Brains & Beauty Interview with Founder and Co-founder of Show Me Shoes Foundation
Everybody who knows me, knows (hell even if you don't know me), I'm always talking about how philanthropy, paying it forward, and giving back is so important to me. Being able to connect with others in such a loving way does something for everyone involved, the people in need are supported with their immediate and/or long term needs, and the people giving, get the filling of purpose and fulfillment, it feeds their soul a little. So when I got the opportunity to talk with the founder and co-founder of Show me Shoes I was bubbling with excitement to find out what inspired them, and how amazing it feels to be able to inspire and support others. Keep reading to see what my Woman Crushes have to say.
Name: Shivon Bullock & Anneka Jenkins
Age: Shivon- 34, Anneka- 34
Location: Shivon- Kansas City, MO.,
Title: Shivon- Founder/CEO
Academics: Shivon- University of Central Missouri- Marketing
Webster University- Masters in Media Comm.
Anneka- University of Missouri- Kansas City- Comm.
F&S: What's the back story? How did you find yourself founder of a non-profit?
S.B. : Well Anneka and I have known each other since high school, and at 18 I had all these aspirations about what I wanted to do, as well as being in a position to be able to give back. After chatting with a co-worker at an internship, he kind of inspired me to really think about starting my own non-profit. Our first shoe drive was in 2009, and we held it in my friends live/work space, and after that if just kept rolling.
F&S: What lead you to philanthropy?
S.B. : It's a part of who I am. I was always a giver as kid. Sometimes at school, I would give away my lunch to kids who didn't have one. My mom was a giver, she inspired me. She use to pack extra lunches when we went on field trips. While I was in college, my sorority participated in and volunteering. It's just who I am.
A.J. : While working with young girls in Kansas City in different dance organizations, it inspired me to want to keep giving back to them, and to be able to create opportunities that continued to empower them.
F&S: Was this a career goal for either one of you?
S.B. : I always thought I'd be doing P.R. for music artist, but after a couple of internships I realized that it wasn't for me. It was at one of my internships that I decided that I really wanted to start my on foundation.
A.J. : No, I've been a dancer since I was a little girl, so I just knew that I'd be dancing on stage with Beyonce, or Justin Timberlake or somebody. But after different career connections, moving to Atlanta, and building all these different relationships, it all lead me to this.
F&S: I read somewhere that the intent of Show Me Shoes is to "Restore confidnece, staring at the sole..." Why shoes?
A.J. : Every woman loves a pair of shoes. It helps connect woman, shoes can be a conversation starters. It's about starting from the bottom and working your way up.
F&S: Tell me about the programs you offer.
S.B. : We have our Prom Project which is one of our biggest projects, where we donate dresses, shoes, accessories, and provide make up to girls getting ready for their prom. It's really a day of beauty. Then we have Master Class, a day of empowerment, and our annual shoe drive.
F&S: What steps did you take to get your organization up and running?
S.B. : We just started. We kind of did it backwards. We took little steps. We just stepped out on faith and we were fearless.
F&S: What's the best part of the job? What is the most challenging?
A.J. : For me, all the initiatives that we have to provide to the girls. Being able to give back to the girls, seeing their faces at our events when we're inspiring and motivating them in so many different ways. The challenging part to me is, all the behind the scenes administrative work.
S.B. : I would agree. But for me, right now the most challenging part would be trying to balance my full time job, and running Show Me Shoes.
F&S: Congrats on Celebrating 5 yrs. of successful business which is a great mile stone for any start up... How does that feel?
A.J. : It's surreal. It's such a blessing
F&S: How many girls have you served to date?
F&S: How do you want to see your organization evolve in the next five years?
S.B. : Traveling with our Master Class to different cities to empower and give back.
A.J. : Expanding our brand into new markets
F&S: What's your definition of femininity?
S.B. : Women are powerful, we just have this natural aura, people can feel our presence when we enter a room.
A.J. : Inner beauty, deep down in the soul, fearlessness.
F&S: What's your fashion addiction?
S.B. : I love chucks. I think they look better when there old and worn.
S.B. : Hot tea, I hate coffee.
A.J. : Hot tea with hazelnut creamer.
Get involved: http://showmeshoes.org/
