We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon McGraw-Deitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There was a need and I knew I had what it took to meet that need. Specifically with our mission at Hopeful Hearts Ministry, which is to aide in the long term recovery of adult survivors of abuse, I had been working with teenagers, sharing my own story of healing after abuse, and their parents would pull me aside, sharing their own stories and how they had never told anyone nor received any form of therapy to help with the healing process. I knew from experience that most childhood abuse victims (whether it be mental abuse, neglect, sexual abuse or physical abuse) rarely come forward with what had occurred because 90% of abuse takes place within the family. When the abuse is not worked through, the victim may learn to survive and carry on a relatively normal life, however, the ramifications of the break down in boundaries can cause harm in communication skills, maintaining healthy relationships, and erupt in all facets of work and home life. I knew there was a need to help guide victims to not just surviving their past but thriving in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” is a quote by George Elliot that I keep on my fridge, along with “Never, Never, Never, Give up.” – Winston Churchill. These two quotes epitomize my success and what has led me to become who I am today and what will continue to guide me as I allow new doors to open and a new chapter to be written. In my twenties I often talked myself out of what could have ended up in success. I convinced myself I ‘could never’ speak in front of a group of people, or ‘no one would ever’ want to read my books or listen to what I have to say. These lies floated in my mind despite my innate longing to write and to help others see their own worth. It wasn’t until I came into my faith that I had the courage to hand these internal fears over to God and see what He would do with them. Within three years of taking a job working with youth in ministry (which I was terrified to speak to youth) I was being asked to speak on a stage in front of 800 youth. From their I was invited to speak at our Diocesan conference in front of 1500 and then on a National speaking team in front of audiences 5000+. I realized quickly when you give the fear over to God and allow Him to open the doors He will often take you on a path you couldn’t’ have fathomed. The desire to help others manifested in various ways, one through the non-profit, but also through one on one professional life-coaching. I got certified in 2017 and as the George Elliot suggests, I help others to also realize it’s never too late. No matter what their dreams, if they never, never give up, they will achieve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend coming into Houston I would definitely suggest a night at the Hotel Zaza for an interesting environment, drinks and dinner possibly even dancing. We could go shopping at the Galleria and do some bar hopping in The Heights. In fact we’d have to have another night out for a great dinner in the Heights and dessert at the best dessert place – The Red Dessert Dive. The rest of the time we would spend seeing the outskirts of Houston, maybe heading down to the beach in Galveston and to do some shopping on the Strand. I would definitely visit Jennika’s and Dorothy Mays. These two women have unique stores and both of them are huge supporters of Hopeful Hearts Ministry. If they were interested and have never been to Houston we could visit NASA and go to Discovery Green. And we would definitely eat Tex/Mex at Pappasitos!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hopeful Hearts Ministry wouldn’t be in existence if it weren’t for the prayers, support and care of our donors. We are fully donor funded and without the men and women who recognize the importance of one on one therapy, regardless of age or how long it’s been since the trauma and our empowerment programs that provide tools to overcome anxiety and stress, our reach and effort would be stunted. We are grateful to all of those who support Hopeful Hearts Ministry!

Website: www.HopefulHeartsMinistry.org & www.ShannonMMcGraw.com
Instagram: Hopeful Hearts Ministry
Linkedin: Hopeful Hearts Ministry
Twitter: Shannondeitz
Facebook: Hopeful Hearts Ministry & Shannon M McGraw
Youtube: Shannon McGraw

Image Credits
Jennifer Hernandez Photograpy – my main picture (on the ledge)