Shafia is the President of Birthing Change. Read our interview with Shafia about her experiences with Xcelerate Business Advising.

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What sparked the idea for your business–and what vision or purpose drives the work you do today?

I wanted to help small businesses achieve their cultural competency, increase their client base, and have confidence in growing their business.

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When you first connected with Xcelerate, where were you in your business journey? What challenges or aspirations brought you to us?

When I connected with Xcelerate, I was on a growth journey and needed a specific strategy to get to the next level.

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What goals did you focus on with Xcelerate this year, and what progress are you most proud of?

I focused on hosting a doula conference, and it was a success. I met my numbers, and my attendees were very satisfied with their experience, and I made a profit.

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Can you share a moment this year when something clicked for you as a business owner–something that changed the way you think or lead?

It clicked again to remember why I do the work and to shine in my uniqueness.

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What were some of the biggest challenges you navigated this year, and how did Xcelerate’s support help you move through them?

Getting sponsors for my conference was challenging, and Xcelerate's support with weekly coaching, collective brainstorming, and ideas helped me to meet my goals.

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If you’ve been part of Xcelerate for multiple years, how would you describe the ongoing impact of that support over time? And if you’re newer to the community, what early changes or wins have you already noticed?

I am new to Xcelerate; this was my first year. At the same time, I noticed improved marketing and learning to own my niche in my business.

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What milestones or wins have felt especially meaningful along the way–whether in growth, confidence, or community impact? Please be as specific as possible. My milestones have been improved messaging, which has increased my sales.

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What about Xcelerate’s approach feels uniquely impactful or aligned with the way you do business?

Xcelerate's approach has been supportive because it allowed me to increase hours with my coach until I achieved my goal of having a successful conference without an increase in price for the service.

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How has your identity–as a woman and through your intersecting experiences–shaped the way you lead, make decisions, or build community through your business?

I lead as a woman who stands on the shoulders of Black businesswomen who have come before me.  And that means standing in faith, in vision, and in courage.

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How do you personally define success–for yourself and your business? Has that definition evolved since joining Xcelerate?

I define success by the impact that I have on the people that I serve, the ability to pay my bills and myself, and wanting to stay in the business, knowing that help like Xcelerate is there to support me and answer any questions.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited to create or grow next—and how has Xcelerate helped prepare you for that next chapter?

My future looks bright. Xcelerate has helped me to know that I can create franchises, and that is something that I would like to do in the near future.

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Is there anything else you'd like to share about your Xcelerate experience?

I really appreciated my Xcelerate weekly calls; it was encouraging to have an expert whom I could speak honestly with for feedback, knowing that she had my best interest at heart.  As they say, "it can be lonely at the top," and having professional support as a businesswoman was huge to make gains this year.  I feel like my business became more visible to the public, by the increased number of inquiries for service and training that we are receiving.