A Conversation with the Resilient & Visionary Shadá Menefee

At Photos by LJK, we love highlighting women who turn challenges into stepping stones, empower others through their purpose, and live boldly in their calling. Today, we’re sitting down with Shadá Menefee, a woman whose resilience, faith, and passion have shaped her into a powerhouse entrepreneur and leader. Let’s dive into her inspiring journey!

Photos by LJK: What’s your full name?

Shadá: Shadá Menefee.

Photos by LJK: Who is the woman that inspires you the most?

Shadá: The woman who inspires me the most is my mother. She is an Alabama native who moved to Connecticut to support my father and start a life together. She had no friends or family—just the love of her life and endless faith in God.

When we lost my father in 2008 after his battle with cancer, she continued to stay strong in faith and persevere, navigating life and raising two children on her own. My mother plays a major role in my “why” as a woman. She has instilled so much knowledge, courage, and love in me that I can stand in the world on my own as the fearless leader I am today. Her impact has no end on my life and so many others, and I hope she always knows how much she is valued.

Photos by LJK: That’s such a powerful legacy. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Shadá: Embrace every single achievement. I was always an early achiever, always chasing the next goal. But I never really remembered the journey—I just moved on to what was next.

Now, as I reflect on the growth of my business, I realize that I take in every milestone, every lesson, every hardship—because those moments can’t be rewound. My business will continue to grow, and I’ll achieve amazing things, but I always want to embrace the journey because that’s where the real transformation happens.

Photos by LJK: That’s such an important shift in mindset! What’s your go-to song when you need to feel empowered?

Shadá: “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” – Kanye West.

Photos by LJK: That song is the ultimate energy boost! What’s a passion or hobby that brings you joy outside of work?

Shadá: Helping other women feel beautiful and confident in their best selves. I love assisting with hair, makeup, styling, fitness, healthy eating—truly anything that helps a woman show up as her best self. If you need a shopping friend or beauty advice, I’m your girl!

Photos by LJK: That’s a gift! If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Shadá: Resilient.

Photos by LJK: Why did you choose that word?

Shadá: Because despite everything I’ve seen, experienced, and endured, I keep going. Nothing on this Earth can stop me—except me.

After we lost my father, I just knew we would have support because he made certain people promise to look after us. They didn’t. At 17, I realized no one was coming to save us. So, I got to work. Ever since, I’ve been like a boulder—knocking down every wall to ensure that my family and I would be okay.

Photos by LJK: That’s real. You took resilience and turned it into power! How do you celebrate your wins, big or small?

Shadá: I get on my knees and thank God! If it had not been for the Lord on my side, I don’t know where I’d be. Anybody could be on the trajectory I’ve been on, but He chose me, and for that, I am forever grateful.

On the other hand, my goal is to celebrate every successful year with a month-long vacation in a different country.

Photos by LJK: That is an elite-level celebration plan! What does strength mean to you, and how do you embody it?

Shadá: Strength is the ability to keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough or uncertain. It’s resilience—staying grounded in who you are while adapting to life’s challenges with grace.

Strength is also vulnerability—being brave enough to acknowledge your feelings and still choosing to rise above them.

I embody strength by staying true to my purpose, leaning into my passions, and reminding myself that every step, no matter how small, is progress. I also find strength in community—knowing that giving and receiving support is part of the journey because no one is truly strong alone.

Photos by LJK: That definition of strength is everything! If you could make one change in the world for women, what would it be?

Shadá: To ensure that every woman has access to safe, supportive environments that nurture her growth—physically, emotionally, and professionally.

Whether it’s a space to call her own, resources to build her dreams, or a community to uplift her, I’d want every woman to feel empowered to step into her full potential without fear or limitation. A world where women are fully supported is a world where we all thrive.

Photos by LJK: YES! What’s one accomplishment you’re really proud of?

Shadá: Starting, maintaining, and growing my business, Flourish By Shadá Interiors. To take a passion, turn it into a business, empower others through it, and sustain it for five years—it brings me to tears every time.

I was always told to keep a safe, stable job in banking or finance, which I did. But God said bigger. So, we went bigger!

Photos by LJK: That’s a testimony! Last question—if you had a billboard for one day, what would it say?

Shadá: Keep Going…

Photos by LJK: And that is the reminder we ALL need! Shadá, your resilience, faith, and ability to empower others are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

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