Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shonda Berry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shonda, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
When I was younger I didn’t take many risks. Lately, I’ve been jumping off the cliff, without a parachute and blind folded. My latest joke with my friends is “I’m walking by Faith on a tightrope,” however there’s so much truth to that. I’m in a season where I’m taking some of the biggest risks and challenges I’ve ever taken before.
April 2021 I took the biggest, scariest, yet lifesaving risk ever. I was making well over 6 figures, purchased a home and decided to quit my full time job after 7 months. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2004 called Ulcerative Colitis. It had been pretty manageable until about 4years ago. I’ve had some awful flares over the past couple of years. I started having an Ulcerative Colitis flare in September 2020, the same month I started my new job. I thought I would be able to get it under control quickly, but that wasn’t the case at all. I started getting sicker and sicker. I was working non-stop and it was taking a toll on my mental and physical health. Although I would be exhausted mentally and physically, I refused to lack when it came to my motherly duties. I admit I pushed my body past its limits at work and home. I had no time or strength to work on my own business, BIYOND. I prayed, prayed and prayed some more about what I should do. I didn’t stop praying until I received a word from God. Finally, I heard God say, your health is more important than a paycheck and that he will provide. I put in my 2 weeks notice and I happily resigned April 30, 2021.
Shortly after leaving my job I was hospitalized. I found out I had an infection that could have been life threatening if left untreated. I’m pretty sure if I didn’t take the risk, quit my job and put my health first I wouldn’t be here to share my story. Taking that risk turned into an amazing blessing. I was able to focus more of my health. My schedule was wide open for treatment and doctor visits. I had more time to focus on producing apparel for BIYOND. Now that I have reclaimed my time I’ve been able to scale BIYOND to a new level. In addition to that I had the energy, strength and time to give my daughter the undivided attention she deserved during her senior year of high school. I’ve also embarked on a new journey and became a Patient Advocate as well.
Taking that risk; leaving the workforce allowed me to pour into my business, whereas now I am a full-time entrepreneur, a highly sought-after advocate and freedom to show up for not only myself, but my loved ones. My journey has intensified my passion towards coaching other entrepreneurs, scaling my business and Health Equity.
I’ve learned nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks.
Nelson Mandela said “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than your capable of living.”
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I am a Mother, Entrepreneur, Patient Advocate and Ulcerative Colitis Warrior, born and raised on the Westside of Chicago. I specialize in helping women that desire to be entrepreneurs move beyond distractions, negativity, and self-limitations. I am the owner of BIYOND Apparel. BIYOND stands for Boldly Inspire Yourself Over Negativity Daily. The mission of BIYOND is to enforce the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life’s circumstances in a negative society by inspiring women with bold statements of self-affirmations, motivation, and positivity. Since 1994, I’ve battled with Ulcerative Colitis, but was officially diagnosed in 2004 at the age of 24 after giving birth to my daughter Da’Riah (my greatest accomplishment). The health challenges I have faced has awaken the advocate nature within me. I’m passionate about IBD Awareness and Health Equity.
In October 2015, I started BIYOND unintentionally. I didn’t realize at the time I was actually birthing a business. Earlier that summer, I was off work sick. The job I had was no longer fulfilling. During this period, I got closer to GOD. I prayed more and more, in addition to meditating, journaling and reading books. Shortly thereafter, I started getting visions and guidance on what I needed to do to help myself. Those visions came as words on a T-Shirt in my dreams. Hence, that’s how the “Selfie – Checklist” shirt was created. I thought to myself, surely I couldn’t be the only person that needed to keep myself in check, so I created about 12 shirts and gave them away for free. A few ladies wore those shirts on Facebook and I started getting requests for orders. That’s how BIYOND Apparel was birth. Since then I’ve added more products to my inventory, such as the “Negativity Does Not Match My Outfit” Tee and the “Thank God I’m Fearless Hoodies.” I even offered mask during the Pandemic. More products and services will be offered in 2023. Coaching will be available for Entrepreneurs and they will soon be able to schedule a “Session with Shonda.”
I’m a highly sought – after advocate in the Autoimmune Disease community. I’ve had the pleasure of being featured in magazines, awareness videos, panel discussions and podcasts. My advocacy journey consists of me raising awareness around disparities and health equity, particularly in the Black and Brown Communities. I am currently creating an apparel line within BIYOND to help raise awareness. The apparel will include messages that will help amplify the voices of those that suffer from an Autoimmune Disease, gain the attention of those that have the power to make changes and educate others.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
July 21, 2019 I couldn’t celebrate my birthday; I was fighting for my life. I was severely dehydrated, dropped 17 pounds quickly, ulcerations and inflammation in my colon, an infection setting in from being so sick, blood loss and lacking potassium. I was so out of it most days. I was in so much pain, barely walking, not eating because it hurt to eat and temporarily lost my eyesight amongst so many other things. I was even told I may needed to have my colon removed. “Nope not me” is exactly what I told the surgeon. Thankfully, I had my faith to fall back on and pull me through. I don’t care how many times I get knocked down, I’m not staying down! I don’t get moved, shaken nor stirred by much in this world anymore. I went through the battle of my life not once, but twice. It has made me unstoppable and unforgettable.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I built my audience on social media by posting relatable content. Engaging consistently with my audience was very important. Walking in my truth and being transparent was key. I often use my experiences and lessons to convey messages that I post on social media. I also invested in a coach and social media marketing manager whom both helped me tremendously. I would highly recommend investing in a coach and/or social media marketing manager. If your budget doesn’t allow for one, research social media trends, plan content ahead of time and make sure you know who your target audience is. There are so many free resources and tools available to aid with building your social media presence. However, I do believe those free resources are only going to take you so far. Investing in a coach will help you pivot.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.biyond.net
- Instagram: biyond_
- Facebook: BIYOND
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shondaberry
Image Credits
Blissful Dreams Photography Carl Ankrum Charles Gipson