Meet Kinshasha (shai) Hawkins

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kinshasha (shai) Hawkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kinshasha (Shai) , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room can feel isolating, even intimidating. For me, it became an opportunity to grow, and it all started around age 27 with a mentor who saw my potential before I fully saw it in myself.

For years, I worked a “job”—something that paid the bills but didn’t necessarily inspire me or align with my long-term goals. That all changed when I began my career. A career is about building something meaningful, contributing to your growth and purpose, and aligning with who you want to become. My career began as a medical assistant for a spine surgeon, and soon after, I was promoted to a supervisory role. It was a defining moment, but also a challenging one. Overnight, I became the boss of people who had been my peers. I knew the job, but I hadn’t yet developed the leadership skills to guide a team effectively. My tact was unrefined, and my words sometimes landed harder than intended. It became clear that I needed help transitioning from managing tasks to leading people.

That’s when my mentor stepped in. She didn’t just provide instructions—she showed me how to grow. She coached me on how to balance strength with tact, helping me refine my communication and leadership style. Every email I wrote went through her careful review, with feedback on how to deliver my message while respecting my audience. She set up weekly meetings where we’d walk through real-life scenarios, discussing how I could remain true to myself while becoming a more effective leader.

Those lessons became the foundation for my success. My mentor helped me transform my natural abilities into leadership skills. She taught me how to speak with confidence and assertiveness, even when I was the youngest person in the room or the only African American woman at the table. Her guidance wasn’t just about professional polish—it was about helping me see that I belonged in those spaces and that my contributions were valuable.

Now, when I step into those rooms, I carry the confidence to know that my voice matters. My experiences, insights, and story bring unique value to the table. And it all started with someone who believed in me enough to mentor me through the rough edges, helping me turn a job into a fulfilling career and shine as the leader I am today.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Shai Hawkins, though my legal name is Kinshasha Hawkins, and I am the heart behind CreativelyShai, LLC—a brand that’s all about positivity and inspiration. I believe positivity is a powerful force that helps us to strengthen and grow, and it serves as the foundation of everything CreativelyShai represents.

CreativelyShai was born out of a desire to uplift others and inspire transformation. It began with sharing motivational quotes on social media and has since grown into a platform offering Life and Business Coaching, masterclasses, and self-care journals like my latest release, Bloom. These tools are designed to guide individuals toward prioritizing their well-being and achieving their goals, all while embracing the power of positivity.

I recently relaunched my YouTube channel, Heal “U” by CreativelyShai, with an exciting 52-part series: “Bloom: Rooted in Love, Growing in Strength.” Each week, I dive into themes that inspire growth, resilience, and love, helping viewers on their journey of transformation. My Heal “U” podcast also allows me to connect with audiences, where I share personal stories of overcoming challenges and provide insights into healing and growth. Additionally, my “Cup of Positivity” series offers quick, actionable inspiration for daily life, and my positivity-themed merchandise serves as a daily reminder of the impact small uplifting messages can have.

Professionally, I bring nearly three decades of experience in healthcare to my work. I began my career as a Medical Assistant and grew into leadership roles, where I successfully designed, built, and implemented access centers for two large healthcare facilities in the Cleveland-Akron area. These centers improved patient scheduling and operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction. For the past three years, I’ve applied this expertise as a healthcare consultant, helping organizations optimize and transform their access centers with innovative, results-driven solutions.

At CreativelyShai, positivity isn’t just an idea—it’s at the core of who we are and what we do. My ability to take the lessons learned in my professional career has been instrumental in launching CreativelyShai and understanding what is needed to support individuals in becoming the best versions of themselves. Positivity is a force that connects us, strengthens us, and inspires growth, and I am proud to weave this belief into every product, service, and message. Through CreativelyShai, I aim to inspire others to embrace positivity and transform their lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills stand out as being most impactful in my journey:

Believing in Myself

Overcoming the negative feedback I heard growing up was a significant hurdle. I had to fight through those voices and recognize that every person, including myself, has the potential to be better. Self-belief was not an innate trait—it was something I actively nurtured through intentional activities that challenged and strengthened my mindset.

