AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Meiah Shaun

Good Morning.  Today we are spotlighting Author Meiah in our 10/10 seat.

Can you please tell us who is Author Meiah? 

My name is Meiah Shaun and I’m an inspirational author.  I’m a native of Orange, Texas and I currently reside in Plano, Texas.  I graduated from LeTourneau University where I received my Bachelor’s of Business Administration and an MBA. 

My new book is called Marvelous Are Thy Works.  My book covers the natural hair movement, self-love and relationships.  I have a special interest in empowering black women to self love and to embrace their natural hair.  I’m featured on Ezinearticles.com.  I have published articles on numerous topics such as inspirational, spirituality, goal setting to shopping and product reviews.  I enjoy writing, reading, cooking, jazz music and making scrapbooks.  

What was your inspiration behind your first book?

My natural hair journey is the inspiration behind my book.  I decided to wear my natural hair in 2007 and I stop chemically relaxing my hair. I’m passionate about the natural hair movement.  I love encouraging black women to embrace and wear their natural hair.  My book is a combination of my imagination and personal experiences.

What do you wish more people knew about the publishing side of things?

It’s important to have a plan as an indie publisher.  I’ve learned it’s important to know your target audience and have a marketing strategy.

What would you consider your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is following my dream and writing my first book!

Do you have a philosophy by which you live?

My faith in God is what gets me through the highs and lows of life.  I believe that God is on my side to prosper and I’m grateful for his many blessings.

What type of legacy would you like to leave for your readers?

I believe that God makes no mistakes and that we are all marvelous and made in his image.  I encourage women to self-love and know your worth.

How important was a "platform" in selling your books?

Initially, I felt my target audience was only black women wearing natural hair.  As a result, my book has appealed to all women of races and color.  I received feedback from book reviewers who are Caucasian women.  Both of them told me that they were inspired, enlightened and entertained by Marvelous Are Thy Works! I’m so grateful that my book is inspiring all women!

Do you have book signings coming up where readers can meet you?

Yes, I’m planning to host a book party this summer in the Dallas, TX area!  Readers can stay tune for more information by following me on Twitter and Facebook as well as visiting my website.

Can you tell us about your upcoming project(s)?

I’m working on my second book. It’s an inspirational story about forgiveness, healing and redemption. I plan to publish it by early 2016.

What advice do you have to an aspiring author?

My advice is to continue writing and connect with other writers for inspiration and to network.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meiah Shaun is an inspirational author and freelance writer.  She is a graduate of LeTourneau University.  She is featured on Ezinearticles.com as a platinum level author.  Meiah Shaun is the author of Marvelous Are Thy Works, (VC Publishing, 2014).  Meiah Shaun has a special interest in empowering African American women to self love and to embrace their natural hair.  She and her twin sister rock Sisterlocks.  She resides in Plano, Texas.  Visit her at meiahshaun.com and follow her on Twitter @MeiahShaun and on Facebook.

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“I think black women should do away with weaves altogether,” Sheba said. “As y’all know…I refuse to do them. I’m able to grow my clients’ hair without ‘em.” 

Just then, a tall, medium build woman walked into the salon wearing sunglasses, a mauve colored dress, and a trendy beige straw hat. Fatima greeted her in the foyer. Sheba followed behind Fatima to the foyer, while Lauryn took a seat in her chair.

“Hello, how can we help you?” Fatima asked, giving her a warm smile.

The woman removed her sunglasses. “Hi, I’m Bridgette, a former client of Sheba’s.”

“Hey, Bridgette, it’s been a minute since I’ve seen you, girl!” Sheba gave her a bear hug.

“I’m in town on business. I fly back to Los Angeles in the morning.”

Sheba asked, “Do you still work in consulting?” 

“Yep, in tax consulting and I still travel a lot.” Bridgette flashed her pearly white teeth while clutching her briefcase.

“Do you need to get your hair done today?” Sheba asked.

“Oh no, girl. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.” 

Sheba bent her knees and arched her back so she could get a glanced of Bridgette’s hair underneath her hat. Bridgette blushed and took a few steps backwards. Then she laughed coyly and pulled her hat upward from her forehead. Sheba viewed her receding hairline.

“I have a confession,” Bridgette stated. “Once I relocated back to L.A., I went back to putting relaxers in my head.”

Sheba swallowed hard to keep from gasping, then forced a smile.

“Girl, I hated my coiled texture,” Bridgette continued. “It was too much for me to manage. Please don’t judge me.”

“Oh no, never! It’s your decision, but your hair was beautiful and healthy when it was under my care.” Sheba stood with her hands on her hips, observing Bridgette’s mannerism.

Fatima walked over to Lauryn’s station. They stared at the scene.

“It’s nothing personal, Sheba. It just wasn’t me. Once I moved back home, I shifted back to my old self,” Bridgette explained.

“I see. Well, you look good!”

“I have another appointment this morning. Maybe we could go to lunch next time I visit,” Bridgette told her as she headed toward the exit.

“Sure, if I’m available. I’m glad things are going well for you out there.” 

They hugged again. Then after escorting Bridgette out of the salon, Sheba dragged her feet back to her station and huffed.

“Sheba, don’t get so worked up over it. Bridgette said she couldn’t manage her hair.”

“But, Lauryn, she didn’t have any complaints when I did her hair.”

“It takes confidence to accept what you have,” Fatima said.

“I don’t care that she wears extensions, but to go back to a relaxer is just crazy!”

“Not every black woman will be natural. It’s a choice,” said Lauryn.