We recently connected with Shanell Hays and have shared our conversation below.

Shanell, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the best advice you ever gave to a client? How did they benefit / what was the result? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

The best advice I ever gave a client was to understand that it’s ok to not be ok, that you can grow through what you go through. I want them to know that growing through life will allow you to learn how to face life struggles, obstacles and for disappointment not to overtake them. My clients benefit from appreciating the fact that I provide a safe space for them to express themselves. I provide a trusting environment for my clients to open up and move forward. I am fully committed to my clients by being my true self, showing concerns, communicating clearly and setting boundaries. I have had some of my clients to reach out to me after our coaching sessions end and tell me how much I have helped them with life..

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

After going through my first domestic violence experience as a teenager and other challenges throughout the years following, I decided to launch my business I AM DIVA in April 2016.

It’s a brand with meaning: I am Determined, Intelligent, Victorious, and Accomplished. I wanted every young girl and woman to know that no matter what you go through you are a DIVA. I became a Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Advocate to advocate for battered women.

Five years later, I became a Certified Life & Relationship/Marriage Coach, and Speaker, received my certification in the Bystander’s Intervention, and just recently launched my premarital workshops.

What I feel sets me apart from others is that my life’s passion and goal is to help women and men achieve their personal life goals. These goals may include just about anything: more self confidence, self love, boundaries, better relationships, time management and many more. I will give my clients motivation, accountability and support, keeping them focused and taking action from week to week. I take time out to mentor young teen girls which mentoring can help build teens’ confidence, find strength, learn new skills, improve their mental health and so much more.

I am a Mentor at Jiff(Juvenile Intervention and Faith-Based Follow Up) in Memphis Tn , Mentor with Team Mentor with Memphis Grizzlies Foundation and received a Certificate of Completion in the Bystander Intervention Course through the Tennessee Domestic Violence Coalition.

I offer workshops, 1 on 1, keynote speaking, group coaching, and pre-marital/marriage coaching that promote personal growth through the study and practical implementation of proven methods. I offer services on domestic violence/forms of abuse.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

These books have significantly impacted my life.

Life Coaching for Successful Women- Valorie Burton

Becoming-Michelle Obama

Self- Love Workbook For Black Women- Rachel Johnson

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele was offering excellent customer service and support, requesting referrals from my existing clients, online marketing, getting involved in my community, and podcasting.

Contact Info:

• Website: bit.ly/shanellhays
• Instagram: coachshanellhays
• Facebook: Coach Shanell Hays
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/shanellhays