We recently connected with Shatara Clark and have shared our conversation below.

Shatara, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

One of the greatest things my parents did right was that they were not afraid to let me experience life.

I grew up in rural Cuba, Alabama, a place where it would have been easy and understandable for parents to keep their child close, sheltered, and within familiar boundaries. Instead, my parents chose confidence over fear. They trusted the foundation they were building in me, and they allowed that trust to guide their decisions.

They signed the permission slip so I could go to Six Flags, even when it meant sending me hours away with a group. They completed the application for the Upward Bound program, knowing it would take me away from home for an entire summer. They let me join the band, participate in career clubs, and explore interests that stretched beyond what was common or expected in a small rural town. Eventually, they supported my decision to attend college four hours from home, another step that required both courage and faith.

What stands out to me now is not just what they allowed me to do, but what their actions communicated. Their willingness to say yes told me that they believed in the daughter they were raising. It showed me that they trusted my judgment, my character, and my ability to navigate new environments. That trust became something I carried with me. I understood that I was being entrusted with opportunity, and that understanding made me want to honor it by doing my best and striving for excellence.

Their bravery and open mindedness shaped how I see the world and my place in it. Because they were not afraid of what was unfamiliar, I learned not to be afraid either. I grew up watching lives on television that seemed bigger, broader, and fuller than what I saw around me, and my parents helped me believe that those lives were possible for me too. They never told me explicitly that I could have more, but their actions made it clear that my dreams did not have to be limited by geography or circumstance.

That mindset has followed me into my life and career. I am willing to take chances, to step into rooms where I may not know everyone, and to pursue goals that feel larger than where I started. I approach opportunities with a sense of responsibility and confidence because I learned early on that trust is powerful. My parents gave me permission to grow, to explore, and to become, and that gift has impacted every part of my journey.

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

I am an educator at heart, a writer by calling, and an entrepreneur by choice. My work lives at the intersection of creativity, structure, and care, and that balance is what has shaped both of my businesses and the communities I serve.

My background is in education, and that foundation informs everything I do. Teaching trained me to listen deeply, to identify gaps, and to meet people where they are. Over time, I realized that many people had powerful ideas, stories, and goals but did not always have the tools, confidence, or guidance to bring them to life. That realization led me into the writing and empowerment spaces where I now work full time.

TyWrites is my for profit writing business and it is where creativity takes center stage. We help bring books and documents to life for individuals who desire to publish, tell their story, or present themselves professionally. From manuscripts and children’s books to resumes and written materials, our focus is simple, all things writing. I work with clients who may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to turn an idea into something tangible. My role is part editor, part coach, and part collaborator, helping them move from vision to execution while preserving their authentic voice.

TyTalks is my nonprofit organization and it is where empowerment and community live. Through TyTalks, I curate events and spaces where women can grow, team build, reflect, and become their best selves. The work is rooted in connection and intention, creating environments where women feel seen, supported, and encouraged to dream beyond survival and into purpose. Whether it is an intimate gathering or a larger community event, the goal is always growth and healing, not just attendance.

What sets me apart is the level of care I place into both businesses. Many people have great ideas, but cultivating and sustaining those ideas takes discipline, patience, and resilience. I am honest about that process. There are months with no clients, but the work still continues. There are events with three participants, and you still plan the next one with the same level of excellence. I believe consistency, integrity, and care matter more than quick wins or surface level success.

What I am most proud of is my commitment to doing the work even when it is quiet. I am proud of building two organizations that are values driven, people centered, and rooted in service. I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that my work is intentional, thoughtful, and grounded in real experience. Whether someone is trusting me with their story, their career documents, or their personal growth journey, I take that responsibility seriously.

At the core, my brand is about helping people see what is possible and giving them the tools to move toward it. I believe ideas deserve structure, stories deserve care, and people deserve spaces where they can grow fully into who they are becoming.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that everyone is ready for the next level.

For a long time, I approached people and opportunities with deep optimism. When someone shared an idea or a vision with me, I assumed their excitement meant readiness. I believed that if I could see the potential, then surely they could too, and that growth would naturally follow. Over time, and through a lot of lived experience, God had to gently but firmly show me that not every opportunity is meant to produce growth, and not every person is prepared for the work that growth requires.

I learned that it is okay to be excited and eager, but it is also necessary to guard my heart. Business is both strategic and disciplined. It requires consistency, accountability, and the willingness to show up even when the excitement fades. Many people love the idea of having a business. They may even create a social media page or talk passionately about their vision, but actually working in it, committing to the process, and staying the course is a very different reality.

What complicated this lesson even more was realizing how much generational trauma and unhealed self esteem issues can show up in business relationships. Sometimes what looks like lack of commitment is rooted in fear, doubt, or a history of not seeing things through. While that reality deserves compassion, it also requires boundaries. I had to learn that I cannot carry someone else’s readiness or do the emotional and strategic work on their behalf.

Unlearning this belief taught me the importance of discernment. It is not my responsibility to convince someone they are ready or to push them into a season they have not prepared for. Now, I take time to vet opportunities, clients, and collaborations. I pay attention to patterns, follow through, and alignment before moving forward.

This lesson has helped me protect my energy, my peace, and the integrity of my work. It has allowed me to be both hopeful and wise, open hearted and grounded. I still believe in people and their potential, but I now understand that timing, readiness, and discipline matter just as much as vision.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, there are several books and podcasts that have significantly shaped my management style and entrepreneurial thinking, especially when it comes to resilience, discipline, and staying grounded through the highs and lows of building something meaningful.

I am especially drawn to memoirs and what I often call “get it out the mud” stories. I love narratives where hard work truly pays off and where success is shown as something earned over time rather than handed to someone. Those stories remind me that growth is rarely linear and that consistency and endurance matter.

One of the most eye opening books I have read is “The Soundtrack of My Life” by Clive Davis. The stories of resilience, reinvention, and long term leadership were powerful and honest. It reinforced the idea that success often requires adaptability and the ability to evolve while staying rooted in your core values.

Another favorite is “Bamboozled by Jesus” by Yvonne Orji. This book deeply resonated with me because it speaks to faith, obedience, and trusting the process even when things do not happen on your timeline. It reminded me that preparation often happens in seasons that do not look like success at all.

I was also impacted by “A Piece of Cake” by Cupcake Brown. Her story is raw and powerful, showing what is possible when determination and self belief meet opportunity. It is a strong reminder that your starting point does not determine your destination.

In addition to books, podcasts play a big role in keeping me motivated and centered. The Mel Robbins Podcast and The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial are regular listens for me. They help me stay focused, disciplined, and mentally aligned, especially during seasons when entrepreneurship feels isolating or challenging.

Overall, these resources help me remain grounded while continuing to push forward. They reinforce the belief that hard work, faith, and consistency truly compound over time, and they continue to shape how I lead, build, and show up in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allthingstywrites.com
• Instagram: mstytalks
• Facebook: Shatara S. Clark