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

Hi Mia, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Knowing whether to keep going or give up has been a simple concept for how I operate. Know that what is meant for you will not come with stipulations or unreasonable conditions. Yes, there may be roadblocks in the journey as an offset of personal growth, but introspective reflection comes with the territory. External factors are simply a test of your determination. Giving up is only an option if what you seek is not aligned with what brings balance and happiness to you. Move with intention and let your core values lead the decision process for what is worth continuing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the close of 2020, I decided to reject the deficit mindset that riddled my inner thoughts and move in gratitude for what will be. I resigned from my full-time job in March, after almost eleven years. It was not an ideal decision in the middle of a global pandemic, but my main priority now is to pursue opportunities more aligned with my interests. Life is too short not to be happy with how your story unfolds. Live radically authentic however that best serves you. I want to give black women their flowers. We are not whimsical, supernatural beings. Our existence is dynamic and deserving of recognition that, for so long, was not adequately given. In 2019, I decided it was time to stop stalling and follow my calling. My blog provides an outlet to sort through the chaos of daily life and build a deeper human connection with my readers. The blog’s name “Code-switching Creative” speaks to who I am professional—adorning a veil of double-consciousness as a black woman working in predominantly white spaces. “Since Y’all Don’t Read” is my bi-monthly podcast featuring black women of various demographics making waves in their professional industries or communities. The best opportunity for growth is through shared experiences, and with each interview, listeners learn through relatable experiences. I made it this far in life because I trust my instinct. You cannot avoid your destiny, and when I listen to my intuition, I waste less time on the “scenic route” of life. At this significant point of transition, I listen to how I feel in situations to determine if it is worth my energy. What sets me apart from others the most is my willingness to listen and understand how what makes us different is where we have the most opportunity to relate. It costs nothing to be open to various perspectives because you never know where life will lead you and who you may end up needing the most.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are a few places I have in mind. For breakfast/brunch, it’s Wahoo Grill, Serpas, or Thumb’s Up. Grindhouse has the best burgers. Slim N Husky pizzas are worth the wait. The spicy beef bulgogi at Ramen Station on Memorial. Spoon Eastside off Moreland is my favorite for Thai. When I feel like being vegan, Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe has the wraps to keep me fed for days. I go to The Select or Mojave are perfect for the prettiest scenery. Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead is my favorite Happy Hour or Blu Cantina in EAV. The beltline is ideal for bar hopping and getting a little walk in at the same time. Of course, for dinner, I’m heading to JCT Kitchen, O-Ku, or La Fonda. If all else fails, We’re getting hot braised wings from American Wings on Wesley Chapel or the All-star meal from Waffle House. I like to try new restaurants as they pop up, so depending on when someone comes, there’s always a list of places to pick.

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?
Black women are definitely at the forefront of my success. I have been able to thrive from the lessons learned through interactions with black women at various stages of life. Even in scenarios where I had a less than desirable interaction with another black woman, those moments became an opportunity to have an open dialogue about what went wrong or provided me with a moment to look inward and re-calibrate how I respond. Black women are not a monolith. Our edges are soft, hearts big, and we are rich in cultural capital!

Website: miashantel.com

Instagram: @TheMiaShantel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miahawley/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheMiaShantel

Other: Podcast Website https://www.buzzsprout.com/1465531 Podcast Instagram @SinceYallDontReadPodcast

Image Credits
Shantel Escobar x Captured by Shantel

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