Meet Shonda Berry

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shonda Berry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shonda below.

Shonda, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’ve been through a lot throughout my life, especially with my health. July 21, 2019 I couldn’t celebrate my birthday; I was fighting for my life. I was severely dehydrated, ulcerations and inflammation in my colon, an infection setting in from being so sick, blood loss, weight loss and I lacked potassium. I was out of it most days. I was in so much pain. I wasn’t eating and I could barely walk. I even temporarily lost my eyesight. I later found out that I had sepsis. I was even told I may need to have my colon removed. “Nope not me” is exactly what I told the surgeon. Thankfully, I had my faith to fall back on and pull me through. I promised God that if he brought me out of my current situation, I would use my voice to share my story and advocate on behalf of others that suffer from Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.

During my challenging time I remained optimistic. I didn’t have any control over my body, but I still had control over my Faith. I leaned totally on my Faith. I held onto every ounce of hope I had. I never knew that I was battling something so much bigger than me. I didn’t understand at first, but I later realized God needed a vessel and it was me.

I don’t believe in “hope for the best and expect the worst.” My motto is “hope for the best and expect better.”

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Mother, Entrepreneur, Purpose & Positivity Coach, IBD Mentor, Patient Advocate and Ulcerative Colitis Warrior, born and raised on the Westside of Chicago. I specialize in helping women that desire to be entrepreneurs find their purpose by moving beyond distractions, negativity, and self-limitations. I am the owner of BIYOND Apparel. BIYOND stands for Boldly Inspire Yourself Over Negativity Daily. The mission of BIYOND is to enforce the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life’s circumstances in a negative society by inspiring women with bold statements of self-affirmations, motivation, and positivity. Since 1994, I’ve battled with a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease called Ulcerative Colitis, but was officially diagnosed in 2004 at the age of 24 after giving birth to my daughter Da’Riah (my greatest accomplishment). The health challenges I’ve faced have awakened the advocate nature within me. I’m passionate about IBD Awareness and Health Equity. This has led me to Patient Advocacy and mentoring individuals that suffer from Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis.

I’m a highly sought–after advocate in the Autoimmune Disease community. I’ve had the pleasure of being featured in magazines, awareness videos, panel discussions, and podcasts. My advocacy journey consists of me raising awareness around disparities and health equity, particularly in the Black and Brown Communities. I’ve recently expanded BIYOND apparel to serve these communities and raise awareness. The apparel will include messages that will help amplify the voices of those that suffer from an Autoimmune Disease, gain the attention of those that have the power to make changes, educate communities on the different types of Autoimmune Diseases and the impact these Chronic Illnesses have on the community.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are three skills that I’ve developed over the years that I’ve found most impactful. Those three skills consist of remaining positive, always doing what feels right, and amplifying my voice.

It’s imperative to remain positive because negative energy will interfere with living a life full of purpose. The goal is to manifest a life full of purpose, happiness, and everything you desire. Ignore and avoid anyone and anything that will distract you from your purposeful path. Besides, negativity is not good for your health and well being. Go “BIYOND” and “Boldly Inspire Yourself Over Negativity Daily.”

Always do what feels right. You won’t have any regrets because you’re operating from a place of love and good intentions. You can’t afford to miss any blessings or sleep when you’re trying to live the life you desire. Please understand that God rewards this type of behavior because it’s a part of being obedient.

Amplify your voice. Amplify your voice because there isn’t a person in the world that can tell your story like you. There are people in the world that need you to be your authentic self. God can’t get his message across without you. I suffered in silence for 10 years because of the embarrassing symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis. From the age of 14 – 24, I was undiagnosed. My goal now is to use my voice, so that others won’t suffer for as long as I did. Please remember your pain is never in vain. It’s your story, but God will use it for his glory. God can and will use your journey to achieve a purpose that is greater than you could imagine if you allow him. Amplifying your voice is a part of serving. You MUST be able to serve if your goal is to live a purposeful life.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I have two types of ideal clients:

1. My ideal clients are women that desire to be entrepreneurs but have trouble finding their purpose because they’re having trouble moving beyond distractions, negativity, and self-limitations.

2. My ideal clients are women that desire to share their health journey, but struggle with amplifying their voice, unable to find their tribe and struggle with thriving while living with an Autoimmune Disease.

Contact Info:

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