We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful La-shawnda Thompson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with La-Shawnda below.
La-Shawnda, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem was a journey, and it didn’t happen overnight. It was born out of some of the hardest seasons of my life, but those challenges ultimately became the foundation for my growth.
One pivotal moment came during the time I lived in homeless shelters with my daughters after a painful divorce.
At that point, my self-esteem was at its lowest. I felt broken, unworthy, and uncertain about my future.
But in the middle of that season, I made a choice I decided that I wouldn’t let my circumstances define me or my daughters’ futures.
I started by turning to God, who reminded me that my worth wasn’t tied to my situation but to who He created me to be. I prayed for strength, clarity, and purpose. Slowly, I began to rebuild myself from the inside out. I started speaking affirmations over myself daily reminding myself that I was fearfully and wonderfully made, capable, and deserving of the blessings God had for me.
Another turning point was embracing my gifts and stepping out of my comfort zone. I began offering makeup services to women and saw how transforming their outward appearance often sparked a confidence shift within. It reminded me of my own power to help others see their beauty, which in turn, helped me see my own. As I poured into others, I realized that my journey wasn’t just about surviving it was about thriving and helping others do the same.
Becoming a published author,
was another confidence building experience. It was a reminder that my voice, my story, and my creativity matter. Seeing others connect with my stories from my life reinforced my belief in myself and my purpose.
Confidence and self-esteem are like muscles you have to work on them daily. For me, it’s been about embracing my imperfections, learning from my setbacks, and celebrating my wins, no matter how small. I’ve learned to trust the process and understand that confidence isn’t about having it all figured out it’s about showing up as you are and knowing you’re enough.
For anyone struggling with confidence, my advice is to start with what’s within. Speak life over yourself, surround yourself with people who uplift you, and don’t be afraid to take small steps toward your goals. Every step forward is a victory, and with faith and perseverance, you’ll grow into the person you’re meant to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m known as “The Transformation Specialist, “ my life’s work is centered on empowering women, transforming lives, and creating spaces where beauty, faith, and purpose intersect. As the founder of La-Shawnda’s House of Beauty, my mission is to help women embrace their God-given identity and show up boldly in the world, whether it’s through enhancing their physical beauty or building their personal and professional brands.
At La-Shawnda’s House of Beauty, I specialize in creating confidence. Through makeup artistry, hairstyling, and photography, I provide women with a transformative experience that goes beyond the surface. It’s not just about looking good it’s about feeling empowered, celebrated, and ready to step into your purpose with confidence.
Coming soon: Kingdom Kreatives, my creative agency, is dedicated to channeling my passion for transformation into empowering entrepreneurs and creatives to build impactful brands. We specialize in services such as content creation and brand strategy, designed to help bring your vision to life. My mission is to ensure women, especially those called to the marketplace, are equipped with the tools and support they need to thrive and succeed. Stay tuned!
One of the most exciting additions to my brand is “Mama Shawnda’s Southern Recipes Cookbook: Gourmet with a Taste of Soul”. This cookbook is my personal twist on traditional Southern dishes, inspired by the legacy of my grandmother, Betty Bush, and my Aunt Renee, a Master Chef whose five-star meals brought our family together during the holidays. It’s the ultimate cheat sheet for busy mamas who want to enjoy that traditional flavor without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I’m thrilled to share it with the world. I’m also working on expanding the Mama Shawnda’s brand to include products like aprons, cookware, and seasoning blends.
Beyond my businesses, I’m also deeply passionate about my ministry, “Women of Fire”, which empowers women to thrive spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. We host monthly prayer calls and provide tools to help single mothers go from surviving to thriving.
What excites me most about my work is the impact it has on people’s lives. Whether it’s through helping a woman see her beauty, inspiring someone to take their next step in business, or sharing a recipe that brings families closer together, my work is rooted in purpose and transformation.
For anyone just discovering my brand, I want you to know this: my work is about more than services or products. It’s about creating opportunities for growth, connection, and empowerment. Whether you’re sitting in my makeup chair, reading my books, or building your brand with me, you’ll always leave inspired, encouraged, and ready to step into the fullness of your God-given potential.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been faith, resilience, and creativity. Each one has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am and how I’ve been able to build my businesses, navigate challenges, and make an impact.
Faith has been the foundation of everything I do. It’s what kept me going during the hardest seasons of my life, from overcoming homelessness to stepping out of my comfort zone to pursue entrepreneurship. Faith isn’t just about believing in God it’s about believing in the vision He’s given you and trusting that He will provide what you need to fulfill it.
My advice for those early in their journey, I encourage you to cultivate a strong spiritual foundation. Spend time in prayer, stay connected to God’s word, and surround yourself with people who will encourage and strengthen your faith. When challenges arise, remember that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and a reminder that you are not walking this journey alone.
Resilience
Life and business will always have ups and downs, but resilience is what allows you to keep moving forward. For me, resilience meant bouncing back from setbacks, learning from failures, and staying focused on my purpose, even when the road wasn’t easy. It’s about seeing challenges as lessons and opportunities to grow stronger.
My advice, develop resilience by embracing a growth mindset. Understand that failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process. When things don’t go as planned, take time to reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Building a supportive community can make all the difference in helping you stay the course.
Creativity
Creativity has been my superpower. Whether it’s creating a makeup look, designing a branding strategy, or putting my twist on a traditional Southern recipe, creativity allows me to bring something unique to the table. It’s what sets my work apart and helps me connect with others in meaningful ways.
My advice, develop creativity, give yourself permission to think outside the box. Take risks, explore your passions, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Creativity flourishes when you stay curious and open to learning. Surround yourself with inspiration, whether through books, art, nature, or people, and always make time to dream.
For anyone early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay committed to growth. Develop your faith in God, build resilience, and embrace your creativity. These qualities, when nurtured, will help you succeed and find beauty in the process.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My father has been my biggest supporter throughout my journey. No idea was ever too big, too small, or too far fetched for him. He’s always stood by me 100%, and his belief in me has been a source of strength that I deeply cherish.
The greatest source of strength in my life, however, has always been God. Through every challenge and victory, He has been my anchor. When I felt unsure or unqualified, God reminded me of the purpose He placed within me and gave me the courage to keep moving forward.
Prayer has been my constant connection to Him, helping me find wisdom, clarity, and direction. His word has been my foundation, keeping me grounded and giving me the strength to trust Him even when the path seemed impossible. Every step I’ve taken, whether in building my business or sharing my story, has been guided by His hand and His plan.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust Him and keep going, even when it’s hard. Those moments of doubt and fear taught me the value of perseverance and obedience. I’ve been blessed with incredible people in my life, my family, mentors, and friends, who have helped me along the way, but I know it’s always been God working behind the scenes.
If I could share one thing, it’s this: lean on God for strength. He knows the bigger picture, and when you trust Him, He’ll guide you, open doors you never thought possible, and equip you with everything you need to succeed. Every gift and talent I have comes from Him, and I’m so thankful for how He’s worked in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iamthehouseofbeauty.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Thehouseofbeauty?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=f8a285ff-3eb1-45d5-97c1-df417431df4e
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