Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shana Gourdine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

My most meaningful project is creating Shana Unmasking Motivation where we dedicated our time and mission to help elevate people to their greatest potential . At Shana Unmasking Motivation, our mission is to empower individuals to love themselves and become the best version of themselves, regardless of their past or present circumstances. We are committed to providing support, education, and encouragement to individuals who are dealing with domestic violence, homelessness, and other challenging situations. Through our self-empowerment workshops, books, and community partnerships, we strive to help individuals build their confidence, self-worth, and trust in themselves. Our ultimate goal is to help our clients realize their full potential and lead fulfilling, purpose-driven lives.

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?

After encountering the ugly face of domestic violence and developing four different health conditions, Shana Gourdine’s life took a new turn. But, she couldn’t give this a room to ruin her life, so she embarked on a journey to elevate her self-esteem and uplift people who were going through such issues. Consequently, Shana writes relatable books from her experiences to help individuals learn to love themselves again after going through disappointments, trauma and disability. Moreover, Shana fits in several other shoes as a poet, motivational speaker, podcast host, spoken word artist, self-love life coach, advocate for domestic violence awareness and chronic illnesses. Shana has published several titles and co-authored several others in a writing journey that spans three years. Her debut title, The Mask Behind the Mask, is a poetry book that inspires people to appreciate and love their imperfections despite their daily experiences. Unveiled Pieces of a Broken Mask is a spin off of her debut title, and the book helps people break the mask of baggage that people carry from their past. Further, Shana is a co-author in a poetry anthology Words Speak Hurt No More, Women Who Pray, and a spoken word album I was a Rose in Darkness of Love and Winning Way.
In her writing and motivation journey engagements, Shana has won the Purple Ribbon Award of Courage, Viewer’s Choice Award for as executive producer of Film Through Your Eyes (The Mask Behind The Mask, and Global Africa Fashion for Peace World 2021. She has been featured as the 10x Best Seller and International Best Seller On Amazon , 2022 I AM H.E.R International Women on the Rise and Women Influencers awards, and 2023 YWCA Art and Culture Women Empowerment Award . She has also been featured on Spotlight Magazine Cover, Hopez Magazine, Dream Spire Book Magazine, on Channel 13, on Channel 10, in Spectrum News and the Troy Record Newspaper .
Although Shana Gourdine is originally from Cross SC, she currently lives in Troy, New York. When she’s free, she loves hanging out with her two beautiful daughters, taking walks, traveling, and cooking.

Many individuals who have experienced domestic violence, homelessness, and other similar struggles often find it challenging to regain their confidence, self-worth, and trust in themselves. The trauma they have experienced can leave them feeling broken and powerless, affecting their mental health and overall well-being. The lack of awareness, education, and encouragement further compounds the issue, making it difficult for them to move forward and create a brighter future.

Shana Unmasking Motivation provides a solution to the problem mentioned above by offering self-empowerment programs and workshops that help individuals regain their confidence, self-worth, and trust in themselves. Our program is designed to provide not only awareness and education but also encouragement to help individuals become a better version of themselves.
We work directly with domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and youth programs, bringing our services to those who need it most. Our program is led by someone who has experienced the struggles firsthand, making it more relatable and effective. We provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, learn from others, and gain the tools necessary to move forward
We are here to help you love the skin you’re in and love yourself first .

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

My most rewarding aspect of being an artist is to use my talent of creativity to inspire individuals through words and inspiration . The books and workshop that i create is based on helping them to elevate who they are . Help them be inspire to keep on living their best life . Being able to have individuals tell me how much i have helped them to regain their confidence , help them love themselves again. Being able to use my testimony as a way to inspire others to grow is the best rewarding aspect of being an artist.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Goals and objectives are aligned with our mission to provide awareness, education, and encouragement to empower individuals to become a better version of themselves despite their past struggles Provide high-quality self-empowerment programs and workshops that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Increase awareness of domestic violence, homelessness, and other similar struggles through community outreach and education programs.
Create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma.
Develop strong partnerships with domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and youth programs to provide support to those who need it most.
Expand our services to reach more individuals who may benefit from our programs.
Objectives:
Develop and implement a comprehensive program that addresses the unique needs of each individual.
Develop and implement community outreach and education programs to increase awareness of domestic violence, homelessness, and other similar struggles.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shanaunmaskingmotivation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybehindthemask22/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063747152171
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-gourdine-b27a3717a/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/w_gourdine
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW2nPm8Ewtzk199Pl4XiaYQ

Image Credits
Mark Davis