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

Hi Shakira, how do you think about risk?
The definition of risk taking is “the act or fact of doing something that involves danger or risk in order to achieve a goal”. Starting a business always involves some risk-taking. Risk taking has become a valuable initiative in my life. It is vital to ones success in life. Without taking risk I would not be where I am today in life. An individual must trust and have faith in the process of becoming who they aspire to be. Betting on yourself is what I like to call it. Trusting that God the universe will see you through is very instrumental. I’ve always trusted that as long as I had a burning desire for my ambitions God the universe would not let me fail. When I say fail I do not mean you’ll always be successful. Failure to me is a learning lesson so in essence you never lose. You gain tools on how to overcome your next journey. I view risk taking as an overall positive in my life. If I did not take risk I would not be where I am today and now one of the newest franchisee in the Dallas area of Henderson Chicken Mesquite.

What should our readers know about your business?
Opening my restaurant Henderson Chicken in Mesquite has been a very exciting moment in my career! Although, we opened our doors during the height of COVID-19 the community of Mesquite embraced Henderson Chicken gracefully and we are forever grateful for it. We enjoy serving the community. Historically, the Henderson Chicken brand has been around for over 40 years in the Dallas area. It is the best Southern Fried Chicken in town in my opinion! We strive to be the best at what we do in every aspect from customer service, managing, cooking, aspiring others & community efforts. We encourage our staff to also become franchisee in the near future as well. Becoming a franchisee of Henderson Chicken was divine destiny for me. I met my Friend/Mentor/Franchisor while selling real estate. When I met her I thought to myself this is a fly, charismatic, ambitious lady. I have to get to know her more. At the time I did not know who she was but I knew there was something special behind us meeting. Therefore, we cultivated a great friendship and mentorship. Then she presented me with the opportunity of being a franchisee of Henderson Chicken. I did not jump at the opportunity immediately, I gave it some thought and then decided why not! Take the risk Shakira! Do not let your fears cripple your success in life! God the universe will always make a way. So I jumped and It has been one of the best jumps I made in my career. The business is very simple all you have to do is follow the Henderson Chicken restaurant model and you’ll be successful. Henderson Chicken in Mesquite is successful and thriving and I’m still doing real estate and other entrepreneur aspects as well. I have a very courageous appetite for multiple businesses. Never let anyone tell you what you are incapable of doing. You never know your strengths until you absolutely need them! Taking risk have allowed my paradigm to shift greatly over time in a positive manner and present opportunities to meet other amazing individuals. Taking risk and overcoming your fears will do the same for you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the city of Dallas. Dallas have some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Some of the best sightseeing in Dallas is the reunion tower where you can view all of Dallas, Trinity Groves, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and more. The city is very diverse and fun for all. I’m a fan of a wide variety of places. I enjoy the nightlife of Deep Ellum, Uptown, the Frisco/Plano area & more. However, some of my favorite spots in the city are Harris House of Hereos, Stirr, Clutch Bar, Vinetti’s, Cigars International, and others just to name a few. Then I’d end the night with some Henderson Chicken.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Reading the right books, having great mentors and positive people in your life are the keys to success. I’m definitely a big fan of the Napoleon Hill book-Think and Grow Rich. It has made me view things very different in life along with the book “The Secret”. Everything we need to know someone else has already found the answer, I feel our best options for growth are books or Mentorship. I’d also like to give credit to my family, husband, friends & Mentor. These people have contributed enormously to my success in life. I love them dearly and will never forget the impact they have made in my life.

Website: https://henderson-chicken-fast-food-restaurant.business.site/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hendersonchickenmesquite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hendersonchickenmesquite/

Image Credits
Instagram: @Tonywiththeshot