We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelly Inspires and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shelly Inspires, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have thought long and hard about staring my own business for about 7 years now. When I was in middle school I knew that I wanted to help people and become a Social Worker in the future as I am a people person and love talking to others and getting to know them on a personal level.
I have given out an array of advice through my high school to college years to friends and family and whenever they needed me I was there for them. So at the end of the day, I felt happy in being that support system.
And here I am at 50 years old and have been through a host of traumatic events in my life: a 21 year cancer survivor, a sexual assault survivor, and a domestic violence survivor and I am still here for a reason. Additionally, I have seen and heard about so much suffering in this world for years from family and friends through their own life experiences that I want to support and guide them in any which way that I can.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Life Coach with over 25+ years of life experience and education. I have a Masters in Healthcare Administration Management and a Bachelors in Community & Human Services.
I started my online business as a Life Coach to help support and guide others on their health and healing journey.
What sets me apart from others is not only my education but my life experiences. I am a 21 year, almost a 22 year Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cancer survivor (in May 2022) and still going strong. Additionally, I am a sexual assault and a domestic violence survivor.
I am most proud of being a stay at home mother from 2000-2018 and in that time I acquired all of my degrees online from my Associates to my Masters degree. Even though some days were difficult with having to study and take care of my son, it was all worth it as education is key. From 2005-2018 I was my son’s Special Education Advocate, as he had an IEP in school. I worked tirelessly along with all of his Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Social Worker and Occupational Therapists to ensure that my son was going to thrive in and outside of school. My son had extra time on tests, counseling, and occupational therapy on a weekly basis. Of course there were times that were challenging, for example writing letters to the New York City Board of Education and in the many phone calls that I had to make to ensure that everyone was on the same page. But it was in those times of challenge that change was being made.
I have learned so many lessons along the way in my life to include self-care, boundaries, saying no to others when my time, mental, and spiritual health was being compromised. If I did not listen to myself and my intuition, the end result would be burnout and illness. That is why I make the conscious choice to take time for myself and it begins as soon as I wake up in the morning. The first thing that I do is talk to God and say how grateful I am that I woke up. Then I put on my diffuser with my essential oil, sit down, have some tea, and write how grateful I am for everything that I have. Keeping a journal holds me accountable to all of hopes and dreams that I want to come to fruition. If you can think it, write it, you can create it. Your reality is your own and no matter what is transpiring out there in this beautiful world, you are your own creator.
In regards to my brand and story I want the world to know that nothing in this world can stop you from the life that you want to live. The only thing that is stopping you is you. You life is your own and you should not compare yourself to other people. We all have special gifts, talents and abilities and it is up to us to utilize them all for our best and highest good. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
My goal is to help you re-imagine your life. With extensive experience in Life Coaching my individualized positivity approach will help you to attain your goals. Committing to a healthier lifestyle is just that – a commitment and it’s a big one that will take a lot of dedication. My commitment is to provide you with accountability, understanding and support. As an experienced Life Coach, I have the tools and understanding to help you create the life you imagine and get a renewed sense of self.
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.
If my best friend was to visit me for a week in Arizona, I would absolutely take them to visit Sedona.
In early March, my soul sister had taken me on a two day trip to Sedona. I have never been to Arizona and so thrilled that I decided to relocate here in late March.
Sedona is so beautiful, to include, the mountains, the air, the vibe, the people and the most magnificent thing that I had seen with my own two eyes was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built right into the rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Additionally, it is a Roman Catholic Church Administered by Father Ignatius Mazanowski. Their website is www.chapeloftheholycross.com. The Church is also on Instagram: chapelsedona and prior to moving out of New York, I had sent the chapel an Instant Message via Instagram and asked them to keep me in their thoughts and daily prayers and for God to guide my way to Arizona. I do believe in the power of pray and my positive mindset is a powerful force in this world. And here I am. Living in Arizona and soaking up everything that it has to offer. The sunshine is the one thing that makes me happy to be here. And the peace of mind that I have at this time in my life. Peace and perfect health is what give me the drive to get up each and every day and live my life on my terms, and live my life to the fullest.
I would drive through the town of Sedona on the way to the Chapel. Through this town is so many magnificent shops, places to eat, etc. Even though my friend and I did not stop to eat in the town, I would have to suggest to others to take and make the time to spend a day there. It is so peaceful and the people in the town are truly delightful.
So, if my best friend wanted to spend a day or two in Sedona, we would stop and browse the little shops and then pick a spot for lunch, and then a little walk to the chapel for some peace, quiet and prayer.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am dedicating my shoutout to my son Louis James. I am so grateful that my son was born 21 years ago. He has been with me through my most difficult days and he has been my rock. I have to say that at 21 years old he has given me the best advice in some of my decisions that I had to make, and he has taught me patience and doing the things that make me happy. He has been my force of light in this world and he has encouraged me to live my life to the fullest. Thank you to my son, Louis James. I love you with all of my heart and soul.
Website: www.shellyinspires.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shellyinspires555
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-cerami-mha-7189a26b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shellyinspires555
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoMiJGWlnyurpzgF3zl2O6w
Other: Email: shellyinspires@outlook.com Business Phone: 646-956-5860
Image Credits
Chapel of the Holy Cross – Sedona, Arizona.