Meet Shayla Unik, SHRM-CP | Certified HR Consultant, Speaker, Author and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shayla Unik, SHRM-CP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shayla, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I created Unik I Am, I created the brand because I wanted to share my story with other young ladies and women. I wanted them to know that our bad decisions and mistakes do not have to define who we are nor confine us to a place we do not desire to stay. I wasn’t really seeking to start a traditional “business”, I simply wanted to empower others to know that if I can go from being homeless (with a child) to becoming an award winning Director of Human Resources, they too can start from a dark place and still shine bright. Eventually, I wanted to develop and create meaningful products that would remind them that they are Unik, no matter how bad things may seem. This is where the journals, coffee mugs and purse line derived. The journals are the biggest sellers and most meaningful product. It was through writing my thoughts and manifesting my dreams I began to shift my mindset. Whenever a person purchase an item from Unik I Am, or receive service support, I want them to always remember it’s “Because…everyone has a story, but your story is what makes you Unik”!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Unik I Am is truly a unique brand. Not only empowering and encouraging individuals in the community, Unik I Am also pours into small businesses. In business, “you don’t know what you don’t know”, right? Well that’s where I come in. I help businesses avoid common costly mistakes through HR process support. Even with a certification and 10 years of HR experience, it can be very difficult for businesses to understand why HR is a business need, not just a corporate need. However, through marketing trial and error, many are beginning to understand how business processes are the most critical parts of business. I began making videos and sharing information from an HR perspective. It’s easy for me to speak in front of hundreds, but I did not like making videos and posting them on social media. I had to push through the “uncomfortable”. I had to learn how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in some areas of business. Doing this, increased my client engagement and allowed for people to hear from me directly. Often, people do not like to read long post on social media, but a video can get your audience attention in a genuine and authentic way. This is how I want people to remember the Unik I Am brand. Rather it’s through product purchase or HR support, Unik I Am will always be known as a genuine and authentic brand!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a best friend from out of town came to visit Detroit we would start Downtown (of course). The revitalization of Detroit’s downtown has been completely breathtaking and amazing to watch unfold. After touring downtown, we would check out the river walk and all of the amazing food truck options along the way. At some point during the week we would stop by Good Vibes lounge on Harper on the eastside of Detroit. The food is amazing, the music and overall vibe is truly a “good vibe”. We would also stop by Holy Moly’s off East Warren for coffee and custom donuts. The owner, Mo always provide a warm and welcoming environment in the mornings. Hopefully at some point during the stay, Alise Wine will host a wine tasting for a nice chilled evening. Corktown would be amongst one of the tour spots as well. Last but not least, we would definitely attend a pop up shop or 2. If I know my friends, I know they are looking to support small businesses. Pop up shops are where many of my network sisters and brothers display their products and services so a pop up shop would also be a part of the tour! There are so many cool things to do around the City of Detroit, and I’d for sure make sure my friend touches as much of the coolness as possible.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many who have helped, supported and encouraged me as an individual and Unik I Am as a brand. However, there are some who truly stand out to me. The first is my good friend since 9th grade, Candice Meeks, owner of The Craft Cafe Detroit. She has a business event one day, where I pitched my speaking engagement idea. It was at this event Candice told me “Shayla, brand yourself! You are a brand! Your story is the brand!”. That’s where I received my first “ah ha” moment. It was because of Candice and her encouragement that day, Unik I Am was birthed. The other 2 who stand out are my children, Anshalay and Jorden. They have rode the wave with me. My daughter has been by my side and continuously encouraging me and telling me how proud she is of me even before the brand because what it is today. It was days I didn’t see the bigger picture but that didn’t stop her from smiling and telling me how proud of me she is! My son is with me at almost every event. He constantly makes sure that I have what is needed and assist with preparation for events. He doesn’t remember too much of the beginning but he is constantly rooting for me and excited for every new opportunity along the journey. While these things may seem small to some, but they play a big impact on my success. Having my children as my BIGGEST supporters is the constant reminder that I am following my calling.
I appreciate each and every person who supports Shayla Unik and the Unik I Am brand.

Website: www.unikiam.com

Instagram: unik_i_am2 and unikiam_hr

Linkedin: Shayla Unik-SHRM-CP

Facebook: Unik I Am

Other: Google: Unik I Am TikToc: TheHR_Guru

Image Credits
Kory Davis Michelle Collins