We recently connected with Shanika Small and have shared our conversation below.
Shanika, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
From watching my mother, who was a single mom, raise four children. She instilled the values of hard work, responsibility and humanity in all of her children. Her daughters went on to be educated professionals. Anything that I am in this world is because of my mother.
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 a Brooklyn born Registered Nurse and founder of Shalana Essentials. A plant-based skincare and wellness brand. Shalana Essentials was started in 2020 and happened due to a gym injury. I don’t know if anyone can relate; I hadn’t been in the gym in some time and in an attempt to make up for lost time, over did it, and sustained a knee injury. I limped around in pain for weeks. I had been taking OTC medications for pain, but they were only taking the edge off. I’d been hearing so much about CBD and how it could help with pain, I ordered some CBD oil and began taking it. Within 2 weeks I was no longer limping and with a month I felt no more pain! I began researching all things CBD and Cannabis, I learned about the healing powers of Cannabis and how it could help with a host of things, including the skin. I started combining CBD oil with other plant based ingredients and thus Shalana Essentials was born.
Shalana Essentials currently has Wellness Butters that are great for dry, itchy skin. and can also help with pain! We also have facial products that can help with conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
In 2024 Shalana Essentials will expand to include consultation and educational services! We’re passionate about teaching about the benefits of Cannabis/CBD.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe the 3 most impactful qualities that has worked for me are being forward thinking, I’m always looking for the next adventure, being a person that genuinely likes people and being creative. I think so many of us are great at creating things and opportunities that make us unique and interesting.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The number one challenge I’m facing as a business owner is doubting myself and my abilities. I’ve been running Shalana Essentials and working full-time for 3 years. I long to transition to running my business full-time and get nervous and afraid at the thought. I look to other successful entrepreneurs like Barbara Corcoran, Monique Rodriguez and Melissa R. Butler for inspiration. I know most entrepreneurs can relate to having Imposter Syndrome and moments of second guessing themselves. I’ve begun working with a Coach and started surrounding myself with like-minded people to help hold me accountable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourshalanaessentials.com
- Instagram: Shalana_Essentials
- Facebook: Shalana Essentials
- Linkedin: Shanika Small
- Other: TIkTok;@ssmall84
