We recently connected with Shitaye Morrison and have shared our conversation below.

Shitaye, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I started my business in 2020 right in the middle of the pandemic. I was creeping up on a year since I left my job to become an entrepreneur. At the time, I was renting a very small office space on the Northside of Pittsburgh where I did Body Contouring Services. I used pandemic relief money from the government and all of my savings to fund my business. Looking back, I wish I would’ve waited to open my business. I needed more time to learn all the small details of business. I never got a chance to properly map things out. I feel like I rushed into things and I was also juggling too many hustles at one time.

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

I am a 36 year old single mother of 3. I started my journey as a body contouring technician. I picked up the hustle to make extra money while I was working full time and in the middle of a divorce trying to build things independently for the first time in life. Once I started offering body contouring services to the city of Pittsburgh, my clientele grew over the course of 6 months. The time had come where I had to make a choice between my 9-5 or my hustle because it had become almost impossible to juggle both. I chose to quit my job and begin my journey as a full time entrepreneur. After leaving my job I also started to sale waist trainers as a way to offer my clients something to help give better results of the services I offer as well as, help me make more money. My services and products help give women confidence and make them become more body conscious. I believe my character is what sets me apart from others. Not only do I have a good heart but a strong mind and integrity as well. I am most proud of the way I’ve overcome so many obstacles throughout this journey, There aren’t too many people in this world who can sustain the pressure I’ve been through without breaking. One thing I want the world to know about me is that I am a conquerer! And regardless of what life throws my way I will NEVER STOP!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

At the end of the year in 2021, my business had been open for 1 year. I’d spent 2 years building a social media platform and client base that was keeping a roof over me and my kids heads and the doors of my business open. However, due to some very bad decisions I was making in my personal life my business was negatively impacted because I had to delete all of my social sites, close the doors of my business, and disappear off the face of the earth so that I can heal and rebuild. I resurfaced a year later. With new ideas, a new mindset, a new heart, and ready for a new start.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I feel like my professionalism is what built my reputation in this industry. I take my business very seriously. My employees and clients satisfaction is my #1 priority. I don’t cut corners with my products and services. I’m honest and straightforward but still empathetic and kind. I take pride in having great customer service.

Contact Info:

• Website: bodiedbyshi.com
• Instagram: @bodiedbyshi_
• Other: Tik Tok: Bodiedbyshi

Image Credits
I certify that I have rights