Meet Shakendria Bodiford | Mom, Wife and Business Owner

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

Hi Shakendria, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
What’s your motivation? What makes you want to get up each morning and go harder !? Why did you start that business? Those are the things I ask myself daily. When things get frustrating and I want to giving up I think about those who believed in me. Those who supported me. If I had to tell someone who is at the point of giving up on their dreams or that busy I’ll tell them DON’T. Nothing in life is easy but everything you put hard work into is worth it. The end result is worth it. The smile on the faces of those who are watching you are worth it. The feeling of accomplishing something you felt like wasn’t worth it or was just too much is worth it. Take a moment, pray over it, right down your vision, change things up and but DON’T give up! It’s worth it !!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Custom Vault is my baby! I started my business as a hobby. I love custom shirts and I love putting my kids name on everything. I never attended it to become my “small” business. I posted a few shirt online and a few of my social media friends and family placed orders. My hobby became my business really fast. It became overwhelming balancing a business and a full time job. Then BOOM the pandemic hit and my 9-5 no longer existed and all I had was my business to fall on. I invested in my business. I purchased everything I believe I needed to perfect my craft and it was the best decision ever.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am such a homebody so if I had to choose places in the city it would be the best brunch spots and depending on the week they are in town I’ll look up events happening in Atlanta because the city is always live.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most people feel the need to shoutout so many people just so no one is left out but I honestly want to give all my success to God, My Husband, Children and My Mom. God is always first and the head. I prayed many nights about my next steps in my business and each step I take I talk to the Big Guy about it. My Husband and My Mom invested in my business. They were my first customers and still to this day as my business grown they support me 100%. My children are the ones who are helping me design, press, fold and process every order. No matter how small or big the order my children all have a hand in each order. But my small business wouldn’t be this BIG if it wasn’t for my loyal customers and those who trusted me to bring their vision to life so I am grateful for them!

Website: www.thecustomsvault.com

Instagram: thecustomvault

Facebook: The Custom Vault