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

Sheila Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission is deeply rooted in my own journey of transformation. As a trailblazer and mentor, I’ve faced the challenges of navigating the business world as a mission-driven CEO. That’s why my mission is to empower other leaders—especially those in underserved and overlooked communities—to thrive in their industries by moving away from DIY strategies and embracing intentional growth through client identification, lead generation, and effective team management.

This mission is meaningful to me because I’ve lived it. I know the frustration of having a vision but lacking the resources, support, or guidance to bring it to life. My passion comes from wanting to break down those barriers for others. By equipping mission-driven entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies to succeed, I’m helping to build a legacy of businesses that are impactful, resilient, and rooted in purpose.

For me, it’s about more than just business—it’s about helping leaders make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.

Sheila Michelle, 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’m Sheila Michelle, and I bring 25 years of experience in corporate technology to the table. My career began with the Gas Company here in Atlanta, just before natural gas was deregulated. I started as an Office Assistant and moved up lattice-style into mission-critical senior leadership roles across various industries, including SunTrust Banks (now Truist), CapGemini, Accenture, Cox, and healthcare giants like Morehouse School of Medicine, Piedmont, and Grady. Over the years, I’ve leveraged this extensive corporate knowledge to become a respected and successful entrepreneur in the Drug Testing and CLIA-waived Laboratory Testing space.

My decision to enter the drug testing industry was personal. It was driven by the tragic murder of my oldest son at age 24, a loss related to drug and gang violence. Coupled with a family history of substance and alcohol abuse, I knew firsthand how much of a rocky road life could be. That pain fueled my desire to create change and drive a mission forward that could have a positive impact on others.

Nearly two years into my business, I was able to pivot and innovate, launching a consulting arm that has helped over 2,000 entrepreneurs. Through my turnkey business startup, *Launch Your Lab*, I’ve empowered others to create Drug Test Centers, CLIA-waived Clinical Laboratories, and Transportation Administration businesses.

Along the way, I’ve worked with countless women entrepreneurs who struggle with self-sabotage, procrastination, imposter syndrome, and fear. This experience revealed the need to share my 5 keys to courage, confidence, and commitment—practical tools that build the resilience necessary for women to succeed both personally and professionally.

Ultimately, my legacy is about helping aspiring and serial entrepreneurs follow the framework I’ve created, a framework that has worked for me in my own life and continues to drive my passion for helping others succeed.

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

The loss of my oldest son DJ in 2016 when he was 24 years old changed everything about me personally and professionally. It prompted me to go being to a contract technology leader to a full-blown entrepreneur. The differences in being a leader in someone else’s business vs. a leader working on your business is significant. In short, I had to develop a high degree of tenacity, problem-solving, creative ideation and posture appropriate for pivots. With DJ’s murder due to drug and gang violence, I realized just how truly purposeful our lives are meant to be. Career events that I’ve desired have always been exciting when they have come to fruition. I’ve learned to embrace highs and lows in a consistent manner using them both for the next level.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

There was a time in my life when I felt like everything I had worked for was crumbling. I faced challenges that shook me to my core—emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I remember one night sitting alone, overwhelmed by the weight of it all, asking myself, How am I supposed to keep going?

I won’t lie—it felt like the end. But in the stillness of that moment, I heard a whisper in my spirit: This is not the end of your story. It was a turning point for me. I realized that the trials I was facing weren’t there to break me; they were there to refine me.

From that day forward, I made a decision. I refused to let my circumstances define me. Instead, I began to rebuild—not just my life, but my faith, my confidence, and my purpose. It wasn’t an overnight process. There were days I doubted myself, and there were setbacks along the way. But each step I took brought me closer to a stronger, more resilient version of myself.

What I learned during that season is that resilience isn’t about pretending to be unshaken—it’s about embracing the storm, knowing it will pass, and using it to grow. I came out of that experience with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to use my story to inspire others.

That’s why I do what I do today. I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom, but I also know the power of choosing to rise. My mission is to show others that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always hope. There’s always a way forward. And when you make it through, you realize the challenges weren’t just obstacles—they were stepping stones to something greater.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamsheilamichelle.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsheilamichelle/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilamichellefoye/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sheilamichelle