We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Shockley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Robin, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision that I’ve ever had to make was choosing to walk away from a life ive always known for over 28 years. i was married at a very young age of 18 years old. I left momma and went straight to husband just to escape thinking I knew it all. But I took old family habits with me that created a lifestyle of domestic violence and secrecy in the home while serving in the mega church and community for many years. I kept this secret from most everyone with a few select people because of the status of leadership we held. When i left the marriage and decided to start my life as a free bird so to speak and break generational curses from my past family life, I lost almost everything. i lost my community business and relations, I lost my church family and also my own kids rejected me because my ex husband denied everything up until a few months ago. I came from a generation what happens in the home stays in the home so I raised my kids with this mentality. They knew the home was toxic with fighting, but they never saw the physical abuse because i was trying to upkeep a perfect image of what I thought a family should look like. I ran ahead of God and tried to do things my own way. It has been a struggle these last several years of building my life the way God intends and but I know there is always purpose in the pain we go through. so i will keep pressing forward pushing myself to focus on making impact with positivity for others to learn and grow from my experiences.
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.
After I walked out of my marriage of 28 years I was scared and fearful. I fell into a depression but still managed to keep my head above water so people didn’t know. I finally realized with my sisters help that this was not me at all. I had kept a mask and chose to remove it so why go back?, I started blogging on facebook positive messages about my life and my journey. People started watching. and commenting and sending me direct messages that they too were depressed and even were about to commit suicide but my message of hope encouraged them. That gave me strength to even be more transparent. Then Magazines were calling me to write articles of motivation for them. And the network I am at now with contacted me to start my own talk show called “Focus Forward with Robin”.. Then I started doing videos of messages wherever I traveled as shout outs about the person I was there to see. This turned into a brand of “Focus Forward with Robin on the Go”. I’ve hosted Red Carpets for Award shows, Stage Plays, Pageants as well as other events. I’m also writing food blogs in these articles as “Tasteful Tips and Trips” along with business stories as I experience them. Funny, I once was an insecure woman who was afraid to go shopping by herself, but now I travel all over the country alone showcasing individuals and businesses about their own brands while I am building mine. I over came my challenges by choosing to speak affirmations over my life and praying daily. I had to surround myself with God’s word and let it get grounded in my heart. I’ve learned that everybody is not like myself and everybody doesn’t think the same, But we all have opportunity to still work in unity regardless of race age or gender. I want the world to know that there is life beyond the trees and there is life beyond what you think your reality seems to be. Everyone has potential to be great at something. I never knew I could be a talk show host or even other things such as an International Motivational Speaker, Magazine Columnist Published Author and Actress as well as an Ambassador for organizations. All this was inside of me but I allowed another person to dictate my destiny by the words spoken over me, Everyone has the potential for purpose. I believe if you recognize your potential, you will discover your purpose, if you discover your purpose your passion for it will be obvious. This is what i want people to know about me that nonmatter what you’ve faced in life, your pit situations can be used for purpose.
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.
Ive been born and raised in Greenville, SC. We are close to the mountains and just a few hours from the beaches. If I had a friend come stay with me, I would definitely take them to River Falls Park downtown where the huge long bridge overlaps the beautiful waterfalls. There is a French restaurant right next to the falls called Passerelle and they have the best food. There is an events space called Zen that often has alot of parties with bands. Another place to go to is the Peace Center where theatre and concerts are held.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people who have made a difference in my journey. Regina Sunshine Robinson with the RSGN Network in Atlanta Georgia has been a huge positive impact in my growth. She has mentored me to see the best in myself and to learn how to take breathers when I need it. I also would say what has helped me reach my goals and understanding that there is more to this life than hardships is connecting with people who are wiser and stronger mentally as well as supportive. I have too many to name as God truly has blessed me with a wonderful surrounding of great people who have pushed me to see the value in myself with getting in the rooms. My Father Professor Gary has played a huge role in my professional growth and my parents Johnny & Lois Thompson have helped me with my spiritual growth as well as my Pastor John Gray with Relentless Church. I love to read books and Kim Jones and John Maxwell books have helped me stand firm in my calling and purpose for life as an Entrepreneur motivational speaker, writer and Actress.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinshockley
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rshockley1
Other: Biography: Robin Shockley is the Founder of “Focus Forward with Robin”, which includes being a Columnist Writer for several magazines such as Pain 2 Purpose, Bold Plus, Infinite Designs, Your City, and Scars of Survival. She is the Professional Maximizer Awards Director and Ambassador of the Sports Karate Museum, Visionary Servant-Leader, Entrepreneur, Media Publicist, and TV Talk Show Host for RSGN Network, Community & Domestic Violence Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Actress, Published Author of Catching the Vision to Focus Forward book and Author of over 60 inspiring faith base devotionals. She believes there is freedom to move forward in life to think, believe and achieve a thing. Robin is the Media Publicist for World Women Conference & Awards Atlanta Chapter that host events to bring women together by sharing access skills and advocacy. She has received several awards such as the 2016 Community Creative Brilliance Award, 2018 Living Legends Power of Women Award, 2019 Woman of Strength Award & the 2020 Extraordinary People’s Award for LEGACY & Volunteerism & Multimedia award. She also is the USA Goodwill Ambassador for Come on Inc based out of Colorado. And has received the Presidential for Volunteerism. Robin’s purpose in life is being the link between the person who needs help and the person who can help. She motivates people to recognize their potential, purpose & passion for moving forward in life while living their best legacy today through serving others. She is the Founder of Girls Gifted 4 God Outreach where she serves her community with facilitating Vision Board Workshops, speaking events & providing a platform for others to build their brand while she builds hers too. Robin travels around the country interviewing others to share their WHY stories for social media. She is the bridge maker that inspires individuals and small businesses to gain confidence to recognize the importance of stepping forward to make a difference now for future generations. Contact Robin Shockley for your next event to speak, host or facilitate your next event at R.Shockley18@gmail.com
Image Credits
Jermaine McCullough – I see you Photography Antheion Dennard – Always live in Atlanta (106 live radio.com)