We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakeera Springs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakeera, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success that lies behind So Refreshed is my family. Without them, I would not have had a reason to build a family business. Everyone takes part in So Refreshed being successful. From marketing to operations, every one plays a part. It is part of the reason I have chose not to turn to a manufacturing company to mass produce and distribute orders. It means the world to me to be able to teach my children what entrepreneurship looks and feels like.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I developed a profession of accounting first but I’ve always been an artist at heart. I really don’t think I’m any different from anyone else. I believe what we do with our precious time each day sets us apart from others and determines the level of success. We all can have a positive impact in this world if we choose to. I’m most proud that most of my short term goals are crossed off. I have a few more goals that I am currently working on that will be done soon as well. Which brings me to your next question about where I am today. I write down short long term goals and visit them frequently. If anyone knows me, they know I do what I say I’m going to do. I set my own pace and constantly work on goals. Nothing in life worth working for is easy to come by. Nothing has been given to me. No inheritances, no capital raised, no donations handed out. So Refreshed was truly branded at a kitchen table from scratch. I adapt to environmental changes so challenges are never hold me back. They may be frustrating but not enough to close the business. Never giving up is the key to accepting and dealing with challenges because they will come. Even when sales were slow or if I was sick I worked diligently. There are no excuses when you are striving to be successful. The root of So Refreshed is empower women to love themselves unconditionally. 10% of sale proceeds go to a local Atlanta organization that fight against child sex trafficking.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many cool spots here in Atlanta. Spa Time – If a friend were to come in town the first stop we would hit up is the spa at Waldorf Astoria, formerly known as Mandarin Oriental Hotel. They offer THE best body wraps, massages, facials, scrubs, and their spa makes you feel like you are in another country. The atmosphere is impeccable. Tea Time – Just Add Honey offers so many loose leaf teas that helps you detox and taste SO good. They have a tea for everyone and also have coffee and desserts. If you need to meet up with someone or just hang out it is the perfect place to indulge in all the organic scents. Making me want to go right now 🙂 Working On The Go? So a lot of my friends travel and work on the go. We would definitely have to stop by We Work for a few. Catching up on emails and taking a nice break when on the go is essential. We Works are spread throughout the city. Co working spots are also a great way to network. Time To Eat – Stoney River for sure! With so many options on their menu, everyone can order. From vegan foods to grilled steak they have it all. I love this place because they have fresh veggies and clean lean meat. Shopping – Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall has so many stores that you find the perfect fit from. There are also small boutiques in the Little Five Points shopping area if you are looking for handmade outfits.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My discipline and drive comes from my late mother. She taught me how to maintain the foundations of life at a very young age. I didn’t have the traditional life as most youths which I am now thankful for. From learning how to sew, fish, grow fruits and veggies, cook, cut grass, clean, and develop entrepreneurial skills all before turning 10 was the pivotal point in my life. We would get up at 5 am each Saturday, pack lunch and head out to go to the flea market to sell clothes, appliances and whatever else she could find (ha ha). We bought all sorts of items from yard sales and thrift stores and cleaned them up to resell. While at the flea market, she would take a seat at the back of the tent and watch us work. We were responsible in making sure the correct about of money was returned to each customer after a sale without using a calculator. If we needed help she was always there; however, she always said use “your head” first. After packing up and going home we would always stop buy the library and read a few books as well bring more home. Our hobbies included some outside time but emphasis was put on learning the valuable lessons that would sustain us in life as well as passing it down to generations to come. My next hero would be my husband, Comador Springs, who has taught me how to love and believe in myself. Throughout life, I have been so productive and valuable but never loved myself enough to enjoy my success. I have slowed down to enjoy the fruits of my labor and spending time with my beautiful and upbeat family. Without him, I would not have the unwavering confidence that I have now. Nothing is more important than family.

Website: www.sorefreshed.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorefreshed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorefreshed/

Image Credits
Marjoni Janee’ Photography