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

Hi Shanice, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What was your thought process behind starting your own business? My original thought process behind creating Grieving It was to create a community. My goal was to design space to not only support those feeling lost in their grief but also for people to heal and grieve their loved ones openly.

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
This may be odd but the connection and authenticity of people within the industry is something outsiders are mostly unaware of. Talking about death and loss is not easy. After someone has experienced a loss, they come to realize that there are wonderful people out there pushing and encouraging them through their darkest moments. The grief community is one that we don’t necessarily want to be a part of but one that we are grateful to know it’s there.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with risk. As I walk firmly into the woman I am becoming, I realize how necessary taking risks are. Personally, risks stimulate my faith and allows me to grow on many levels. At the same time risk taking is scary because in many situations I much rather be comfortable than uncomfortable. I quickly realized remaining comfortable only takes you so far. I took a risk creating Grieving It, sharing my life and work meant revealing the most vulnerable parts of myself for the world to see. This was one of the greatest risks I’ve ever taken because on the other side I’ve found support, community, and friendship.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
A decision that I have made that has contributed to my personal growth and success was making the choice to stop living up to another person’s expectation and create my own standard. This was the best decision I have made so far in my business. I believe it is important for creatives and business owners to know not only their value but also everything they need is already inside of them.

Work life balance: How has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
I love this question. Recently, I have been heavily involved in self-care and ensuring I have work life balance. My business solely runs on social media and for me too much social media can be mentally draining. In order to have longevity for my business I have to make sure my mental space is cared for. This means limiting my time on social media to refill my creative flow. Work life balance for me constantly changes because my needs are always evolving.

Do you have a favorite quote of affirmation? What does it mean to you/what do you like about it?
My favorite affirmation is by Londrelle. It states “The better I take care of myself, the more help I can offer to others”. This affirmation is a constant reminder that I cannot pour from an empty cup. As a servant leader, my heart’s desire it to help people. I know that I cannot assist others to the degree that I would like if I do not take proper care of myself.

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?
The reason I pursued a creative career is because I have a lot to say and have many good deeds to pour into the world. Pursing a space where I can do this freely and without boundaries was the only way to go. Each day I have the opportunity to create my own rules and change the world for the better.

What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
If I could choose, I want my legacy to be love. I want people to remember me by how I’ve made them feel through each interaction. To know that kindness and love is possible in a world where it seems absent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Creating a space to normalize grief is my art. Grieving It is a place where people go to heal and feel supported from experiencing a loss of a loved one. I am proud of the impact and impressions made daily by my brand. I believe it is the piece of hope this world needs today. Grieving It offers free grief resources, educational tools, gifts, and apparel. The world should know that grief in all forms is normal, it’s okay not to be okay. Additionally, there are people here to support you through that dark time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Boxcar ATL The Parlour
Carroll Street Cafe
Agave
King & Duke
The Battery ATL

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to my husband Phillip, who has supported and encouraged me through this journey we call life.

Website: www.grievingit.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grievingit/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanice-mcleish-322231108

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.