Meet Shavondra Walker | Author & Businesswoman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shavondra Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shavondra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to have a positive impact on the culture. I wanted to create a brand that the world could use. The goal was/is to create a timeless yet effective brand that would positively impact the community. I also wanted to feel purposeful no matter what I did, I also went in business with the mindset of having the freedom of time to create and live the life that I desired, while empowering others to love themselves and be confident in their ability to succeed through being an Author and Businesswoman.
    

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Author and businesswomen, I published my first children’s book call Black Girl Shine to encourage and empower our youth to take pride in who they are and their ability to succeed. I’ve written and published 3 books in total (Black Girl Shine, Black Boy We Need You, and Girl, Listen Here), that uplifts and adds a sense of dopeness and originality to the culture. I am most proud that books have reached countries such as, Ghana, Sierra Leone, England, and Canada just to name a few. It’s a beautiful feeling to see my wildest dreams been superseded because I took the chance and put my creativity on a platform for the world to access. The road has been challenging but I’m always up for a challenge, I’m resilient and I don’t give up. To overcome these challenges, I use every situation as a teachable moment, the more knowledge I gain, the more I can implement those lessons into running my business. There will always be room for improvement. Learning is a never-ending process. I saw a lack of representation in books with people of color, I decided to be the positive change that would create books that represent people that looked like me. I wanted to create something that would outlast anything, and what could be better than books? Generations after generations will be able to read my books and I hope that the readers feel empowered, beautiful, and ready to conquer the world. Black Girl Shine wants to show the world that we shine, and we are here to create and innovate. Absolutely nothing is impossible. Take that risk and follow your dreams!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would visit Millenium park and go on a museum and art gallery hop, go to dinner in the Fulton market, and finish the week off with a picnic by the lake. Chicago is a huge city and there’s plenty to explore.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Family and Friends! No matter what my dream is, my family and friends are in my corner. They support all that I do and encourage me to keep creating and striving for greatness! They are literally my #1 fans. Their love and support doesn’t go unnoticed and is very much appreciated. The amount of support and dedication that they have when it comes to building the Black Girl Shine Brand truly warms my heart. My family plays an important role in my success. They provide me with the tools, love, and support to keep going and I simply want to make them proud!

Website: blackgirlshinebooks.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/BlackGirlShineBooks/

Facebook: http://m.facebook.com/BlackGirlShineBooks

Other: Amazon-Shavondra Walker