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

Hi Shaleiah, what inspires you?
My community inspires me the most. When I look around I think about the “difference” I would make if I had the chance. That’s what drives me to do more! That’s what inspires me to continue to be the best that I can be everyday. Most people think that once they get to a certain level of achievement, the small things that used to matter just fade away. That’s not me, I always tell myself that when I become stable enough to say, “I made it”. I’m coming back and helping the community that help mold me into who I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
When I created my non-profit organization it came from a thought that I wrote down on a piece of paper. That thought was, in order to have life you must first have hope. I remember it like it was yesterday, I was sitting at my kitchen table after a therapy session in 2020 that I was taking after losing my stepfather unexpectedly. Before that I never even considered therapy to be important. But, my grief started to consume me and I needed to express what I was feeling inside. I think that was the best decision that I ever made for myself. It changed my life in so many ways. I started thinking that out of all the people around the world, I couldn’t be the only one that was suffering in silence and afraid to seek help. Eventually those thoughts on that little piece of paper became an actually business plan that became a non-profit organization that focuses on raising mental health awareness. We like to call our organization a “bridge the gap” hub. We go door to door, host community events, provide access to the mental health resources that are available. Being able to create a non-profit that helps others has been one of my greatest achievements. The smiles and appreciation that I get from helping others impact my life in so many ways. Life For The Hopeless Foundation is going on it’s third year and every year our organization expands. If we’re being totally transparent, I must say that starting a business is never easy. You have so many sources like social media that makes starting a business look easy. When the reality is everything takes work. I would tell the next generation that’s up and coming to start that business that started as just a thought, but then put in the work and watch it pay off. I want the world to know that this is just the beginning for at Life For The Hopeless Foundation we’re going to be global one day and to all my folks that are suffering in silence, stop it’s someone out here that will listen. At Life For The Hopeless Foundation we listen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite spots in the city coming from a person that’s really a netflix and chill person, unless on vacation is going to be very interesting. I would definitely start off by visiting some well known spots in Charlotte, NC like Chicken and Ribs on Beatties Ford Road known for some of the best food around town. We would go to the Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Culture to see some of their latest exhibits. Next on the list would be drinks at the Thomas Street Tavern where the hospitality is simple amazing. Can’t forget to stop by Daves Hot Chicken in Plaza Midwood to get one of the best chicken sanwiches in the whole world. Ending it with a hike up Crowders Mountain Trail in Gastonia, NC to view the mountains and smell the fresh air.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, when I think about my motivation my late grandmother comes to mind. My grandmother name was Pearl Sanders, she passed away on 1/9/2021 after contracting the coronavirus. My grandmother was my best friend. She instilled so much in me that when I look back on all of our memories it makes so much sense why she did some of the things that she did now that I’m all grown up. I would like to think that I’m making her proud and carrying on her legacy. She had a smile that was contagious, made the best pound cakes, and most of all had a heart of gold. She was my support system, mentor, and rare gem all in one.

Website: www.lifeforthehopeless.org

Instagram: Life For The Hopeless Foundation

Facebook: Life For The Hopeless Foundation

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