Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shekira Farrell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shekira , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My journey to finding my purpose has been a deeply personal and special one. It all started when my amazing son, Jaiden, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2014 when he was around 2 ½ years old. At that time, I didn’t know anything about Autism, and it was also my first time being a mother, but I also knew that there was a list of things his pediatrician and therapists told me he would never be able to do.
Luckily, I was stubborn and refused to let them have the final say over my child’s life. It was in those moments that I discovered the inner strength, tenacity, and resilience I never knew I possessed. I became determined and made it my mission to protect my son and other children like him and champion his right to a life filled with possibilities, opportunities, and no limitations.
One of the things they said my son might never be able to do was get a “normal” job, so I created Jai At Play for him so that he would never have to prove how worthy or competent he was to work for someone else. I put his name in our business name and his face in our logo so no one would ever question if it was his or not. It’s something that we do together, and it’s more than a business, it’s a mission for positive change.
Through this mission, I have found not only my purpose but also a deep sense of fulfillment in creating products, resources, services, and spaces where autistic youth and their families can feel supported, included, and safe. Every day, I am reminded that this is not just about my son and me; it’s about contributing to a world where every child, regardless of their abilities, can embrace their uniqueness and celebrate neurodiversity. It’s a journey I’m incredibly proud to be on, with my son by my side.
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 am a devoted Autism Mom, passionate Autism advocate, accomplished visual artist and social artivist, and the founder and CEO of Jai At Play, a neurodivergent-owned, mother-son-owned small business that I created with my autistic son to change how the world views Autism for autistic youth and their families.
What helps make Jai At Play stand out is our holistic approach to Autism awareness. We don’t focus on the medical aspects, rather, we humanize Autism, celebrate uniqueness and neurodiversity, and emphasize kindness, inclusion, and representation.
My passion for utilizing art and creativity to promote positive Autism awareness led to our work being featured in major publications and media outlets, including ATTN, NowThis News, and People. Collaboration and community are also at the heart of our work. We’ve partnered with local educational institutions, youth programs, and community events, demonstrating the importance of Autism awareness, understanding, inclusion, anti-bullying initiatives, and social-emotional learning. Through our innovative products, resources, and workshops, we help create safer, kinder, more supportive, and more inclusive spaces where all children can thrive and embrace and celebrate neurodiversity, contributing to a more inclusive society.
Still, one of my most significant accomplishments since starting Jai At Play is my son’s confidence and self-advocacy, which have grown immensely since becoming a young entrepreneur. Being in business together, he feels even prouder and less alone when other kids don’t really understand what Autism is or don’t yet accept their diagnosis because he knows I do and that we’re on this Autism journey together. He knows there are people who still talk negatively about Autism, but he also knows that it’s wrong. He views Autism as a good thing and will proudly tell other kids and adults alike that Autism isn’t a bad thing. The pride and excitement he gets telling people about Jai At Play are more than enough motivation for me to keep going. He’s fully invested in this process and journey and loves every moment.
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?
If I had to list three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have played major roles in my journey, they would be tenacity, creativity, and adaptability.
In the face of adversity and negativity from my son’s pediatrician, therapists, and general society regarding his Autism diagnosis, tenacity was crucial because I refused to accept their limitations and doubts. Instead, I chose a different path. Trust yourself, your purpose, and your ability to make a difference, even when others question it or in the face of challenges.
We’ve harnessed the power of art and creative expression to connect with a broader audience and foster positive Autism awareness, understanding, inclusion, and representation. I advise embracing creativity as a tool for change and exploring innovative ways to communicate your mission and inspire others.
As circumstances change and new challenges arise, especially in an Autism journey, the ability to adapt has been essential. What works today may not be as effective tomorrow, so my approach has been a continuous process of learning and adaptation. I encourage those on their journey to be open to learning from experiences and be willing to pivot when necessary.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
We are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations to expand the reach and impact of our “Autism Through The Alphabet” Workshop. We aim to work closely with educational institutions, elementary schools, youth programs, and other relevant organizations and individuals. By doing so, we can provide children with valuable insights into Autism, introduce concepts of diversity and acceptance at a young age, and foster positive awareness, understanding, inclusion, and representation. Parents, community leaders, caregivers, and educators all play crucial roles in our mission.
If you or your organization are interested in collaborating to support our mission, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can connect with us through our website at www.jai-at-play.com or email us at contact@jai-at-play.com. We are excited to explore partnership opportunities and work together to create a world where autistic children feel valued, understood, and included while creating safer, kinder, more supportive, and more inclusive spaces for all children to thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jai-at-play.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jai_at_play
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jaiatplay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JaiAtPlay
