Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Gourdine.
Hi Shana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a three years survivor of domestic violence and abuse. This story begins in August of 2011 when my children’s father first put his hands on me. At the time, I was six months pregnant with my second daughter and terrified for my own life as well as that of my unborn child. Seemingly out of nowhere, I was thrown against the kitchen cabinets and beaten. As he fought to close his hands around my throat, I fought back desperate to stop this madness before he could hurt my children. Finally, I broke free and forced my abuser to leave.
Once he was gone, I was left alone, trying to process what had just happened. In my state of shock, I struggled to wrap my mind around the fact that the man who told me he loved me every day and helped create our beautiful children could ever put his hands on me. For months I worked to rebuild my life and care for my children as a newly single mother. I wish that my story ended here, but like many women in my situation, it wasn’t that simple.
After encountering the ugly face of domestic violence and developing four different health conditions, Shana Gourdine’s life took a new turn. But she couldn’t give this a room to ruin her life, so she embarked on a journey to elevate her self-esteem and uplift people who were going through such issues. Consequently, Shana writes relatable books from her experiences to help individuals learn to love themselves again after going through disappointments, trauma and disability. Moreover, Shana fits in several other shoes as a poet, motivational speaker, podcast host, spoken word artist, self-love life coach, advocate for domestic violence awareness and chronic illnesses.
Shana has published several titles and co-authored several others in a writing journey that spans three years. Her debut title, The Mask Behind the Mask, is a poetry book that inspires people to appreciate and love their imperfections despite their daily experiences. Unveiled Pieces of a Broken Mask is a spin of her debut title, and the book helps people break the mask of baggage that people carry from their past.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I went through two different relationships of domestic violence and I have five different health conditions such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Polycystic kidney disease, and Polycystic ovary syndrome. These are the things I have overcame or have learned to work through in life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Shana has published several titles and co-authored several others in a writing journey that spans three years. Her debut title, The Mask Behind the Mask, is a poetry book that inspires people to appreciate and love their imperfections despite their daily experiences. Unveiled Pieces of a Broken Mask is a spin of her debut title, and the book helps people break the mask of baggage that people carry from their past. I have co-authored 28 anthologies in the last three years. I have created my company called Shana Unmasking Motivation where we are here to empower, motivate, and teach people how to remove their masks. We work on individuals to become their true selves and love themselves past their imperfections. I am awarding the winning Author and Speaker, poet, Podcast Host, and Elevation and Self Love Coach. Executive Producer of my new Television Show Coming soon to BHC Media Network.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I am looking at making a non-profit and keep expanding my brand to keep impacting people into healing to be their best version of themselves. I am looking to write more books and continue to expand.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theladybehindthemask.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybehindthemask22/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shana.gourdine.3
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/w_gourdine
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW2nPm8Ewtzk199Pl4XiaYQ
Image Credits
Mark Davis
