We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shanna Jefferson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanna, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I’ve always been an entrepreneur primarily stemming from the hustler mentality embedded in me by my Father, Mr. George M. Jefferson. Upon retiring as an educator following 33 years of service, my Father hustled to support his family. He became the watermelon man, tape man, peach man…you name it! I have vivid memories of essentially going door to door with my Father as he got his hustle on. Furthermore, my greatest lessons and values in life stem from my humble upbringing.

While in graduate school, I commenced my journey in the mental health field working in various capacities. I worked for several agencies as I educated myself on the importance of being a mental health advocate and learned the implications of mental illness by providing direct services in the home, schools, office, and community. I positioned myself to improve my knowledge, skills, and abilities in anticipation of establishing my own mental health practice. I worked seven days a week seeing clients, attending seminars, researching best practices, and meeting with a consultant at the Small Business Center. The culmination of my experiences working for other agencies and educating myself led me to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina. I later obtained my clinical licensure in South Carolina and Georgia.

On February 25, 2013, I took my entrepreneurial endeavors to the next level by establishing my mental health agency Destination Greatness where we help individuals and families to transcend adversities such as low self-esteem, depression, life stressors, grief, and other mental health challenges by first shifting their mindset so that they can live a fulfilling life.

Shanna, 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 hail from Allendale, SC graduating in 2002 from Allendale-Fairfax High School. Upon graduation, I matriculated to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earning my Bachelors of Public Policy and Master of Social Work degrees. I am currently completing my doctorate.

As a Certified Business Coach and Licensed Psychotherapist, I help entrepreneurs create harmony in life and business through personal development, mental wellness, and sustainable business practices.

Why is this important?
✅ As the Visionary, your business needs you to be well on all domains including exhibiting great mental wealth.

✅ According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 50% of small businesses fail be the end of their fifth year.

✅Psychologist Michael A. Freeman conducted a study several years ago which suggested 49% of entrepreneurs experience a mental illness.

✅ Jim Rohn perhaps said best your income will never surpass the personal development required to get to the next level.

Services offered via my coaching and consulting firm, Visions of Greatness Enterprises, include mental wellness checkups, strategy sessions, self-care assessments, workshops, collaborative book projects, and the “Be Your Own Boss” Jumpstart Package.

In February 2023, I will host my 10th Business Anniversary Celebration themed “The Roadmap To Greatness”. As a result of attending The Roadmap to Greatness: Life & Business Breakthrough Conference, aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs will:

✅Increase your profitability in life and business
✅Transform your mindset
✅Get unstuck
✅Decrease overwhelm and burnout
✅Leverage proven tools to Bo$$Up
✅Tackle The Mental Cost of Entrepreneurship

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

I vividly recall the day I received notice of a lawsuit nearly 5 years ago. I felt a range of emotions but knew the importance of maintaining my composure. The emotional and financial toll was enormous. However, I knew without reservation that the fight was greater than me. My fight was for every business owner. My fight was for my last name. My fight was for my legacy.

And thankfully, my attorney assured me we would fight until the end. And as business extraordinaire Derrick Harper, Sr. recently shared “Your Character Will Always Outlast Hearsay”.

Thus, If you are in a dark season in life or business, my advice to you is to always stand 10 toes down. And, as the motto of my mental health practice, Destination Greatness, posits you must always believe that you can and will “Transcend Adversity and Achieve Greatness.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My journey as a business owner and entrepreneur has certainly not been smooth. At times, the struggles have been compounded on multiple domains including inconsistent cash flow, undeveloped strategic planning, marketing challenges, and not building a sustainable team. With the challenges especially in my early years, the knowledge and skills I learned prior to establishing my business seemed fruitless.

However, through it all, I stand and proclaim that I am more than a conqueror.

I am certainly grateful for the lessons and blessings of entrepreneurship and business ownership. In overcoming the challenges, I had to remain focused on my vision, trust the process, have faith, and surround myself with others striving for greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shannajefferson.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/shannajefferson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShannaAJefferson/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannajefferson
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannajefferson