We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shani H.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shani below.

Shani, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

If you would have posed this question to a much younger Shani, my answer to this question would have been different. I might would have said something like my faith, an elaborate degree(s), a corporate job, and money, I am still leading with my faith but the latter not so much.

I believe what it takes to be successful is first realizing that success is not this cookie cutter package wrapped in perfection. Success is more of an inside job than anything else which is why this topic resonates with me. I had to first unlearn what I thought success was. Once I realized success is this unique journey it then shaped how I identified what it takes to be successful and how I could truly set myself up for it.

In my experiences and even now I am learning that what it takes for me to be successful first starts with dreaming of my higher self and then believing I have access to achieving the things I dream of. Success really starts in the heart and in the mind. However, it does not stop there, it also takes a great amount of work. You must learn to define smart goals, stay committed, push your faith beyond unbelief, value serving, extend grace to yourself in moments of failure, learn to rest when you are tired and empty, advocate for yourself, and finally lean into experts and resources.

Shani, 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 am Shani, the founder and CEO of Grace & Black. I started this brand because clothes are an investment and should be universal. I know how frustrating it is to buy something and only be able to wear it once or twice. I also know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. That is why I created Grace & Black. Our clothes are designed to be versatile and easy to wear. They can be dressed up or down, and they will always make you look and feel your best. Our goal is to make every woman feel beautiful, confident, and stylish.

I am most proud of exchanging my fears and failures for faith and standing on God’s promises for my life. Our brand is all about celebrating strong, powerful women and we hope that our clothes can help you express your own unique style. I am constantly inspired by the women in my life who embody grace and strength, and I hope to empower others to feel the same way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I know what it is like to feel like you are not good enough or that you do not belong. I have been there. I have received countless “no’s”. I couldn’t understand why I was often overlooked or made to feel like I was unqualified, and not capable of many opportunities I went after. But I am here to tell you that “no” is not your final destination. There is so much more for you.

I had to learn to reframe those unfavorable decisions, lean whole-heartedly into my God-given gifts, and advocate for myself. And that is when everything changed.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn what not to ignore. With that being said, I had to learn that my mental and emotional health is and should also be a priority when making any of my life’s decisions. We are seeing a lot of discussion around #softlife in the Black community and it is about time we step into this lifestyle and embrace it without hesitation.

I am in a space of more peace because I have learned to set boundaries in every area of my life, and it feels good. I have also learned that struggle is not my forever tale, so I do not have to adopt that narrative that I saw growing up. I can have a life full of rest, love, and happiness.

As a woman I deserve to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceandblack.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceandblack/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/graceandblack/

Image Credits
@hausofamorebygoldielove