Local StoriesOctober 16, 2025

Shay Speaks Life of Atlanta on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Local Stories

We recently had the chance to connect with Shay Speaks Life and have shared our conversation below.

Shay Speaks, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes, I have. One of the most defining moments in my life was when I stood up for my daughter after she was violated by someone close to the family. I made the difficult decision to take legal action, even though it meant taking my ex–in-laws to jail. It wasn’t an easy choice — it cost me an entire side of the family and forced me to detach from people I once considered my support system.
But doing what was right for my child and standing in truth mattered more than keeping the peace. That experience taught me the importance of courage, integrity, and protecting what truly matters — even when it comes at a personal cost. It made me stronger, more empathetic, and firm in my values.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Shay, the voice and heart behind Shay Speaks Life — a platform dedicated to healing, self-love, and spiritual empowerment. My journey began after overcoming deep personal pain and transformation, and now I use my story to help others rediscover their power, protect their energy, and walk boldly in their truth.
Through my work — from motivational content and tarot insights to my self-love healing community — I aim to blend spirituality with real-life experiences in a way that’s both relatable and uplifting. What makes my brand unique is that it’s built on authenticity. I speak from experience, not theory — and I create spaces where people feel seen, safe, and inspired to grow.
Right now, I’m expanding Shay Speaks Life through online interviews, community discussions, and upcoming digital projects that focus on healing, empowerment, and divine alignment. My mission is simple: to help others turn their pain into power and their lessons into light. ✨

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that constantly felt the need to prove my worth has served its purpose and now must be released. For years, I carried the weight of seeking validation — trying to be everything for everyone just to feel seen or accepted. That version of me taught me strength, but she also kept me small.
Now, I’m learning that I don’t have to prove my light — I just have to be it. Releasing that old version of myself has allowed me to walk in confidence, peace, and purpose without apology. 🌙✨

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. While I was in school studying broadcasting — something I was truly passionate about — my father fell ill and passed away. As his only child, the loss was devastating and overwhelming. I felt like my entire world had stopped, and in that moment, I seriously considered dropping out of school and walking away from my dream.
But through my pain, I found unexpected strength and support from my cousin, who reminded me of my purpose and encouraged me to keep going. Finishing my program became not just an academic goal, but a tribute to my father’s belief in me. That experience taught me resilience, and that even in our darkest seasons, support and purpose can pull us through.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — the public version of me is the real me, but it’s also the refined me. What people see online or at events is my authentic energy, my heart, and my values — but it’s the part of me that has healed, grown, and learned to show up with purpose.
Behind the scenes, I still have my quiet moments, my prayers, my self-work, and my vulnerable days. The difference is, I no longer hide my truth — I just choose how much of it to share. The public me isn’t a mask; it’s the healed version of the private me, the one who’s here to inspire, uplift, and pour into others while still protecting my own peace.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me once I’m gone is that I was a light-bearer — someone who spoke life, even in dark places. I want them to remember me as a woman who turned her pain into purpose, who chose courage over comfort, and who used her voice to empower others to find their own.
I hope they say I showed them that healing is possible, that self-love is powerful, and that faith can carry you through anything. Most of all, I want people to remember that I didn’t just talk about transformation — I lived it, and I left behind a legacy of strength, love, and authenticity.

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