Meet Hanifa H Staine | Author & Lifestyle Balance Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanifa H Staine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanifa H, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Belize, a tiny country located in Central America just below Mexico. Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America because we are a commonwealth to England. The face of the Queen of England is actually on our dollar and coins. But to answer your question in reference to my background and upbringing I would have to say that it definitely shaped who I am today. I am the oldest of two girls and I grew up in the church with very strict grandparents. My mom, unfortunately passed away during childbirth when I was only two years old so I never really knew my mom. As mentioned I was raised in the church and as such I had very high expectations placed on me not only from a character stand point but also from an achievement, goal oriented stand point. Education, good character and spirituality was a first priority in everything I do. Thankfully, it has paid off for me as I mature and grow and had better appreciation for the discipline that was instilled in me at a very young age. If I had to pinpoint one thing that has been impacted by my upbringing I would say it is my work ethic. I am committed to completing any project I work on; this includes the idea of my business. Over the years, my work ethic has been valuable in moving up the corporate ladder as a compliance officer in the healthcare industry and eventually leading me to the idea of becoming an entrepreneur and starting my own business.

What should our readers know about your business?
As indicated earlier, I’m new to entrepreneurship. I currently juggle both a small apparel business along with my lifestyle balance coaching and a full time career as a compliance officer in the healthcare industry. Whew, just saying it out loud makes me wonder how I do it but the honest truth is this, I genuinely enjoy what I do and it comes really easy. However, because I preach in my coaching practice about finding and managing balance I have to live it too. As such, I am very intentional with the things I do. Here are two phrases that guide my life and I try to coach my clients to implement them in their lives as well: 1. Lead with love: when I lead with love I intentionally strive to put others first but because I lead with love I don’t feel the pressure of guilt when I have to say no to things that do not fit into my schedule. Leading with love allows me to set and maintain needed boundaries in all of my different relationships. 2. Add Value: this is big, before I do anything I ask myself, is it adding value to my life or the people around me? Will it add value to a specific cause, activity or event? If I answer yes, I do it. If I answer no I don’t do it. I try to remain consistent and disciplined in my approach to the evaluation process. That being said, the process has not been easy, it took me four years to implement the business plan. I had to really evaluate the financial obligation of becoming an entrepreneur. I didn’t feel secure enough to invest what I needed to get the business off the ground. I eventually hired a business coach who helped me realize that if I didn’t believe in my own business idea, how was I going to get others to do the same. That was a lesson in and of itself. God Life Creative is a lifestyle brand. Based on the name I’m sure you can tell it’s God base but I think outside of the obvious, the thing that sets God Life Creative apart from other brands is that it focuses on 360 wellness. What is 360 wellness? I’m glad you ask, it’s a lifestyle brand that focuses on educating, training, encouraging and motivating clients on being their best self in all areas of their life. Emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and professional. The brand is well rounded by providing clients with spiritual and motivational apparel, insightful blogs on various topics, retreat and travel activities and specialized coaching for clients who need hands-on help with setting goals to help them craft 360 wellness and find lifestyle balance.

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.
There is so much to do in Houston but if I had to narrow it down to a week of activities I think we would kick it off with a great Sunday service at The Church Without Walls where Pastor Ralph West always brings a great word. Followed by a great Sunday brunch at one of my favorite spots, Batanga, located on Congress street. The food is served tapas style and is a Latin American fusion flavor; amazingly good. Monday, we would head to NASA; can’t come to Houston without visiting NASA. It’s so very educational, followed by a late lunch in the park at market square. There are always great food options there. Tuesday is museum day, yes Houston is known for its great museum district and it never disappoints. The Museum of Fine art is one of my favorites to visit and just across the street it also hosts a really cool sculpture garden. After taking in all the cool art, we would head to the Turkey Leg Hut for some good eating and great drinks. Wednesday is beach day, we are heading to Galveston and getting on the ferry to take a quick trip across the channel to Port Bolivar (Crystal Beach); once over there, we will explore the little island and definitely grab some fresh seafood from harborside pier. Depending on the time of year we can do the Christmas light show at moody gardens or the schlitterbahn water park. Thursday is a chill day so we will spend the day exploring Graffiti park, bayou bend gardens; such a beautiful spot for a picnic, the underground tunnels in downtown from the “Wells Fargo” building and memorial park. End the day with some Torchy’s tacos. Friday is farmer’s market day. Some of my favorite farmers market around Houston are: 1. Urban Harvest Farmers Market 2. Memorial Village Farmers Market 3. Westchase District Farmers Market to sample fresh fruits and veggies and of course some good food from the food trucks that are very popular at the farmers market here in Houston. Later we’ll head to a comedy show at the Improv. Saturday, Jazz brunch at the House of Blues. The food and the music is amazing.

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?
There are several people and organizations that have contributed to my growth and success; my first shout out is for my grandmother Allimae Wade, she always pushes me to go the extra mile in everything I do especially when it comes to getting an education. Other significant recognition would have to be Woven Strong Women’s Ministry, Mrs. Carolyn DeJohn, she was the first person who encouraged me to speak public to encourage other women in their divorce journey and finally Ms. Erin Creeks who has just been an ongoing inspiration to me to keep going after the things that brings me joy. I would have never even ventured in the direction of writing the goal journal ” Seek God! Sit Still! Set Goals” was it not for any of these people always encouraging and supporting me. I could go on and on but for the purpose of this article; I will say this, I have a very supportive circle of friends and family that have remained a rock for me and I am grateful to all of them; I would not be where I am today without their support.

Website: godlifecreative.com
Instagram: god_life_creativellc
Facebook: @godlifecreativellc

Image Credits
Hanifa H Staine