our business. By anchoring WOW Inc. in His divine guidance, we’ve remained steadfast in fulfilling the mission He entrusted to us.
Our journey to scale hasn’t been without its challenges, but through unwavering passion, relentless perseverance, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to our purpose, we’ve propelled forward with purposeful momentum. Each decision we make is fueled by a deep sense of calling, driving us to make a lasting difference in women’s lives everywhere.
I stand on the scripture Proverbs 19:21 TPT, “A person may have many ideas concerning God’s plan for his life, but only the designs of God’s purpose will succeed in the end.” WOW Inc. is not just a business; it is a ministry. When I released my plans into God’s hands, I suddenly transitioned from hustle to heart work. Through my surrender, I stepped into God’s promises, witnessing the power of a God-aligned vision. With unwavering faith, devotion, guidance, and provision, I see His will come to life daily.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.womenofworthinc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanofworth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shakirahemphillthewomanofworth
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC1KMLUIuky5a_ddOpMvvAKw
Image Credits
Rodgers Polk Photography