Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakia Shelton.
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?
My path hasn’t been linear, and that’s one of my greatest strengths.
At my core, I’m driven by faith and service. Everything I build across law, and entrepreneurship is rooted in being the hands and feet of God in the community. I’ve always been drawn to work that creates access, protects people, and helps families see possibilities beyond what’s immediately in front of them.
At the beginning of my legal career, I had the opportunity to work inside some of the most prestigious legal environments, including The Cochran Law Firm, one of the most prominent African American–owned law firms in the country. That experience gave me a behind the scenes understanding of how high level advocacy, legacy, and business intersect, and it shaped how I think about representation, excellence, and responsibility from the very start.
What shaped me just as much, though, was learning that life doesn’t always unfold according to plan. When I was in law school, I had a very specific vision for how my career would look. I didn’t begin practicing when I expected to, and for a period of time, I truly believed that the future I had seen for myself might never come to pass. That season taught me patience, humility, and trust. It’s also what fuels me today. My gratitude is rooted in seeing God do exactly what He promised even when I couldn’t see how it would happen.
During that period one of the most challenging and rewarding pivots in my journey came when I entered the student travel space. While there are many Black owned travel companies, there are very few certified student tour operators. Earning and maintaining the proper credentials in that industry wasn’t easy, especially in a space where representation is limited and expectations are high. That process required discipline, structure, and persistence but it’s one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of. It allowed me to create safe, credible, and meaningful experiences for students and families who deserve access and exposure.
Across all of my work, my brands are designed to speak to real people and real families. I’m a proud wife and mother, and all of my businesses are family grown and run. Everyone has a hand in what we build, and we grow together. Community isn’t just something I talk about it’s how I live and work every day.
Today, my work sits at the intersection of faith, family, and entrepreneurship. Every chapter of my journey delays, pivots, and growth has reinforced the same mission: to serve with integrity, build with intention, and trust that purpose unfolds exactly when it’s meant to.
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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all.
One of the biggest struggles has been navigating seasons where the vision was clear, but the timing wasn’t. There were moments early on where I felt delayed professionally, questioned whether I had missed my window, and wondered if what I believed I was called to do would ever fully come together. Learning to trust the process especially when things didn’t look the way I expectedwas challenging and humbling. I experienced time where people who graduated law school after me were my bosses and I knew more then them .
Building in spaces where representation is limited has also come with its own set of challenges. Whether in law or in the student travel industry, I’ve often had to work harder to establish credibility, meet higher standards, and prove legitimacy before being given the same level of trust. Becoming a certified student tour operator, in particular, required persistence, structure, and resilience in an industry where there aren’t many people who look like me operating at that level.
On a personal level, balancing ambition with family life hasn’t always been easy. Being a wife and mother while building multiple businesses means constantly reassessing priorities, learning when to push forward, and knowing when to pause. There’s no perfect formula just commitment, communication, and grace.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kia the work injury Lawyer . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Kia the Work Injury Lawyer is a people-first brand. It was created to serve everyday workers and families not just to practice law, but to educate, advocate, and make the legal process more accessible. While the brand is personal, the work itself is done through Shelton Legal Practice, where I focus on workers’ compensation and injury-related matters. I’m licensed to practice law in both Georgia and Florida, which allows me to serve clients across state lines and understand how different systems operate.
Professionally, I’m known for my work in workers’ compensation and for combining legal skill with clarity and transparency. I’ve been recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Black Lawyers, selected as an Elite Lawyer in Workers’ Compensation, and honored as Litigator of the Year in the area of workers’ compensation. Those recognitions matter to me not just because of the titles, but because they reflect consistent, high-level advocacy and results for the people I serve.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is holidays and random cousin sleepovers. I grew up surrounded by a large, blended family, and that sense of togetherness meant everything to me. I’m one of fourteen grandchildren on my father’s side, the oldest and first grandchild on my grandmother’s side, and through my mother’s remarriage, I also grew up as one of five grandchildren on that side of the family.
What I remember most is the feeling of being deeply loved. Having multiple sides of a family meant constant connectioncousins everywhere, homes filled with noise, laughter, and shared memories. Those moments created a strong sense of belonging and community that stayed with me.
Looking back, those experiences shaped how I value family today. They taught me the importance of togetherness, shared experiences, and showing up for one anothervalues that continue to guide how I live, lead, and build.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kiatheworkinjurylawyer
- TikTok: @kiatheworkinjurylawyer.com
