Meet Shamoneak Thomas

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shamoneak Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shamoneak, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
For my entire life, I never considered myself entirely “normal.” Despite my occasional quirks and tendency to get distracted, my grades and behavior in school were never a cause for concern. However, it wasn’t until I turned 33 that I received a diagnosis of ADHD and medication to address it. The impact was life-changing; everything became clearer when I took my medication. It was as if I was finally experiencing what a “normal” person’s brain felt like.

Although I had always suspected something was different about my brain, my determination to succeed was driven by my own ego. Regardless of my challenges, I needed to prove that I could do anything. To anyone who feels like their mental health is holding them back, please know you can achieve your goals. Be kind and patient with yourself, and don’t hesitate to consult with a medical professional about medication and therapy options.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a Certified Mindfulness Coach, Pilates enthusiast, and Master of Science in Aromatherapy student, I am passionate about helping individuals develop healthy habits that enhance their well-being. Through Krazy Essentials, I can become an alchemist and create fragrance blends that make people feel and smell amazing. Through my ongoing studies in Aromatherapy, I can provide essential oil blends for our upcoming Wellness line.

As a Black woman pursuing Pilates instructor certification, I am committed to increasing representation in the field. When people see instructors who look like them, they feel more welcome and comfortable in the space. But representation is only part of the equation. Pilates offers numerous health benefits, such as improved flexibility, strength, and posture. By making Pilates more accessible to Black communities, I hope to address health disparities that disproportionately affect my community.

I am excited to begin my journey as a Pilates instructor with my Mat Certification training starting this September and ending in October 2023. I also plan to obtain instructor certifications in Barre and Yoga. Additionally, I aim to complete comprehensive training in Pilates, enabling me to conduct sessions with equipment and work part-time in a Pilates studio. My ultimate goal is to open my own Pilates studio one day!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I reflect on my journey so far, three qualities have significantly impacted my growth and success. These qualities are patience, grace, and openness to ideas outside of my own.

Patience has been an essential skill that has enabled me to navigate through challenging circumstances and overcome obstacles. It has allowed me to approach problems with a level head and not rush into decisions without careful consideration. My advice to those just starting their journey is to develop patience by taking a step back and thinking things through, especially in the face of adversity.

Grace has been instrumental in my journey. It has allowed me to handle difficult situations and relationships with composure and kindness. Grace has also helped me to extend forgiveness and understanding to others when they fall short. I advise those starting out to cultivate grace by practicing empathy and compassion and striving to understand others’ perspectives.

An openness to ideas outside my own has been crucial to my growth and development. It has allowed me to learn from others, to expand my knowledge and skill set, and to appreciate diverse perspectives. My advice to those starting out is to seek opportunities to learn from others, challenge your assumptions and biases, and embrace new ideas with an open mind.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I am open to collaborations! Specifically, I want to collaborate with a fitness apparel company for Pilates. I believe that looking good while sweating it out is a great motivator! Additionally, I would like to partner with local spas and businesses in North Carolina and South Carolina to offer Pilates sessions and Aromatherapy. If you are interested in collaborating with me and think we could make a great team, please visit my website, shamtheecreator.com, to learn more about me and email me. I am always up for meeting new people and exploring new opportunities!

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