Meet Shardae Orr | Faith Influencer & Apparel Brand Owner

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

Hi Shardae, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first started my career, I aimed for a perfect balance—making sure each area of my life, whether work or personal, received equal time and attention. Over the years, my perspective has shifted. Now, I view balance as giving each area of life the time it needs for the season I’m in. I’ve learned that my relationship with God and my marriage (and future family) must always take priority. While I strive for excellence in my work, I’ve also come to understand that there’s grace in acknowledging the limits of what I can do with the time I have. I also recognize that there are seasons that require a grind, but I feel like I’ve worked hard enough to where those seasons have become fewer and farther between.

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.
I started my career in marketing, working in the radio and entertainment industry with Radio One back in 2006. I truly enjoyed the production aspect of that work—it was exciting and creative. In 2014, I moved to Atlanta and transitioned into ministry, eventually taking on a director of marketing role. It felt like a dream job, merging my faith with my craft.

However, during the pandemic, my health began to decline just as I started creating content. Things really took off from there, and I made the decision to leave my job in order to prioritize my health. That shift opened doors to new opportunities that not only brought me joy but also helped me create a life I didn’t even know I desired—one where I own my time, have the creative freedom to make an impact, and live in alignment with my values.

Today, I curate content both for myself and for other brands and organizations. What started as a challenge, especially in securing brand deals, turned into something beautiful when I realized that many brands actually wanted to work with me specifically for my values. They valued my faith, my authenticity, and my vision. I also launched an apparel brand, CMPLD (Compelled), that reflects my social media messaging—helping people understand and personally connect with scripture, one verse at a time.

What I want the world to know about my story is that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a pivot. Sometimes, when you achieve the goal you’ve always dreamed of, there’s another opportunity waiting just around the corner. Don’t be afraid to take the leap.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhh I absolutely LOVE this question!!

For Food:
Delbar – Persian food, exquisite vibes, don’t let the menu scare you! lol
C&S Oyster Bar – It is a favorite for me and my husband – the chargrilled oysters *chef’s kiss*
Chops Lobster bar – For an upscale fancy dinner

For Drinks: I’m a coffee girl and these are my top 3
Bellwood Coffee – The best atmosphere for a calm day’s work, and the Sunday Morning is my go-to!
Cupanion – Christian-owned, and they have an Apple Cider Latte that had me hooked all fall!
Coffeeman Blandtown – They offer a specialty drink every month, and it’s always a hit! Plus, I’ve never had a better chocolate croissant than theirs.

Hang out spots:
The Beltline – I absolutely love spending time at ponce going to 5 Daughters bakery and then walking it off on the beltline
Candlelight Atlanta – Love the candlelight concerts! The last one I went to was R&B but there are som many good ones!
High Museum of Art – I love any new installation!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If there’s one person I absolutely have to shout out, it’s my husband. Throughout both my personal and professional journey, he’s been an unwavering source of support, pushing me to keep pursuing my dreams. We’ve been friends for over 10 years and are now in our 5th year of marriage. His relentless drive and commitment to growth have always inspired and motivated me. Most recently, during a time when my health was declining, he donated his kidney to me—helping me regain my strength and ultimately getting me back on track to fulfill my purpose of preaching, teaching, and creating content.

Website: https://cmpld.com

Instagram: @ShardaeOrr

Linkedin:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShardaeOrr

Image Credits
Aaron Dollar
Andria Chapman Photography
Flex Focus Photography