We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shameka Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shameka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?
I would say my mom is my hero. Even though she is not present with us today, the life she lived and the fight she had still speaks today. My mom showed me what strength looks like. I learned from her that I still have to show up for not only God but for myself, even in those moments I may not feel like it. I have applied this to my personal as well as business life and it shows me that even when I tell myself I don’t think I can do something, all I have to do is take the initiative and step out. Once I take that step and actually see I can do whatever it is that needs to be done, I can continue until I see the finished product.
I’m thankful she didn’t give up even when the odds were stacked against her.
Shameka, 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 an author and I started writing at a very young age. As someone who was considered shy, I felt as though I articulated my feelings and emotions so well through written word. Writing became my escape. It was therapy for me. I was a loner so I spent a lot of time journaling and writing stories and poetry.
I love storytelling and also hearing others share their stories. When God instructed me to start the publishing company, Called to Write Publishing & Consulting, I knew it would provide a way for others to share their stories with the world. We all have a story and I believe that our stories have a way of encouraging others in some way. We don’t know how strong someone is until we are able to learn about what they have walked through.
I offer several publishing packages that fit the needs of my clients. I walk with each one through the entire process and I am there at the finish line to cheer them on as they receive their first very own copy of their book. It is such a rewarding process and I love every minute of it.
What sets me apart from others is that I have been called to help others reach the world, the “write” way–one testimony, one inspiring story at a time. I have a passion for what I do and I ensure that my clients are satisfied with the finished products.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
There have been moments in my life where I didn’t have enough funds to cover bills and at the same time I was experiencing health issues that landed me in the hospital. Through it all, I continued trusting God. I never gave up. I viewed what I was going through as a test to trust God even the more. And as always, He would come through right on time.
When we face hard times, those are the moments we need to press into God more. Those are the moments we have to set our face like flint and trust in God with ALL of our heart. Those are the moments we not only trust in the Word of God, but we stand on it. These are things I had to do when facing dire situations.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish there were more writing and business start-up workshops and resources on how to fund your business without using loans. If I would have had these resources years prior, I think I would not have struggled to get my business funded.
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Antonio Bledsoe