Life & Work with Shakira Wright of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakira Wright.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, where resilience, faith, and determination were not optional. They were a way of life. Entrepreneurship has been part of my journey for more than a decade, but the foundation was laid long before I ever started a business. I have always believed in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.

After earning my bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University, I returned to Chicago and launched my first beauty business in 2014. Like many entrepreneurs, I quickly learned that building a business is about much more than making money. It is about vision, consistency, relationships, and having the courage to keep moving forward when the outcome is uncertain. Every challenge, setback, and success has helped shape me into the entrepreneur I am today.

While building businesses, I remained committed to education. I later earned a Master of Public Administration and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership, Management, and Policy. My passion for entrepreneurship and education stems from a shared belief: both have the power to create opportunities, transform lives, and build generational impact.

On April 1, 2025, I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and relocated from Chicago to Cartersville, Georgia. I did not move because of a job opportunity or because everything was perfectly mapped out. I moved because God sent me here. It was a decision rooted in faith, obedience, and the belief that there was more for me on the other side of comfort. At the same time, I recognized that the Atlanta area is home to entrepreneurs, innovation, and opportunity. It is an environment where visionaries come to build, grow, and create.

Since arriving in Georgia, I have focused on positioning myself for the next chapter of my entrepreneurial journey. One of my most exciting ventures is the relaunch of Shakira J Beauty here in Cartersville. As a Chicago entrepreneur entering what I consider uncharted territory for my brand, I am excited to introduce a luxury beauty experience to a new market while building meaningful connections throughout the community. I see opportunity where others may see uncertainty, and that mindset has guided me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.

Today, my vision extends far beyond beauty. I am passionate about empowering others through entrepreneurship, education, financial literacy, and personal development. Everything I build is rooted in helping people recognize what is possible when they invest in themselves and have the courage to pursue a bigger vision for their lives.

My story is still being written, but if there is one thing I know for certain, it is that faith, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks can open doors that once seemed impossible. From the West Side of Chicago to Cartersville, Georgia, I have continued to trust God’s direction, embrace new opportunities, and build with purpose. This is more than a business journey. It is a legacy in the making.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Entrepreneurship comes with a level of uncertainty that most people never see behind the scenes. There have been seasons when I questioned myself, faced setbacks, and had to rebuild. I’ve learned that success is rarely a straight line.

One of my biggest challenges was having the courage to start over. On April 1, 2025, I left everything familiar in Chicago and relocated to Cartersville, Georgia. I did not have every detail figured out, and I did not have a guaranteed outcome waiting for me. I moved because I knew God was leading me in a different direction, and that required a level of faith that stretched me beyond my comfort zone.

As an entrepreneur, I have also had to learn how to balance multiple responsibilities. There have been times when I had to manage work, school, business, and personal growth all at the same time. That balancing act can be challenging, but it has taught me discipline, time management, and perseverance.

Another challenge has been learning to embrace reinvention. Relaunching Shakira J Beauty in a new market means introducing my brand to an entirely new audience. What I built in Chicago does not automatically transfer to Georgia. It requires building new relationships, earning trust, and creating visibility in what feels like uncharted territory. However, I view that challenge as an opportunity to grow.

Looking back, I am grateful for every obstacle because each one has strengthened my faith, sharpened my vision, and prepared me for the next level. The challenges did not stop my journey. They helped shape it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Professionally, I work in higher education as an Enrollment Representative, where I help prospective nursing students navigate the admissions process and take the next step toward achieving their educational goals. Education has always been a significant part of my life. I come from a long line of educators, and that influence helped shape my passion for student success, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Throughout my career, I have worked in several service-oriented professions that allowed me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Prior to my current role, I worked as a substitute teacher with Chicago Public Schools, where I had the opportunity to support and mentor students from diverse backgrounds. I have also worked in case management, serving children, adults with disabilities, seniors, and individuals facing mental health challenges. Those experiences taught me the importance of advocacy, empathy, and meeting people where they are while helping them navigate difficult circumstances.

What I am most proud of is the impact I have on others. Whether I am helping a student pursue a degree, assisting a family in accessing resources, or encouraging someone to overcome obstacles, I find fulfillment in knowing that my work contributes to positive change. For me, success is measured not only by personal accomplishments but also by the lives I am able to influence along the way.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people from all walks of life while combining professional experience with real-world perspective. My career has allowed me to work in education, case management, and student support, giving me a well-rounded understanding of the challenges people face and the support they need to succeed. I strive to lead with empathy, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others reach their full potential.

As I continue my professional journey, one of my long-term goals is to serve as a remote adjunct professor at multiple universities, beginning with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. I am passionate about mentoring students, contributing to higher education, and helping prepare the next generation of leaders. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity, and I am especially interested in helping students understand how education and entrepreneurship can work together to create economic mobility, generational impact, and long-term success. My hope is to continue making a meaningful difference through teaching, leadership, service, and entrepreneurship for years to come.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that everybody cannot go where God is taking you. For a long time, I believed that if I cared for people, supported them, and remained loyal, they would be a part of every season of my life. As I have grown, I have learned that people serve different purposes in different seasons, and not everyone is meant to make the entire journey with you.

That lesson became especially clear when I made the decision to leave everything familiar and relocate from Chicago to Cartersville, Georgia. Moving required faith, courage, and a willingness to trust God even when I could not see the full picture. Along the way, I learned that growth often requires separation. Sometimes God removes people, places, and situations from your life, not to punish you, but to prepare you for what is next.

I have also learned that success requires discipline, consistency, and patience. Whether in education, entrepreneurship, or personal growth, there are no shortcuts. The results people see are often built on years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance behind the scenes.

Most importantly, I have learned to trust God’s timing. Not every door opens when we want it to, and not every opportunity is meant for me. Looking back, some of the things I once considered setbacks were actually divine redirections. Today, I understand that every challenge, disappointment, and transition played a role in shaping the woman I am becoming.

If there is one lesson I carry with me every day, it is this: trust God, stay committed to your purpose, and do not be afraid to walk alone when necessary. The right people will align with your journey, and everything meant for you will arrive in its appointed time.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/shakirajbeauty