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

Hi Shakila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I created Walk This Way Movement Inc. to empower women to conquer their fears, overcome obstacles and build confidence.

My thought process behind it was, since there are many obstacles in life that women must face, at times losing sight of their dreams, why not create a program designed to empower women to achieve those dreams. Based on my own experience, I wanted to provide them with the personal development tools to do exactly that, achieve your dreams!

What should our readers know about your business?

In 2010 my mother passed away and my life instantly changed. I was 26 years old pursuing a career in modeling and acting while at the same time recognizing certain aspects of those careers could benefit women in general.  However, my focus was now directed on keeping my family together, so I made the choice to adopt my 10-year-old brother. I was very afraid. I didn’t know how we would thrive financially, emotionally, or how to parent my brother.  So, I went deep within my soul, and on the strength of the love of my family, and my faith in God, I shifted my direction and focused on developing a business, “Walk This Way Movement.”

I exceeded my expectations! In adopting my brother, I found strength I didn’t know that I had.  A strength so powerful that I was able to conquer my fears, pursue my dreams, overcome obstacles, with a newly found “CONFIDENCE” to navigate life’s challenges!

With this new revelation, I created “Walk This Way Movement,” a benefit corporation designed to empower women and girls by building healthy self- esteem and confidence! This work is accomplished through motivational speaking, creative educational workshops, life-coaching, leadership training,  and mentoring programs. The curriculum is designed to educate and empower women and girls with the tools needed to make choices that would benefit both their personal and professional lives.

Since its start in 2015, Walk This Way Movement Inc. has formed partnerships with: the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, After School Matters, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, DCFS, Heart Haven Outreach Center, The Fearless Conference and Magnolia Science Academy. Walk This Way Movement’s signature workshop, “Chin Up! You Got This!” has also been featured on ABC’s Windy City Live talk show, Dr. Oz, and The Steve Harvey Show.

In 2016, Walk This Movement was the recipient of the “She Rocks IT!” Award.

In 2017, Walk This Movement Inc. expanded and relocated from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA. I was especially proud of one of our California campaigns entitled “The One Pearl.” Pearl Necklaces designed to empower women and girls to know that they are “The One Pearl” of great value that Christ fought for. This campaign was featured on a Los Angeles billboard and sold out within 10 minutes of launching. A very proud moment indeed!!

Through this journey, I learned that women have the power within themselves to overcome any obstacle they may face, either personally or as a business owner, and not to forget to make their well-being a priority which will enhance everlasting success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my Bestfriend was visiting Los Angeles, CA for the first time ever.

FRIDAY MORNING: Once she got off the plane, I would have “California Love” playing on the radio, grab her luggage and give her a small lavender latte from Hilltop Coffee and a chocolate Croissant to eat and drink while we drive home. I would give her a tour of my new apartment in Downtown LA Which features; a pool, roof top, fire pit, theatre room, fitness center and yoga studio.

We would then go to Massage Envy for two full body massages, a facial and grab lunch at the Girl and The Goat.
We would then come back to my apartment, take a nap and then I would grill her favorite; lamb chops, potatoes and asparagus with a glass of Merlot. We would eat this on the rooftop overlooking the Hollywood Sign celebrating our new adventures.

SATURDAY:We would get up, grab coffee from Starbucks, go to a 9am yoga class, take the train to Santa Monica Pier, ride a rollercoaster, lay in the sand and drink mimosas. Come home and go to Granville for dinner.

SUNDAY: We would go to church, hike the Hollywood Sign at Beachwood Canyon, come back to my apartment, relax a the pool with homemade steak tacos, strawberry margaritas, chips, salsa and attempt to watch, “Girls Trip” in the theatre room at my apartment.

MONDAY: I would cook; sunny side up eggs, breakfast potatoes, toast, bacon with coffee and mimosas. We would ride train to Hollywood Blvd, take pictures of her favorite celebrities stars on The Walk Of Fame and then take train to Universal City Walk, take pictures, and eat dinner at Bubble Gump Shrimp.

TUESDAY: We would go to the Broad Museum, walk around Downtown LA in the Artist District, ride the Angels Flight Railroad, come home nap, sit at the pool and have wine at the fire pit before bed.

WEDNESDAY: We would drive to Malibu Farms, eat lunch, lay at the beach and go dancing that night at LA Live.

THURSDAY: We would take a paddle boat ride at Echo park, have lunch at Hearts and Flames, go to Prada on Rodeo Drive and dinner at Via Alloro.

FRIDAY: We would drive down Sunset Blvd. get inspired by the beautiful billboards of our favorite television shows, have lunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker, drive her to the airport with a card and a picture that I printed of our trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to ShoutOut my Life Coach, TASHA PITCHFORD who helped push me to start, Walk This Way Movement Inc. and because of her guidance and expertise my second class was ABC’s Windy City Live. She believed in my dream from the very beginning.

Website: www.ShakilaStewart.com

Instagram: @shakilastewart

Linkedin: @shakilaStewart

Twitter: @shakilaStewart

Facebook: @ShakilaStewart

Youtube: Shakila Stewart

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