Meet Felicia Shakespeare, the Dynamic Personal Brand Strategist You Need to Know

In a world full of noise and competition, establishing a personal brand that stands out is crucial. Felicia Shakespeare, a TEDx speaker, award-winning author, educator, and personal brand strategist, has made it her mission to help women unlock their potential and build their personal brands. Through her own inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Felicia empowers women to embrace their authenticity, discover their purpose, and unleash their power. 

Felicia’s personal brand is defined by three words: authentic, intentional, and inspirational. These qualities shine through every aspect of her work, from her TEDx Talk to her bestselling books. She believes that your personal brand is directly connected to “your history” and that every experience has shaped who we are today. “Nothing in life is ever wasted,” she says. 

Growing up, Felicia’s childhood played a significant role in shaping her identity. During a phone interview, she shared that she was the oldest child and the first in her family to attend college. “I’ve seen the first of many things in my lifetime,” Felicia says. “I’m the first child and the first and only daughter. I’m the first to go to college in my family.” Her parents and third-grade teacher were instrumental  in helping instill in her the belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. Fred and Ruthie Shakespeare -her parents were incredibly supportive of her pursuing her education early on. Their faith in Jesus and commitment to attending church also profoundly impacted Felicia’s personal, professional, and spiritual journey.

Felicia’s first job as a cashier at a local neighborhood Walgreens taught her the importance of strategy and finding creative solutions to challenges. Determined not to have to work every evening, weekend, and major holiday, she strategized a plan and landed a job at a local bank at just 17 years old. “Choosing the banking industry was very intentional,” she says. This move afforded Felicia Sundays off to attend church and to get home at a reasonable time. The experience in the banking industry also provided her with many invaluable skills in customer service and business growth. It also laid the foundation for her future career in Corporate America. 

In her last semester of college, Felicia was hired by IBM, one of her dream companies, despite not having completed her undergraduate degree yet. IBM recognized her potential and even paid for her final course as an undergraduate student, which was unprecedented.This opportunity, although welcomed, came with its own set of challenges, as Felicia had to navigate the corporate culture and prove herself in a sometimes unhealthy competitive environment. However, she persevered and learned many valuable lessons about personal branding and professional growth. 

Felicia’s journey into personal branding within the Christian community began with a deep understanding of her own identity and purpose. She believes that individuals must first seek to understand themselves and their relationship with God before identifying as Christians. Seeking out good mentors and proper resources is crucial in navigating career choices, which is why Felicia became passionate about sharing her experiences in her book “You Are Your Brand: Building From the Inside Out.”

Writing her book opened up a variety of speaking opportunities. “During this time, I realized that many women sought their purpose but lacked guidance,” says Felica. She shares that this revelation led her to create a safe space for women to receive personal development and professional growth resources through online and offline platforms. She named this project mClass: Master, Mentor, Motivate, emphasizing the importance of learning to master things we don’t, and the power of mentorship and motivation.

Felicia hosted her first live conference; “A Purpose Driven Woman: Moving Beyond Fear to Faith”  to empower women with tools on how to succeed in business and in life.  Less than a year later after this event, she renamed her company to A Purpose Driven Woman LLC, representing who she is. “I realized when going through a process of realigning my own brand materials that I’m her! I AM a purpose driven woman.”  

When it comes to personal branding, Felicia believes in these Four Pillars: Identity, Purpose, Power, and Enough. She believes that knowing one’s identity is the first step in building a personal brand, as it sets the foundation for all other aspects. “Purpose is crucial for finding direction and fulfillment, while Power represents the belief in one’s self and the resources available to succeed. Finally, recognizing that you are Enough, just as you are, is essential for embracing authenticity and building a strong personal brand.”  Felicia firmly believes you will only know your brand if you know your purpose.

Felicia’s journey is a true testament to the power of perseverance and finding purpose through life’s experiences. After facing challenging seasons and personal setbacks of her own, she has a testimony of working in her dream job, writing books (one of which became the title of her TEDx Talk), starting a business and finding fulfillment in empowering others. She believes that everything happens for a reason and that we are meant to impact the lives of others. Even in the midst of personal success, Felicia recognizes the importance of being a positive influence in tough work environments and using her voice to inspire others. Felicia says; “One of my favorite mantras to live by is; before you try to change the world, change the world around you!”

Felicia’s journey has taught her that our personal brand is deeply connected to our history and purpose. She believes that none of us were born by accident or coincidence but rather individuals with unique gifts and talents that are meant to be shared with the world. “Building a personal brand requires hard work, self-reflection, and a commitment to staying true to one’s self. It’s about digging deep to build a strong foundation that will support your goals and help you fulfill your life’s purpose, which is evolutionary.”

Through her work as a personal brand strategist, Felicia has helped countless women discover their authentic voices, embrace their unique strengths, and find fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. She continues to inspire others through her books, speaking engagements, and mentorship programs.

Ultimately, Felicia Shakespeare is a personal brand strategist and a beacon of hope and inspiration for women seeking to define their paths. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment serves as a reminder that we all have the power to shape our destinies and make a positive impact on the lives of others. As Felicia says, “You are your brand, and your brand has the power to change the world!”

Connect with Felicia Shakespeare on her website www.feliciashakespeare.com or on social media using the handle @felicishakespeare (Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook).

This story appears in the Women Who Walk in Purpose and Power issue of TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN.