Shamayne Olivia’s transformative and entrepreneurial journey started with a simple question: “Who am I?” Her decades-long quest to reclaim her identity led to profound insights and realizations that are the foundation of her company, Shoes That Fit Her Soul, LLC. Based on her personal experiences with generational trauma, Shamayne’s authentic message guides women towards personal and professional growth and living more meaningful lives filled with passion, purpose, and renewed confidence. Her workshop has empowered countless women with the essential tools to get unstuck and move beyond the behaviors and patterns preventing them from realizing their full potential. Her first book explores these intricacies, removing the layers to uncover the fundamental steps needed to recover one’s identity. Shamayne lives in the Texas Hill Country, near Austin, with her husband and their two cats, Wrigley & Ivy. Living nearby are two of her adult children and three grandchildren, fulfilling her love of spending time with family. In her spare time, she enjoys live music, visiting Major League ballparks, and traveling to the western states to experience nature, especially in the mountains, rivers, and national parks. It is there that she reconnects with her soul and discovers new ways to inspire her clients to become their authentic selves.
My Story
“Who am I?”
I was forty years old and about to separate from my husband when I realized I didn’t really know who I was. Exhausted, burned out, and resentful is how I felt but if you’d asked me to define myself deep down, you would have received an empty stare. I had no idea except for the roles I played within my circles.
I felt like I was constantly changing masks within my family, friend circles, and career thinking I needed to please others. I didn’t know who I was supposed to be which meant that no one knew the real me either.
I felt empty inside despite having three beautiful kids, a home, and career. My marriage was beginning to tear apart and I was going in circles trying to figure it all out. I felt so alone and confused.
How it started
I was the firstborn of four children to my emotionally immature parents. I found myself trying to care for my siblings while also trying to meet my parents’ emotional needs. I was eight years old when they divorced, but each household remained dysfunctional in its own way (alcoholism
and high control religion) I was destined to repeat their mistakes unless I could break the generational cycle.
Turning Point…
A week before my divorce was final, I lost my job and with it, my confidence. I struggled to pay the bills and lost my house soon after. Starting over took a toll on my physical and mental health. My three kids were the only thing that kept me going. The next four years had many challenges but eventually things started to get better. I had an offer for a job from a high-profile company, I had a new relationship, and I was feeling better about myself. My life was looking brighter then, the day after accepting my new position, my ex-husband was killed in a tragic accident while cycling. My world ground to a halt again and I was more frightened than before.
A Second Chance…
Everyone experiences life-changing events. The significance of that moment in your life comes from what you choose to do with it. I still had so much to discover about myself. This tragedy forced me to look deep inside. As I questioned how life could be so unfair sometimes, I realized it was up to me to define who I am and find purpose.
Thankfully I found help through therapy and reading lots of books to offer insight and strategy. This seemingly mid-life crisis resulted in a mid-life awakening. Exploring the past helped me recognize the things that had held me back and uncover destructive patterns, unravel limited beliefs, and undo everything I had become to survive. New insights helped me visualize a plan for my future. I was ready to step up and find happiness on my terms.
How it’s going…
Today, I recognize that my childhood experiences in a dysfunctional family system had played a significant role in shaping who I was, but I still have the final say over who I would become. Self-awareness is at the core of reclaiming your authentic self, rediscovering your creativity and imagination, and finding the courage and clarity for your future. My book is the result of my journey. My passion, and to a greater extent, my purpose, is to share the insights I’ve gained with the tools I put into practice every day to be my authentic self.
Media
Stay tuned for upcoming media.