Check Out Shameka Lewis-McKinnon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameka Lewis-McKinnon.

Hi Shameka, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to today?
I have always been a D.I.Y. Queen, so planning my Birthday party in 2016 is when Shameka & Co was born. In planning my party, I created different centerpieces, personalized party favors, foods & treats. In doing that, my friends pushed me to start my own event planning business. I started making treats like flavored popcorn, pretzel rods, and chocolate-covered strawberries. After that took off, it started me making personalized t-shirts and wine glasses, setting up party decorations for customers, selling different treats, and making gift baskets. In creating Shameka& Co, I was able to ship orders to Korea, and I was also nominated for two awards in a local magazine.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all. I started my business in Greenville, NC, and in 2018 my full-time job closed down. So I had to relocate to a new city and start over. So being in a new city took me a little over 4 months to build up my clientele. I would have to make deliveries back to Greenville & Rocky Mount area during that time to keep my business name out there. The struggle was learning the new city, learning the area’s needs for items, and putting myself out there.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think I am known for my ability to bling anything, and I mean anything, and my famous Shameka & Co Chocolate Covered Strawberries. When the pandemic hit, it put my business on hold. I thought I started making personalized masks, and they sold like hotcakes. I was making masks and selling them all over. I shipped to 10 different states. During the pandemic, I also launched a new business called Bella Rose Collection, a Fedora Hat line. In launching Bella Rose, I incorporated Shameka & Co with giving a mask with the purchase of a fedora. When I launched both businesses, I am most proud that I didn’t think they would do so well, but with both, I shipped Internationally & I saw my mask on the news one day; a customer was wearing it! What sets me apart from others is that I do everything by hand, and my customer service is excellent. From working in customer service for years, I can make sure that all my customers get excellent service. From the time they reach out to inquire about placing an order. They know with my work, I take my time in everything.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I would say I like the fact that it is a melting pot of people, so it leaves me open to being able to service everyone from different walks of life. The only thing I can say I least like is there aren’t as many small business expos, so allow small businesses to put their work and name out there.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] & [email protected]
• Instagram: @shamekaandco04232016 & _bellarosecollection
• Facebook: @shamekaandco & @dabellarosecollection