Today we’d like to introduce you to Shennice Cleckley
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey has been a bit of a winding road, filled with exciting twists and turns. From a young age, I was always curious about the world and how I could make a positive impact. My early days in advocacy taught me the power of using my voice to champion important causes.
This passion led me to the world of business, where I first explored my entrepreneurial spirit with My Dessert Bar. It was an incredible experience to build a brand from scratch, delighting customers with delicious baked goods and creating a thriving community. I learned so much about the dedication and hard work it takes to run a successful business, from managing a team to adapting to the ever-changing market.
Transitioning My Dessert Bar to a thriving online presence was a major turning point. It was a challenge to navigate the digital landscape, but it taught me valuable lessons about innovation and resilience. Seeing those online orders grow and connecting with customers globally was incredibly rewarding.
This experience fueled my desire to empower others in the digital world. I founded Smart Cookie Coaching to help small businesses thrive online, sharing the knowledge and strategies I had gained along the way.
I also had the amazing opportunity to lead a nonprofit focused on empowering women of color entrepreneurs. It was such a fulfilling experience to help them achieve their dreams and make a real difference in their communities.
Today, I’m the proud founder of Melanin Innovations, where we’re all about using AI for good. It’s a thrilling challenge to help businesses leverage technology while staying true to their values.
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned so much about resilience, adapting to change, and the importance of staying true to myself. My faith, my community, and my belief in the power of technology have been my guiding lights. I’m excited to see what the future holds and to continue empowering others along the way!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road! Entrepreneurship, especially when venturing into uncharted territories like ethical AI and championing underrepresented communities, is filled with its fair share of challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles has been navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. Staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that my skills and knowledge remain relevant in a rapidly changing industry demands constant learning and adaptation.
Building and scaling businesses, especially as a woman of color, has also presented its own set of obstacles. Access to funding and resources can be limited, and overcoming systemic biases requires unwavering determination and resilience.
Transitioning my bakery, My Dessert Bar, from a brick-and-mortar store to a thriving online business was a particularly challenging chapter. It involved learning new skills, adapting to a different business model, and overcoming the fear of the unknown.
However, I firmly believe that these challenges have ultimately made me a stronger and more capable entrepreneur. They’ve taught me the importance of perseverance, creative problem-solving, and never giving up on my dreams. Each obstacle I’ve overcome has fueled my passion for empowering others and creating a more equitable and inclusive future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m Shennice Cleckley, an award-winning business strategist, AI innovator, and faith-based speaker. I’m passionate about igniting passion and purpose in leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to align their faith with remarkable success. My unique blend of strategic insight and strong belief empowers my audiences to build thriving businesses with lasting impact.
I’m a sought-after speaker, sharing my expertise in business, faith, and technology. I’ve been recognized as “Best in Business” for South Carolina two years running, and my entrepreneurial journey is a testament to overcoming challenges and achieving your God-given potential. I’m also the author of “Soul Sparkles: Unleashing Your Heart’s Audacious Dreams,” where I share more about my journey and insights.
What sets me apart is my faith-based approach to business and my belief that everyone can achieve their dreams. I’m most proud of my ability to help people overcome obstacles and achieve success beyond their expectations. I’m particularly passionate about empowering women, aspiring entrepreneurs, young mothers, and promoting equity in business.
Through my speaking engagements, AI consulting, and faith-based coaching, I offer a variety of services to help individuals and businesses thrive. My speaking engagements are designed to inspire and motivate, while my consulting and coaching services provide practical tools and strategies for success.
I want readers to know that my brand is all about empowering individuals to step into their leadership, embrace their unique gifts, and achieve goals greater than they ever imagined. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business, grow an existing one, or simply align your faith with your professional life, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
In addition to my work as a speaker and consultant, I’m also proud to co-found L. Cleckley Media with my husband, LeBrian. Together, we produce “The Algorithm & The Almighty,” a podcast and community where we explore the intersection of AI and faith in business. We’re passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to leverage technology ethically and effectively, while staying true to their values.
The Algorithm and The Almighty is a multimedia platform designed to empower faith-driven entrepreneurs navigate the intersection of faith, technology, and entrepreneurship with wisdom and purpose. We offer biblically-grounded insights and practical tips for leveraging AI tools responsibly
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shennicecleckley.com or www.thealgorithmandthealmighty.com or www.melanininnovations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamshennicec
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamshennicec
