We were lucky to catch up with Shanesha Scott recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shanesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Naming my business was not just about finding a catchy phrase; it was about encapsulating my journey, my struggles, and my unwavering determination to rise above adversity. Today, I want to share with you the heartfelt story behind the name: Beauty 4RM Ashes.
Beauty 4RM Ashes (pronounced Beauty from Ashes) is inspired by the bible scripture “Beauty for Ashes” which is out of the book of Isaiah 61:3. I take this bible verse as saying that God gives beauty where destruction once resided. This scripture encompasses my life story. My journey has been a winding road filled with obstacles that seemed insurmountable at times. I had a tumultuous childhood which included stents at group homes and foster care. Unfortunately, I also experienced domestic violence in my teens and early 20s, and even experienced bullying several times throughout my life. In 2020, my health took a turn for the worse and I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called polymyositis. Polymyositis causes severe muscle weakness and loss of muscle. Looking back at my life, everything that I’ve endured made me the woman I am today. I personally think I am the poster child for overcoming adversity. Facing uncertainty and a lack of stability during these challenging times taught me the true meaning of resilience. I discovered an inner strength that allowed me to persevere and never lose hope. Beauty 4RM Ashes encapsulates my life story.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My business Beauty 4RM Ashes focuses on life coaching and I am a Leadership Coach. I help leaders and aspiring leaders acquire effective leadership skills. I am also a best-selling author and most recently released my book entitled “Birthing the Leader Within You. Your Guide to Becoming an Effective Leader.” My book is a blueprint to becoming an effective leader and is currently available on Amazon. To give some insight into the history behind my business. I obtained my certification as a life coach in 2020 and shortly thereafter opened my business Beauty 4RM Ashes. During this time, I was finding myself again. At the time I was a makeup artist, but I regrettably lost my passion for makeup. I wanted to help people in a different way. As fate would have it, I launched my business as I was simultaneously diagnosed with polymyositis. Sadly, I eventually had to cease operations and focus on my health. During this time, I went through intense physical therapy to regain muscle strength throughout my body. During this time, I was inspired to write my first book entitled “When I Got Sick- A Story of Tragedy and Triumph” which chronicled my journey with polymyositis. I have wanted to become an author since childhood. I just didn’t know my dream of becoming an author would show up in this way. Fast-forward to this year Beauty 4RM Ashes’ grand reopening will be in the third quarter. Recently I developed an online effective leadership course which is now available. This is a self-serve course and can be accessed and completed at the user’s own convenience. I am extremely excited and proud about my business because I truly can make a positive impact on people’s lives and help people become the best version of themselves. The main thing that sets me apart from others is my passion for helping people and a high sense of morality and integrity. I also have the life experience to back me up. I have spent years in leadership in corporate America. I have my bachelor’s degree in management and leadership, currently pursuing my master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology. I recently received a prestigious recognition and award when I was featured in World’s Leader’s Magazine. I received the “World’s Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference in2023’ award. Forbes Magazine also picked up my story! The opportunities that I’ve had over the last several years have been my confirmation that this is what I’m meant to do. This is my soul’s purpose. I know I was put here to help people which is why I’ve faced and overcome so much adversity in my life. Its purpose has been to tell my testimony and help others.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
My book, “Birthing the Leader Within You.” goes into depth about effective leadership strategies. The top three that have really helped me become an effective leader and manage my team(s) over the years are as follows:
1. Emotional Intelligence is at the top of my list. Emotional intelligence allows you (the leader) to understand and manage their own emotions efficiently. This allows them to empathize with their team members and enhances their own self-awareness. This will create a positive and supportive work environment.
2. Integrity is also one of the most important traits that an effective leader should have. Leaders should possess trust, credibility, and always display ethical behaviors. I have seen firsthand when a leader does not stand in integrity and the detrimental impact it will have on the team collectively. Leaders that have integrity will be able to build strong relationships, make ethical decisions, and be a positive role model to their team and the organization.
3. Effective communication is the final trait that an effective leader should acquire. Becoming an effective communicator ensures everyone is on the same page and it is less likely to leave room for misunderstandings. Leaders should always clearly communicate the goals, expectations, and organization’s vision.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Originally my audience came from being in the makeup artistry and modeling industry. When I transitioned into life coaching in 2020 my social media content transitioned as well. With that being said social media is huge! Even when you think nobody is watching, trust me they are. I’ve had countless opportunities because of social media. Most recently my features in World’s Leaders Magazine and Forbes. These opportunities came about because of my social media presence. Right now, I am on every major social media platform. Over the last year I have really became fond of Tik Tok. Here are a few pointers I recommend:
• Be authentic! Authenticity is the number one rule. Be true to yourself and the people that are meant to find you and support you will come. People yearn for authenticity these days because everything is so cookie-cutter and lack originality.
• Remain consistent! Consistency is everything. At times I must take my own advice because I have times when I’m not consistent when posting on social media. Just remember that consistency equals engagement. You want your audience and new supporters to see you daily. Eventually curiosity may peak, and they will eventually follow you, engage with your content, and ultimately a supporter.
• If you are trying to grow your business or promote yourself create a budget for marketing. This is especially true since most social media platforms algorithms are inconsistent.
• Create a Linktree account. This is a great tool to have a one-stop shop to link to all your social media platforms, websites, articles, etc.
• Always create your own website. You should always have an avenue for your supporters to reach you just in case your social media platform gets shut down for whatever reason.
• Hackers are getting more creative every day. Do not click on unknown links- even if it is from the actual platform. My Facebook page was hacked earlier this year because I was tagged in a post saying my page was going to be terminated. I am social media savvy, but I was misled and ended up getting hacked. Fortunately, I got my page back after a couple of months, but just be mindful of it. Also get 2-factor authentication if a platform offers it.
• My last piece of advice is to be mindful of what you post. If you are creating a brand or name for yourself, you should always keep that in mind. I am not saying don’t be your true self or express yourself, but you should ask yourself what is your end goal? Who is your target audience? Does this come off as offensive? Asking those questions will attract the right audience and open the door for endless opportunities!
Those are some tips and tricks I have learned along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beauty4rmashes.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanesha__/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beauty4RMAshes/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/beauty-4rm-ashes-6a1bb61bb
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/beauty4rmashes_?t=hiJP_Y8XLrnC2WCZGdJuIw&s=09
- Other: Leadership Course: https://sso.teachable.com/secure/1667929/checkout/4852611/leadership-effectiveness Email: [email protected]