For over 15 years, Shana Starks has been a noteworthy leader in the community outreach and engagement space. Growing up bicoastal (California and Delaware), Shana is well-versed in diversity and inclusion. You may know her from her work as the “Blue Tulip” comic book writer and music artist, but Shana can also be credited with contributions to community youth initiatives, and specializing in mindfulness vacation planning with her brand, ‘The Travel Morena.’ She holds a Social Science degree from Laney College and is a Delaware State University Alumni.

Stephanie Dawkins (SD): Tell us about your business.

Shana Starks (SS): I am the owner of Higher Ups Enterprises (H.U.E), which is a family of creative businesses with high-value management, consulting, and public relations services that transform and improve people’s lives.

SD: What services or products does your business offer?

SS: I offer travel services, comic book therapy, and music therapy.

SD: Why did you decide to become a business owner?

SS: Being an entrepreneur, I like taking risks, thinking outside the box, and working my own schedule. Former employers telling me when I could and couldn’t take off work gave me the drive to want to own my own business.

SD: What’s your favorite part about doing business in Delaware?

SS: I love the opportunity and connections that Delaware brings! It is the heart of the East Coast, perfectly located between the nation’s business capital (NYC) and political capital (DC).

SD: Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from other entrepreneurs in your field?

SS: I think of myself as the consumer first and what my wants and needs are. If it’s something I wouldn’t want, then I don’t offer it. All business is not good business. My niche is luxury mindfulness. You don’t have to be rich to have a rich mindset.

SD: What inspires you to do the work you do?

SS: My biggest inspiration is my students and younger family members. They drive me to work harder and to help pave ways for them to better succeed.

SD: Who are the people you want to help?

SS: My target audience are those suffering from mental depression and anxiety.

SD: Why will your business succeed?

SS: My businesses will succeed because they work together to cultivate a strong network of socially impactful companies that focus on direct solutions to the consumer’s problems.

SD: What keeps you motivated to keep following your dreams?

SS: My motivation comes from all of my doubters. It motivates me to go harder. When I set my mind to something … I do it, even if I slip and fall, I get right back up and try again.

SD: Do you believe there is a certain age when you should start your business?

SS: No, success is a journey and not a destination. There is no age limit on when you should start your business. Just follow your dreams and everything will make you stronger, you will learn through trial and error.

SD: What impact is your business making on the community?

SS: My travel business encourages people to broaden their horizons and learn about other cultures and destinations. My comic book series allows individuals to discover their purpose in this world and that there isn’t a one size fits all answer for everyone’s life.

SD: Who benefits the most from your business?

SS: Clients that need to reduce stress

SD: Do you believe entrepreneurship is for everyone?

SS: You have to be built to be an entrepreneur, I don’t believe that everyone has it in them. A lot of people can take the gains, but panic or quit when the losses come.

SD: As it relates to black business, what does Delaware need more of?

SS: Delaware needs more black-owned luxury-based businesses with excellent customer service.

SD: Is there anything we should be looking forward to coming from you or that you want our readers to know?

SS: Yes! I’m working on my next comic book with R Publishing, ‘Blue Tulip Goes to an HBCU.’

(SD): How can people follow and support Higher Ups Enterprises (H.U.E)

SS: They can visit my website: www.thetravelmorena.com and follow on social media at @thetravelmorena,  @bluetulipcomics and @bluetulipsounds