Listening to self-care books became a key part of my growth journey, offering me insights and tools to challenge limiting beliefs and encourage personal development. I also incorporated what I call my “mirror mantra,” where I write positive affirmations on my bathroom mirror. This practice helped me align with the universe, reminding me daily of my worth, my intentions, and my potential. Journaling became another powerful tool, allowing me to process my thoughts, set meaningful goals, and track my growth.

These practices, combined with consistent effort, gave me the confidence to take risks, learn from failure, and embrace the journey of becoming the person I am today. Self-belief wasn’t something that happened overnight—it was something I continue to actively work for, and it has made all the difference.

Commitment to Growth

Growth has been the cornerstone of my journey, encompassing both formal education and personal development. Pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration was a transformative step that opened doors to opportunities I had only dreamed of. I further expanded my knowledge by earning a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior with a specialization in Leadership, which deepened my understanding of how to guide, inspire, and influence others effectively.

However, growth isn’t confined to academic achievements—it’s a mindset and a lifelong commitment to improvement. I’ve embraced opportunities to learn from experiences, whether they were successes or challenges, and sought out new perspectives that broadened my understanding of myself and the world around me.

Through this journey, I’ve come to realize that growth is multi-dimensional. It involves building technical skills, honing leadership capabilities, and nurturing emotional intelligence. By committing to growth in its many forms, I’ve developed the tools needed to navigate complex situations, adapt to change, and continuously strive for excellence.

This dedication to learning has helped me recognize that growth isn’t about reaching a destination—it’s about embracing the process and allowing each step forward to shape who you are and what you’re capable of achieving. It’s through this lens that I’ve been able to unlock my potential, empower others, and find fulfillment in both my career and personal life.

Goal Setting

Learning how to set achievable and impactful goals has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional development. Goal setting has given me clarity, direction, and the ability to stay focused and intentional about my progress. By breaking larger aspirations into smaller, actionable milestones, I’ve been able to track my progress and celebrate wins along the way, which has kept me motivated and grounded in my journey.

I learned to set goals that weren’t just ambitious but also aligned with where I envisioned myself, both personally and professionally. Each step forward became part of a bigger picture, ensuring that my efforts were meaningful and purposeful. This approach has helped me prioritize what truly matters, stay adaptable in the face of challenges, and maintain momentum toward achieving long-term success.

Goal setting has not only shaped my achievements but also reinforced my confidence and resilience. It’s a practice that continues to empower me, guiding me toward growth and allowing me to align my daily actions with my ultimate vision for the future.

For those early in their journey, my advice is this:

Believe in Yourself. Self-doubt can be loud, but don’t let it silence your potential. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and remind yourself daily of your ability to succeed.

Seek a Mentor or Life Coach. Having a mentor or coach was transformative for me. They provided guidance, poured their knowledge into me, and helped me recognize my value, even when I couldn’t see it myself. A mentor can offer perspective and encouragement that will propel you forward.

Commit to Learning and Growth. Be intentional about expanding your skills and knowledge. Whether through formal education, certifications, or self-directed learning, the commitment to grow will always pay off.

Master Goal Setting.

Learn to set clear, realistic, and meaningful goals. Goals act as your roadmap—guiding you and keeping you focused on what truly matters.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was being present—through every high, every low, and every moment in between. I want to take a moment to recognize both my Dad and my Mother (my stepmom, for clarity). My life with my birth mother wasn’t the typical one, and much of who I am today stems from healing and understanding that I am deserving of love and support, regardless of past experiences.

My Dad recently reminded me of how blessed I’ve been to have my Mother in my life. She has accepted me as her own—no “step” involved—and has been a constant source of unconditional love and support. Even my relationship with my Dad, which was strained during my childhood due to the complexities of my early life, has grown into something extraordinary. We put in the effort and time to heal, to understand one another’s experiences, to apologize, and to move forward. That effort has created a bond that I deeply treasure.

My parents have always been my anchors. When I’ve been at my lowest, struggling with depression, they were there, holding me up. During my divorce, they stood by me. When I moved to Cleveland as a pregnant, 20-year-old with no idea of what the future held, they supported me. And through every successful milestone, every journey, and every opportunity I’ve embraced, they’ve been there—cheering me on every step of the way.

Their unwavering love and support have not only shaped who I am but also reminded me of the power of resilience, forgiveness, and unconditional love. I’m endlessly grateful for the foundation they’ve given me and the strength they continue to provide.

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