Community Highlights: Meet Shatoria Christian of I Am Shatoria

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shatoria Christian.

Hi Shatoria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1982. I grew up with my three sisters and my mother in a drug and abusive home, and finally, after being molested at the age of seven and moving too many times to count, I was sent to live with my grandparents in 1992. My fifth elementary school, fourth grade, in a small town that I come to love later in my life. I didn’t know how to read or do how to do math. My grandparents were hard on me with school and just being better in life; however, I have learned that they loved me and knew I had greatness. Love and confidence were something I didn’t have for myself. My grandparents wanted to see and empower what was deep in me. My sisters and I weren’t given what they gave us before living with them, which was new.

Before moving in with my grandparents, I had secrets, and they started to catch up with me throughout the years. I developed depression, to where I started cutting myself. I did this till about 18. It didn’t matter that I graduated with honors from high school; all that mattered at that time was I was hurting mentally and just wanted it to end. I didn’t feel love, and I felt invisible. I spent many years trying to be something I wasn’t and even going into the military thinking I could escape the reality of life. I couldn’t run, and I couldn’t hide. I finally got the help I needed which was spiritually, mentally, and physically. I finally arrived at a place where I was happy with who I was and growing to be. I was an event planner for almost 18 years, and then God decided that it was time to give everyone what I didn’t have growing up.

So in 2020, I Am Shatoria, LLC was born. This brand was built to help everyone that was like me for years. The mission is to show that no one is alone in their battle. I am an author, life coach, podcast host, and motivational speaker. I Am Shatoria, LLC job is to reach many with my words and encourage the mental and the passion for building people. With all I have gone through in silence and out loud, I am super proud of myself for where I am in life. I am a wife, mom, Airmen, and all I stated above. I encourage people to live out loud. I encourage people to love themselves—all the things I didn’t have for myself all those years ago. God has truly blessed me, and my goal is to bless others with my story. My book, Authentic Transparency: Forgiveness to Freedom, speaks to my growth, my hurt, the pain endured, and my freedom to be me and open. My goal, dream, and passion are for people to be free in all things. I am watching it come true daily by me being variable.

As you know, we’re big fans of I Am Shatoria, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I Am Shatoria, LLC is my passion and joy. It is the growth of myself. It started in the middle of the pandemic, and it has blossomed to be a beautiful flower. It empowers people to know that they are great no matter their background. It shows them that they are worthy and that they are not alone. We have all been in a place at some point, and I Am Shatoria, LLC is built to allow us all to be free of others. We specialize in affirmations through cards, Soulful Sunday, Motivational Monday, and my podcast. I am a different brand because I am not out here competing with everyone to be seen. My goal is to heal people of the unforgiveness I have had for years. I want them to feel the freedom I have. My brand is different, and I am proud because it is me. We offer love, support, life coaching, and books, and we have retreats once a year. This way, people get together to see and learn there are people like them. We are not alone. That is the goal of I Am Shatoria, LLC.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During COVID, I have learned how to be me fully. To trust my gut and to do what is excellent. During this time, my faith was tested in every way; however, God kept my focus and was honest with me. Writing a book during a time when all my past issues and hurt resurfaced could have taken me out, but instead, it made me stronger and vital to those who I now know who needs me.

Contact Info:

• Website: iamshatoria.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_shatoria/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamshatoria
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCubcmUOaUgBUpyBddCiJPuQ
• Other: https://iamshatoria.podbean.com

Image Credits
Chip Dizard Dvus Photography Dee Productionzz Southern Sweet Photography LLC Edward Underwood Photography Lydia Carlis