Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Makatelyn Shepherd. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Makatelyn , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
From the moment I understood the definition of the word, I literally can remember saying to myself “that is the word that I will always use to describe myself!” My optimism comes from God. It has to right? I mean literally the definition literally means looking on the bright side and I can not do that alone! That is how I try to live and maneuver throughout my day to day life. optimistic. I truly believe it comes not only from God, but from the optimistic people, places and things that surround me daily.
There is always something more to look forward too, always something to cling onto, kind of like hope. I cling to my optimism, not because I am perfect or do not have feelings. Simply because I know it will not always be one way, being that change is constant. So truly my optimism comes from the thought and quality of knowing things and life will forever change – and that is the bright side!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hey I’m Makatelyn S.!! Born and raised in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia; Decatur raised, I completed my post secondary education at Gordon College and The University of West Georgia, where I finished with a B.A in English with a minor in Creative writing. It was then when I honed in on my passion for kids, people, community and my love for creative writing and English.
I Currently juggle being a mom, daughter, sister, girlfriend, entrepreneur and a Crime Prevention Inspector. SAying I love what I does is an understatement! I use my passion, creativity, voice, smile and love for people to birth confidence into kids and everyone I meet!
In this season, I am focusing on using my creative voice to continuously teach individuals how to confidently be who God has created them to be! From my passion which is confidence, I birthed “Closet Confidence” in 2017. We have come so far since then and now in 2023 I am gearing up to finish, continue and complete the vision!!! Visionary and Confident are just two words that I would also use to describe myself, my business and where we plan to go! I want the world to know that confidence is more than just a lifestyle it is who God made us to be and it is who we are!
Stay tuned for MORE Closet Confidence merchandise, continued episodes of our podcast “Confident Conversations with Makatelyn” and so much more! This is the year confidence WINS !
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful to my journey thus far are: Aways remaining teachable, staying confident and keeping God first.
Remaining teachable is a BIG one that will stick with me forever. This overlooked quality is a huge as it not only keeps your grounded, but it breeds only the best leaders! When you remain teachable you are not only giving yourself room to grow in other areas, but you are also indirectly saying to others, those who are around you and work for you that – you do not know it all, but you’re willing to gain all that there is to know. Read that part again. My ability to remain teachable as an educator and a leader has done many wonders for my life personally and business wise.
Staying Confident is a given because it is what I teach and pass onto others. When you are confident in God and the abilities he has given you, it is easy to remember why you have to keep going. Confidence is the sole reason I am here, and it will be the sole reason I get everything the lord has for me. Staying Confident is also staying faithful, keeping trust and believing in yourself no matter what, they all mean the same thing!
Lastly, but certainly not least, KEEPING GOD FIRST. I made this last on the list because it is most important! When you keep the one who created you at the center of your life, everything you then create has no choice, but to be blessed. Keeping God first has shielded me from fear. Even when fear did creep in, it did not last because of God being on my side reminding me of who I am and who he will always be to me. One thing I always tell people about confidence is “When you forget your confidence, lean on the confidence of the one who made you!” -ME
because sometimes you wont feel as confident in everything, however ALL THE TIME GOD IS CONFIDENT!
My advice to anyone who is early in their journey is to lean in on these things, who you are, and all that you have the ability to be and like God promises us- everything else will be added!!
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell – Hands down the best book and my go too! I know I am now, and will be always successful and this book gives all the gems on how to maintain your thinking to match your buck!
Some impactful wisdom nuggets from the book:
“Thinking is hard work; that’s why so few do it.”
“Creativity requires a willingness to look stupid.”
“People with humility don’t think less of themselves; they just think of themselves less.”
“Your thinking, more than anything else, shapes the way you live.”
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/ClosetConfidence
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseof_closetconfidence/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/makatelynshepherd
- Youtube: ConfidenceTV
