Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shalanda Hearne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Shalanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
I create my own path.
At the start of my career as a life coach, I wanted to adopt methodologies of the most successful coaches around. I figured, “if it worked for them, it has to work for me”.
What I soon realized is that it worked but it wasn’t me. I was unfulfilled and uninspired. Motivation to be successful is not enough for me. I need fulfillment and to be driven by passion and purpose.
I had to realize my path is my own. While I am inspired by the journeys of other coaches, I too must blaze my own trail. That is my motivation!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I’m a small-town church girl from a big family of 12 children. From childhood I knew I wanted to help people in relationships. In middle school I was known as the matchmaker. As I grew older, I was drawn to psychology and counseling- learning how people think, make decisions and handle emotions.
Life has a way of pointing us in the direction of our purpose and passion. I lost my mother at the age of 27 and divorced at the age 31. It was my faith that pulled me through. I built a strong foundation in my faith and spiritual growth.
This is how I learned about purpose in relationships. I’ve discovered a level of peace that most could not comprehend.
As a certified Lay Counselor, Licensed Minister and Advanced Certified Christian Life Coach, I help people find peace in relationships by offering virtual and in-person coaching services – personal development, relationship coaching, and faith-based spiritual growth guidance.
My signature series, “Building from the Group Up” focuses on Identity, Boundaries, Discipline, Finding Your Rhythm after Loss, Navigating Seasons of Life, Passion and Purpose.
One thing I realize in my career is although we experience similar issues in life, there is no such thing as “one-method fits all”. I create programs and sessions tailored to my clients unique needs and goals. I also integrate creative arts into my sessions that encourage individualistic freedom. I realize the importance of creating a safe place for individuals to be themselves, open for healing and ready for transformation.
I am most proud of the growth I experience every day. We are all a work in progress. And my motivation is that people grow and progress just as I do. Clients won’t leave the same way they came.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
It’s likely a common response but covid19 rocked my world. I had recently left a full time, permanent (salaried) managerial role to venture into contract employment. My aim was to position myself to focus on my coaching business without the demand of leadership responsibilities.
Little did I know that the pandemic would give me more time than I expected.
April 2020, my contract with a major insurance provider ended.
As most of the world, I was at a loss and was stagnant and scared for several weeks.
Then one day I decided I am going to step out on faith and officially launch my business. I was scared because I did not know who would pay for coaching services during this time but I knew people needed help.
But I sacrificed and built my brand and started MPACT Central. I did it scared. With the help a close friend, I developed countless programs and expanded my reach on social media.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I learned the hard way, but I soon realized that I must do what works and what is best for me. It’s easy to buy into what others do — like ready-made strategies, but the truth is, we have to do what we can maintain. I found myself starting and stopping and didn’t know why.
I decided that I have to assess my own lifestyle, time, and creativity. Then I chose what (2) platforms I could handle – (because some are just not my speed…and that’s okay). On one platform I focus on growing organically and the other I maintain a close-knit following of friends, family, and associates.
I create content based upon what inspires me. I look for any opportunities to write, take photos and do things unique to me and my brand. My goal is to share bits of me while representing my brand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mpactcentral.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speak_shalanda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakshalanda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shearnerecruiter/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2mPYdyVIVhIqMLxM873-g