Meet Shatisha Stephens the CEO of Financial Matters, LLC

Shatisha Stephens specializes in educating and inspiring individuals to live their best financial life. She is known for her speaking engagements, individual coaching sessions, as well as sharing her personal economic stories and experiences. She firmly believes that a healthy financial mindset is the key to financial success and has helped individuals with creating budgets, spending plans, saving strategies, credit repair, and recommendations for tackling debt. One of her favorite sayings is, "In matters of money, you matter." Through this journey, she formally created Financial Matters, LLC.

Shatisha is an advocate and educator for breaking generational curses, creating, and sustaining wealth. Since launching her business, Shatisha has taught 500+ attendees over 20 financial literacy workshops by partnering with some organizations such as No Rest for Success foundation, Play 2 Purpose, Leaders of the 21st Century, and Spotify. Also, she works with women entrepreneurs and helps non-profit organizations think through building sustainable financial capability programs in New York and New Jersey.

Who is Shatisha Stephens, and what was your motivation for starting your brand?

Money was always a struggle for me growing up in Brooklyn, NY. My grandmother was on public assistance, and when I went to the store, I would wait until everyone left so I wouldn't be embarrassed using the food stamps. I got teased for wearing knock-off name brand clothes, and I never had cable television. All of which struck my passion for financial literacy. I was a first-generation college graduate, graduating with a Bachelors degree in Finance and Economics. I originally wanted to be a Certified Financial Planner but shortly realized that I wanted to help other populations, not just the wealthy. In 2006, I started preparing personal income taxes for low-income families. I expanded my reach in 2015, when I began hosting financial literacy workshops. I also often volunteered at organizations such as Brooklyn Community Services and the Caribbean Women's Health Association, teaching mentally ill patients, and women with HIV money management.

What are some of the main challenges you faced with growing your brand?

My biggest challenge was realizing that there are many other people in this industry offering the same services as me. So it's easy to get discouraged and feel like someone else is doing it better, or beat yourself up saying "Why haven't I thought of that, why didn't I launch that first? Then I remind myself that there are a variety of brands in the bread aisle. People choose which one they like best, and they all make money. Therefore, I suggest putting yourself out there, sharing your tools, resources, and services, not being afraid to promote yourself, or share your story.

What is some advice that you would have for anyone looking to follow in your footsteps?

Go for it, step out on faith, and don't be afraid to take risks. You will be surprised how many people would support you, encourage you, and believe in you. Failure is growth, and you won't know if you can do something unless you try. Do research, follow people in the same industry, and do not view them as competition. Get inspired and motivated to push yourself to be better and go after everything you want. My most substantial piece of advice is to share more of yourself personally. Allow people to connect with a face and person outside of the brand. Don't be afraid of allowing others to learn from your journey and best practices that work for you.

What is next for you?

I plan to continue to partner with small businesses and organizations to promote financial literacy and to educate others on the importance of financial wellness, money management, and wealth-building. I will be leading workshops, panels and speaking engagements either virtually or in person. My website and Instagram will remain a source of inspiration with tools, resources information. Additionally, I'm looking forward to launching some virtual classes, establishing a non-profit organization, and write my first book.

Find out more about Shatisha on IG @iam_tisha_; financialmatters_ and www.financialmattersllc.com.