Executive Member Spotlight, Shameka McHenry Events
A flair for enterprise, Shameka McHenry is at the top of her game.
Entrepreneurship is said to be the foundation of any thriving economy. Shameka Scott (McHenry), a self proclaimed serial entrepreneur, finds herself in good company as Detroit boasts "the top emerging startup ecosystem, further underscoring Michigan’s role as a high-tech hub in the Midwest."
Fresh off 10 years of service in the Air Force (International Guard), Shameka tapped into Veteran advantages and was placed with the Ford Motor Company. It wasn't long before she was offered a buy-out which she leveraged into her first entrepreneurial endeavor just before the historic economic downturn in 2008. Her businesses have ranged from salon ownership to online retail, and now her latest venture - Shameka Henry Events (est. 2019).
"My daughter was going into her senior year of high school and I wanted to be able to create memorable celebrations for her. I started looking into classes and became accredited in event planning and floral design at the Institute of Wedding and Event Design (IWED Global)."
"Paying for knowledge is worth it, I will always invest in learning."
Her appreciation for professional enrichment is matched with her passion for exploration and travel. Shameka enjoys taking courses out of town to keep up on the latest trends across the country.
“Paying for knowledge is worth it, I will always invest in learning. From 2019 to now, I would say I've spent at least $20,000 in professional enrichment. Courses usually range from $2,000- $3,000 each with additional considerations for travel expenses as well. There is nothing wrong with watching YouTube, but there is unmatched value in learning from a person with 10-20 years of experience."
It is this dedication to excellence that positions Shameka McHenry Events a level above the competition.
"There are always going to be new trends and new things coming out. Right now I'm taking a class on Reels and Tik Tok. They didn't have that when I was first opening my business.”
"I love everything about what the DFC stands for. You guys want to reach the community to uplift small business owners and learn from one another."
DFC was introduced to Shameka through our Director of Events, Kevin Maples. Her generous donation of services and space afforded the DFC an opportunity to welcome our revamped organization into 2023 with great class and style.
Shameka follows the “spark” within embodying the free yet focused spirit of a true native Detroiter. Although the fashion industry currently has zero ranking amongst the top industries in Michigan, she has curated experiences for countless fashion shows; as a majority of her professional network is strongly connected to the local fashion scene.
The future of our economy depends on imaginative innovators and self starters with vision and gumption. We honor Shameka, and the thousands of like minded entrepreneurs forging on into unknown times and an impending recession. Detroit’s fashion industry is in perfect and capable hands, and the DFC is here to support.