Meet Shanequa Thomas | Mental Health Expert & Pillar of Hope

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

Hi Shanequa, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
At heart I’m from a small country town in Georgia that has shaped my values and morals as a young woman. But my personality, open mind to try new things and explore who I am was shaped from where I was raised, Jacksonville, FL. Both of these places have built me to be a unique, confident, witty, and beautiful person inside and out. These areas has influenced me tap into my community to help individuals love who they are and find freedom in the mind. I have learned how to stand in my power unapologetically simply by embodying being a Georgia Peach and a young who shines in the sunshine state… while being corny and funny at the same time.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Gracious Space is a business/Ministry that serves professional women who are pursuing personal healing in order to thrive in their career, relationships, and spiritual life. This entity is set to merge the gap between mental health and faith. We host events and coaching services to equip women and teen girls to be mentally strong through faith and practical tools to help them strive in their daily lives. As I continue this journey in business I am learning that faith, obedience, and, confidence are key elements that helps me to thrive through life and business , Life is our biggest teacher. So in my first year of business I had to learn the importance of trusting my abilities, gifts, and my ability to lead others. Overthinking and sabotage are two things I am overcoming in all honesty. But as I continue to learn and show myself grace I grow stronger and wiser as a person and business owner. As far as my business I want the world to know that I truly want to serve you in being mentally strong. I want the world to know despite what life has taught you there is better on the other side, but it starts with what you believe in.

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.
If my best friend was visiting I would want to take them to my favorite spot at the beach in the morning. The beach looks peaceful and beautiful in the morning. Then once we leave the beach I would take her to my favorite brunch spot Uptown Kitchen (If you know then you know). Then we would head over to a candle making class called Wick. Once we leave there it is probably time to eat again lol. So it is only right we head seafood spot; Crafty Crab. Then we could end the night with some karaoke because who doesn’t like to sing the night away?

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I would like to thank God because I would not have made it far without Him along this journey of life and walking in purpose. Secondly, I would like thank my parents for always believing in me and always allowing me to try something new and different to help me come out of my shell to shape me to be the confident and bold woman I am today. Third, I would like to thank my friends and team for the support and pushing me to strive for my dreams even in moments I did not feel I could push forward. Lastly, I would like to thank the community of Jacksonville because I have met so many unique people that have inspired me to want to be a voice of change in mental health.

Website: graciousspace.org

Instagram: _graciousspace

Facebook: Gracious Space

Image Credits
Kiana Shackelford, She Speaks Visuals