It might’ve seemed like you could predict the end of Shakira Martin’s story just by looking at the beginning. A young girl from a working-class family, surrounded by drug abuse: what could possibly become of her? People had already started labelling her: rude, disrespectful, unlikely to succeed.
And at first, it looked like they were right. After failing her GCSEs, Shakira enrolled in a business studies course but dropped out after three months. It was the first of many unfinished courses. In between, she worked various jobs: junior hairstylist, cashier, server. Each role reminded her of how little was expected of her. The whispers in her head grew louder; maybe everyone was right. Maybe she wasn’t cut out for more.
Eventually, she landed her first taxable job at a GP surgery. For the first time, she felt a sense of pride and purpose. She excelled, even got promoted—until a new manager walked in and decided she didn’t belong. Shakira was fired.
At the time, she didn’t even recognize it for what it was - discrimination - but she found the courage to fight back. She sued her employer and won.
That win lit a spark. She began to acknowledge that maybe she was more than she had allowed herself to believe.
She returned to school, finished her studies, and took on several leadership roles—including reviving a dormant Student Union that hadn’t been active in over a decade. Yes, the same young woman who used to skip classes in high school.
Shakira didn’t just defy the odds, she rose above her obstacles to eventually become an educational consultant, building her own consultancy agency. Bear in mind that this is someone who used to skip school in high school!
So, just imagine the lived experience and compassion she brings to the table, especially for young people who feel invisible in systems that were never designed for them to thrive.
There truly is no limit to what’s possible when we stubbornly refuse to give up on ourselves.
If this story inspired you and you’d like to hear it straight from Shakira herself, I’m thrilled to let you know that she shares her full journey and lessons learned in her masterclass at the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women in Power Summit.
And if you haven’t secured your spot yet, good news: access has been extended until April 30th!
👇🏽 Click the button below to grab your opportunity today.
Top 100 Most Powerful Women Summit
Video of the Week
This week, I’m inviting you to watch, enjoy and soak in all of the gems from the Top 100 Most Powerful Black Women in Power Summit.
Even as the convener, I’ve been blown away by the depth of wisdom and inspiration in every single masterclass.
When you purchase access, you get lifetime access, so you can revisit the sessions whenever you need a boost. If you haven’t joined us yet, there’s still time!
👇🏽 Get Lifetime Access to the Summit Here
Get Lifetime Access to Summit Here!
Affirmation of the Week
Let’s take some inspiration from our Spotlight of the day. For everyone who feels like their future has been set in stone due to their background or upbringing, here’s something to remind yourself today:
"I am not my background, nor my upbringing. I am so much more, and I will become so much more!"
Have you found yourself in exploration mode lately? What’s that been like for you? I’d love to hear from you.
Wishing you a beautiful rest of the week.
Xo
Natalia.
Women In Digital Business (WIDB) is committed to empowering Black women in the digital space, offering the tools and training necessary to break through barriers. Whether you’re creating content, building digital products, or navigating the world of business, our mission is to ensure you have the support you need to thrive. Through coaching, training, and a strong community, we help Black female entrepreneurs navigate both mindset and technical challenges, enabling them to achieve the success they deserve.
Responses