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

Hi Shirkydra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was that if I could teach people to push purpose out of their pain, challenges, trauma, downfalls, or doubts, I could change lives through impacting peoples mindsets. As a #METOO survivor, I saw my experience as a light that guided me out of darkness instead of a dark experience. I would not be a Motivational Speaker, Advocate, Author, or Life Transformation Coach if I did not have something to give to the world. We all have gifts, we just have to unwrap them even when they don’t come in a package that we like.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started I.A.M.E. in 2018 as a foundation to building my speaking platform. I am also currently active duty Navy with 12 years of service which caused me in the beginning to battle balancing my dream and my career. I found myself tired, doubtful, and ambitious all at the same time. I wanted top learn from anyone who was willing to teach me. When people see that you are chasing an empire, it can put you in a vulnerable state which caused me to face some financial and business administrative issues, However, I learned my lesson and pressed forward because I refused to let those issues stop me from doing what I knew God called me to do. I.A.M.E. is about giving people hope through telling my story of overcoming child molestation. If you think about the most painful experience you went through, you forget that you not only went through but you GOT through too. I want people to see the strength, gift, in purpose that can sometimes be hidden under pain. I want to give people a chance to start a new life as they embrace their truth and use it to be a light in the world. I wrote a book in 2019 called “Just Unwrap It” which talks about the gifts that God has given us but we refuse to unwrap it because we do not like what it might be wrapped in. The packaging can be changed but the gift is perfect and permanent. I want the world to know that I.A.M.E. (Impact, Aspire, Motivate Enterprises) is about creating change while changing. Healing, maturing, and understanding are processes that take time but do not need to be completed in order to make an impact. People want to see themselves in an authentic state and not just in a “perfect state”. That is the brand. ” I AM ME” completely authentic and true!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city are mostly in the downtown Dallas area. You can’t find anything more relaxing than a walk in the park or a visit at the aquarium or museum. I would take them to eat at the Shell Shack, Rudy’s Chicken, and Waffle House. You can;t go wrong there. For fun we would visit Round 1, the skating ring, and of course you can’t go wrong with Six Flags!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My “Granny” Shirley Roberts has been the backbone of our family. She introduced us to Christ which is the head of my life, Without my Faith, I would not understand how to forgive, love, and hope. My grandmother has been the resource of my energy. She is strong, faithful, and has always been there for the family as the rock that we all depend on. She prayed for me and I could never pay her back for investing in my spiritual journey.

Website: www.impactaspiremotivate.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shirkydraroberts
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirkydra-roberts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iamesyr
Youtube: www.youtube.com/shirkydraroberts