Fearless Friday: Shakera Martin

FEARLESS Friday: A blog series about inspiring women who have developed their talents and creative passions in unique ways. These are photographs and stories of a select few artists and entrepreneurs that encourage the pursuit of outstanding endeavors, in spite of fear, while redefining the meaning of success. If you love this post, check out the entire FEARLESS Friday series.

What do you do?
I am performer, movement coach and entrepreneur; owner of Simply Shakera Inc, Carnival Spice fitness & entertainment and The Keep It Movin program.

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my family, my community, and my work. I present my work particularly through three areas that I truly love: Dance, Fitness, and Culture!

How did you get started?
My “start” is quite a long story! HA! I will say however that I am grateful that God is allowing me to do all that I love to do with the people I love surrounding me!

How do you stay inspired?

• Through prayer.
• Playing with my niece or nephews.
• Conversations with my sister, close friends, or mentors
• Keeping track of victories in a success journal (I began practicing this at the start
• Creating a vision board annually

What’s your favorite book?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favorite quote?
If I had to pick just one, the quote below shares my exact sentiments: “When you follow your passion, you discover your purpose; success is sure to follow” – Akema Johnson Day.

I can’t-live-without my…
My iPhone! (and feta cheese!)

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome in your life or as an entrepreneur?
Another long story! However, each “challenge” I have faced so far has brought upon growth and new opportunity.

Any advice for others that want to follow on a similar path?
PLEASE PROTECT AND NUTURE YOUR GIFT. Know your worth and do not be afraid to say no!

My # 1 source of inspiration is…
my clients! I am most inspired when they leave an experience with me different then they came. Whether it is watching a couple perform their first dance that they worked on for months or the woman who thinks she has “two left feet” learning a choreographed routine in 30 minutes – each client experience is unique and ends with a magical moment. I am so grateful to be apart of many of their lifelong memories.

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Keep up with Shakera and her awesome endeavors by visiting her website at www.simplyshakera.blogspot.ca, www.carnivalspice.com, and www.keepitmovin.ca.