Meet Shiekim Cartledge | Student & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shiekim, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
A value that is important to me is “the road to success is what you make it.” Every journey may be different but how we face those challenges is what makes you. The journey comes with ups and downs, moments and outcomes that might be unwanted or unfavorable, and others that make you feel on top of the world. I like to think that those times when something was unwanted or unfavorable are just doors for me to peek my head in, take some knowledge with me, and use that knowledge to get a foot in the doors that were meant for me. Our choices and actions affect the trajectory of our journey and I like to view it as a whole, the journey is the culmination of every step we take, from beginning to the end.

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 a student organization at Kennesaw State University called Black Owned Businesses at Kennesaw. Seeing entrepreneurship in our community was something that excited me growing up. When I got to campus I saw an open space and I took the risk to start something new that I was passionate about. At first, it was difficult to get out of my comfort zone and make connections with others rather than being chill and overly laidback as I normally am. After that first challenge came all the challenges that come with being a leader. Being a leader was something that I normally tried to avoid given my personality, but I knew i need to be one. Being a leader I learned to be patient and understanding with others, whether we like to admit it or not, the stress of everything going on can feel like the world is falling apart like in the movie “Chicken Little”, so just be patient and understanding. Finally, what do I want the world to know about my story, is to believe in themselves, you are your biggest investment, invest in yourself and find success

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would like to take them to eat at either Hard Rock Cafe or Johnny Rocket’s, both are my favorite restaurants when I used to travel and Atlanta has them both. I would also take them to the IPIC Theater since I love cinema and would want them to have a great experience watching a movie. The last spot I would recommend would be to go for a ride in neighborhoods with giant houses so we can imagine the work it took to get there and how we can put ourselves in that spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my story, I would love to shout out my Mom and Dad they set the foundation for who I am today. My mom taught me to stay honest and true to myself and that at the end of the day, everything will be alright. I like to use this principle whenever I am feeling down, to know that it’ll be alright in the end. My dad taught me how to be responsible and to be the man I am today, I like to use what he taught me to stay disciplined, whether it’s going to the gym every day or keeping my strict routine. I would also like to shout out my friend Joyrdan for helping push me out of my comfort zone which allowed me to make important connections in my life.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiekim-cartledge-44727322b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dutaryius

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

Other: https://www.instagram.com/bobkksu/