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

Hi Shelley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My book, From Wed to Widow, felt like a risk once I finished writing it. Part of resilience is to tell empowering stories so writing contributed to my healing process. When I finished, however, I had to decide if I was going to keep it to myself or share my thoughts with the world. Publishing a book felt risky because I did not know how it would be received.

Luckily, I am usually overtaken by boldness during my birthday month. It was on my birthday that I decided to publish ‘From Wed to Widow’. I tend to take life changing steps in November each year, which come to fruition at various times over the course of a year. There is always something to look forward to.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in the Houston area. We would start on a Friday night at Unwine on Almeda. On Saturday we would have brunch at Lucille’s followed by some shopping with designer Franklin BeFrank Bediako. Then we would be off to Urban Social for drinks and cigars. If my guest was up to it, we would end the night at Five Central for dancing. On Sunday, we would go to Surf Side Beach and spend the day for sun, surf, and seafood on the pier.

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?
From Wed to Widow is dedicated to the memory of my husband, as well as to my two sons, parents, sister, extended family and longtime friends. Interestingly, in 2011 my dissertation was dedicated to my husband, sons, parents, and sister. They truly have provided support, encouragement and love over the years for all that I have been able to accomplish. Each one of them deserve credit and recognition for this new leg of my journey.

Website: https://wedtowidow.wixsite.com/my-site?fbclid=IwAR26b3ZlhbQIEpVv0NmjXDXuS_wRu-QxfdhTYrbVmsT6DMBMLf_KrJ1Y7v0

Instagram: @drshelleyrmckinley

Twitter: @smckinl1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelley.mckinley.5

Other: IG -@wedtowidow FB Group – From Wed to Widow

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