Meet Jah B Schaffer | Business Coach for Moms

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jah B Schaffer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jah B, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My idea of balance has changed a lot over time. Particularly in the last ten years since becoming a mom. When I had my first son I was a full-time college student, with three jobs. I had no idea what balance was. I was just getting through the day. I was waking up at 6am to get Deuce ready for daycare, going to class, working, then rushing back to the daycare by 6pm. Once we were home I cooked dinner, put Deuce in the tub, put him down for bed, then stayed up all night studying. Wash, rinse, repeat. I was literally running on fumes for three years and barely seeing my kid. When I decided to launch my business two years ago, my primary goal was to find balance. I wanted to work less hours, get more done and spend more time with my son.

At my last job I feel like my employer tried really hard to give us work-life balance. But, it’s hard to meet the goals of a highly successful, constantly growing small business and feel comfortable taking a day off. Once COVID hit I think we all were given the opportunity to re-access what balance meant to us. During this time I realized not only did I need to get back into entrepreneurship, but I had to. I gave birth to my second son in September 2020 and I would not be able to perform my job with my new baby. I also could not afford a nanny and the daycares were closed.

It was then that I realized I needed real balance. Real balance for me meant selling my house, quitting my job and going all all in on entrepreneurship.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What makes The Sonshine Enterprise different than most business coaches is that it is my absolutely desire for my clients to win, paired with my Jill-of-all-trades skillset. Being able to give direction and instructions is one thing, being able to execute on what needs to be done is another. I can do so many things that are important for small business owners. My paralegal background gives me the know how to navigate the legal and necessary foundational components of a business. I register and incorporate businesses, write contracts, business plans and I’m even a notary. On the other side of things I’ve always been a problem solver and the “go-to” person in the office when I still worked in corporate. This was because I’m creative and can think outside the box to make abstract ideas into something that makes sense. I use these skills to build websites, create branding strategy, setup collaborations and many other things than can make a business successful.

Every single client I work with makes me proud. So many people walk in my office or jump on the line for that first phone call filled with excitement but confusion. They have no idea who they will make all their big ideas come true, then they hire me and the magic happens. The excitement of a client when I launch their website or publish their book fills my heart with joy every time.

I’m also excited about my new coaching series that I will be releasing soon. It will be an affordable way for new mompreneurs and entrepreneurs to learn about all of the things they need to do to start and grow their business. It’s an expanded version of my Start and Grow Your Business Book Bundle.

It’s took a long time for me to get to this point in my journey. Though I’ve been in business for six years, I have only been 100% full-time for two of those years. Back in 2017, when Sonshine was only nine months old I quit my job. I was unhappy and felt like I was ready. I was able to maintain for 18 months before I had to make the tough decision to return to work. I went back to a great, amazing, flexible job while I built my business back up. Selling my house and paying off all my debt put me back in position to try again and that’s what I’ve been doing the last six months. I’m very proud of my success thus far. I have always been able to get back up and give things another try. Being resilient is the secret to my success.

I have learned many lessons throughout my journey that have made me better, smarter and more efficient. I think the number one lesson I have learned is that you have to remain consistent, if you want to see consistent sales. It has took me so long to get good at sending emails and posting online frequently. It took me even longer to get comfortable going live and going to in-person events, but I realize they’ve made a huge impact on my sales. So, be consistent in all things, particularly when it comes to consistently pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.

If I wanted to share anything about my brand with the world it would be, if I can do it, you can too! I’m a single mom of two boys and I graduated from a top twenty university with a toddler on my hip. I purchased my first home at 25 and became debt free at 29. I was raised by my grandmother in inner-city Cleveland, we never had a lot of money, but I’ve always had a lot of motivation. I had the cards stacked against me, I shuffled and re-dealt. If I can do it, you can too! I help people make their dreams a reality everyday!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love living near Atlanta. There’s so much fun and excitement but there’s also tons of nature and trails to enjoy. If my friend came in town we would definitely hike up Stone Mountain. It isn’t a hard hike but the view is amazing. I often head to the mountain with the boys and once we reach the top, they fly kites and I journal. Another outdoor spot that I would share is Lullwater park. It is located on Emory’s campus and has great trails, a little waterfall and a small abandoned tower which I adore!

Great food is always a part of a great adventure. Though I am generally vegetarian I still know where the best wing spots are. And we absolutely would stop by La Parilla, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Great prices, fast service, good food and strong drinks!

Most days I’m a homebody so I don’t know about the best bars and clubs, but I definitely know the best neighborhoods to shop, hang out and grab a drink. Which is everything you need to enjoy a good day anyways! I enjoy Atlantic Station, Edgewood and Little Five Points the most!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I were to recognize someone who has supported me on my journey, it would be my sons. In the last ten years I have gone through so much and the one person who has always remained in my corner without ever wavering is my oldest son Deuce. Since Kali has been born our bond have developed just as strong and I know that he will always be one of my strongest supporters. Even now when he sees a video of me cross the screen or phone he instantly goes, “yay mama!” My grandmother, big sister and little brother have also been a huge part of my support system as I’ve moved along in my journey as an entrepreneur and mother.

Website: www.sonshineenterprise.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonshine_enterprise/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-jah-schaffer-5a24775a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSonshineEnterprise/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/SonshineGrind

Other: My merch is listed on a secondary website, which is www.sonshinegrind.com