Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shania Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shania, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
How do I persist despite all the haters and naysayers. That’s a very good question and my answer is very simple. GOD! God allows me to keep pushing despite all the negativity and haters. Romans 8:31 says, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”. So I had to make it personal and say “If God is for Me, then who can be against Me?”. When I first started on this entrepreneurial journey, it all used to bother me, but when I made it personal and started to apply God’s word over myself and my business, none of it bothers me now. Dealing with haters and naysayers can definitely be tough but when you know who you have within you, it’s different. My faith has kept me strong because I know that God will lead and guide me through any challenges that I face. I always try to stay positive and focused on the vision that God has given me. Haters can’t take the vision that God gives. Trusting God is Key!!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Shania Thomas, a wife and mother of 4. I am the co-owner and creative director of Gui’Shani which was started by my father Overseer Pastor Guy Jones in 98/99. My dad started with shirts and hats, but he had to focus on other things throughout the years. “delayed but not denied” God told me in 2018 to bring Gui’Shani back and to take the business to another level and so we have released makeup, apparel, purses and travel bags, and accessories under our brand Gui’Shani. The special part of what I do is working with my parents and making them proud with how far Gui’Shani has come. When God gives you the vision, follow it. Gui’Shani is a family owned brand that provides high quality luxury items at affordable and obtainable prices. We believe that everyone should experience luxury no matter what class society puts them in. Come have the Gui’Shani Experience!!
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?
I would say Resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. Resilience because you have to be able to bounce back from setbacks and stay determined in the face of challenges is very crucial. Proverbs 24:16 says “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,” well its the same in business. You have to know how to get back up no matter what. Being able to adapt and embrace change is very important in this ever-evolving business world. You have to be able to adjust constantly to change. Last you have to always be ready to learn and have the mind to learn. Proverbs 18:15 says that “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out,” well its the same in business, keeping up with the trends, acquiring new skills, and seeking knowledge is Key for growth. So stay strong, be adaptable and never stop learning. You got this!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing that my parents did for me was support me. Without my parents support and belief in my vision, Gui’shani wouldn’t be where it is now. I went to my dad in 2018 and said that I wanted to start doing shirts. I told him everything I saw and a few days later my dad called and said “your equipment is here”. My dad had brought me everything to start my entrepreneurial journey. If it wasn’t for that, it would of been just a dream or idea but his belief in me birthed a vision. I went to my mom and said that I saw Gui’Shani having our own purses and bags and she said ” order them, use my card”. If it wasn’t for her believing in a dream that God gave me, then we wouldn’t have our line of purses and travel bags. When you have your parents supporting and believing in you, you feel like the sky is literally just the beginning of what you can reach and achieve. Parents always make sure you help and support your kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guishani.com
- Instagram: @guishani_llc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/GuiShani
- Other: Follow our TikTok www.tiktok.com/@iam_shaniad
