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

Hi Ifedayo, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
One of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make was walking away from familiarity; letting go of the things that no longer served me or my forward movement. The codependent relationships, traditional processes & status quo beliefs that consistently landed me in an unproductive comfort zone that was laced with fear and fatigue.

Years ago, I picked up my whole life, left my job of 16 years, church of 30-plus years and moved to a city where I had no family, friends or roots. This move taught me that change is just as hard as it is necessary.

There are times when I still wrestle with letting go of “what was”. But I know that if I’m going to evolve in my business and transcend in my personal & spiritual growth, I can no longer straddle the “average” fence with one foot in the old while the other teeter totters in the new.

The hardest decision taught me some of the most impactful lessons and ultimately fertilized a level of faith in me that pushes me to keep pursuing purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
So first let me just say that, I had no idea that my purpose journey would lead me to where I am today. I originally launched my business, IG & MORE (Ife Greenway & Ministry of Real Empowerment) as a Facebook page. My intent was to share inspiring writing moments that I hoped would help others.

Today, I am a five time author and two time best-selling author. I have been featured in Huffington Post, CBS, FOX and NBC as a personal development coach who is dedicated to helping women leverage their place of pain as momentum for forward movement. My inspirational writings have reached thousands of readers in various mediums to include Thrive Global & Faith Heart Magazine.

I am also a fear strategist who teaches others the art of living a life less impacted by fear as well as the host of Changing Faces; an annual event that encourages women to see themselves through the eyes of purpose and not circumstances.

My best-seller, Removing The Face, A Remedy for Pain and Prescription for Change (released in 2019) inspired the She Unveils movement. In this movement, I serve as a writing coach helping women accomplish their literary goals through unveiling, writing and publishing their personal stories.

On August 5, 2021, I released my memoir – The Pathway, The Journey, The Change, My August 5th. As the visionary author, I am currently working with eleven women to release my second anthology, “Removing The Fear, A Truth Journey From Fear to Freedom”.

Whew! Was any of this easy? Absolutely not. The struggles and tears in the background of these successes were real and plentiful. But what I’ve learned along the way is the importance of pivoting. One of my principle beliefs (and what I say to my clients and community) is that “walking in my/your purpose means that I/you must prepare for the pivotal points of change”.
Yes! Yes! YES CHANGE!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I moved to Virginia Beach a few years back, I had no idea where any of the good spots were, lol! But now, I have a few “go to” places.

One of my closest friends visited a few months ago and I actually did have a list of places that in my mind, we had to visit. The Butcher’s Son is killing the game in brunch. Cutlass Grille has the best Jamaican food. Got Fish, is the perfect spot for some good seafood.

And you gotta’ have some dessert after that, so I think we went to Nothing Bundt Cakes a couple of times (don’t judge us).

I’m sure there are tons of places in the 757 where you can get good food, these are just a couple of places that I know will create a happy moment for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Let’s be clear! My story is absolutely a God-story. It is what it is and I am who I am because of my covenant with God. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and give Him credit for not only orchestrating my life’s journey, but for also allowing me to share it with others.

When I was a little girl, my mother would sing a song to me called “The Little Red Box”. The words were, “I wish I had a little red box to put Dayo (my nickname) in, I’d kiss and kiss and kiss and kiss and put her right back in”. She sang this song to me for as long as I could remember. When I became an adult, she would sing it every year on my birthday. My mom has been behind the scenes of my life watching it all play out. She prayed without ceasing and pushed me through some painful moments. Mom sang that song to express her endearment for her baby girl. The truth of the matter is that she has always been there to help me embrace life beyond the little red box.

My children: Rodney, Ahkei and Damiya will always deserve a shout out. They have taught me so much. I’ve always wanted them to be just as proud of me as I am of each one of them. They unselfishly share me with the world while also holding me accountable to being a mom. I love them dearly.

My mentor – Dr. Angie Boyd, my encourager – Gwen Marrow, my co-pilot – Alva Kershaw & my true friend – Sandra Parker, THANK YOU!

Website: www.igandmore.com

Instagram: @igandmore

Facebook: @igandmore

Other: email: ifegreenway@igandmore.com Facebook Community: Movement of Becoming https://www.facebook.com/groups/133114843977829/

Image Credits
Image Credits: Ruffin Vision Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.