In this exclusive interview, DeShaun Williams, the author and speaker known for his motivational work and coaching, opens up about his journey from growing up in Ninety Six, South Carolina, to becoming an author and founder of Write Your Way, LLC. DeShaun discusses the lessons he's learned along the way, how he navigates life's challenges, and his vision for inspiring others to pursue their own path to greatness.
DeShaun Williams, CEO & Chief Writing Coach
DeShaun, you’ve had quite an interesting and multifaceted journey. Can you take us back to where it all began? What was your early life like growing up in Ninety Six, South Carolina?
Growing up in Ninety Six was a unique experience. It’s a small town, and there’s a certain sense of closeness in the community, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. The pace of life there is slower, which gives you plenty of time to reflect, but it also means that opportunities can feel limited. My family, especially my grandparents, instilled in me the importance of hard work and perseverance. They were always there to guide me, and their wisdom shaped the foundation of who I am today.
My grandfather was a huge influence on me. His words still resonate with me, especially about taking responsibility for your own success and not waiting for the world to hand you anything. Growing up in a small town had its struggles, but it also gave me a sense of resilience. The values I learned from my community and family were crucial to my growth as a person and an entrepreneur. Those early experiences of overcoming adversity are what ultimately led me to pursue my passions and dreams.
Your entrepreneurial journey began in 2018 with the founding of DeShaun Williams Industries, LLC. How did you transition from starting that business to becoming the founder of Write Your Way, LLC?
It was a natural evolution for me. I started DeShaun Williams Industries in 2018 because I wanted to create something that would allow me to guide and inspire others, especially in terms of leadership and personal development. I had been working in life coaching for a while and realized that I wanted to focus more on helping individuals with their writing and storytelling. Writing is something that had always been a passion of mine, and I knew it was a powerful way to help people share their experiences and wisdom with the world.
Write Your Way, LLC, was born out of that realization. I saw so many aspiring writers struggling with the technical aspects of storytelling, finding their voice, and overcoming the self-doubt that holds so many people back. With Write Your Way, LLC, I’m able to combine my passion for writing with my background in coaching to help others write with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
It’s not just about publishing a book. It’s about helping people tell their stories in a way that can make a real impact on their lives and on the lives of others. So, the shift from life coaching to writing coaching was more of a refinement of my focus on helping people achieve greatness through the written word.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey as an entrepreneur and author?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come without struggle. Every setback, every failure, and every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. When I first started, I thought I had to have everything figured out, but what I’ve come to realize is that growth happens through trial and error. You have to be willing to fail, learn from it, and keep pushing forward.
Another key lesson is the power of authenticity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an author, or just someone trying to make an impact, authenticity is what connects you to others. If you’re true to yourself, people will be drawn to you not just because of what you do but because of who you are. When I embraced that in my own life and work, everything started to fall into place.
Lastly, I’ve learned the value of perseverance. Entrepreneurship can be isolating at times, and the road is often winding and unpredictable. But if you stick with it and keep believing in your vision, you’ll eventually find the success you’re seeking.
As an author, motivational speaker, and coach, you wear many hats. How do you manage your time and energy between your various roles?
It’s definitely a balancing act! I’ve had to learn how to prioritize and set boundaries for myself. Time management is crucial, and I try to structure my day so that I have specific blocks of time for writing, speaking, coaching, and personal development. I believe in making sure that I’m constantly growing as a person, so I schedule time for learning, reading, and reflection.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that I’m not spreading myself too thin. I’ve learned to say no to certain opportunities that don’t align with my values or goals. That’s not always easy, but it’s necessary for maintaining focus and energy. I also rely on a strong support system: my team at Write Your Way, LLC, my family, and my friends. Having people around me who believe in my mission and can help shoulder some of the load is key to staying energized and productive.
Your music is another creative outlet for you. How does your music complement your work as an author and speaker?
Music is a huge part of my life. It’s a form of expression that allows me to channel my emotions and thoughts in a completely different way than writing does. As an artist, I find that music provides a sense of catharsis and release. It’s my way of connecting with people on a deeper level through sound and emotion rather than just words.
In many ways, my music mirrors the themes in my writing and speaking. Both are about healing, growth, and transformation. The rhythm, melodies, and lyrics in my songs often reflect the messages I share through my books and talk about finding your true self, overcoming obstacles, and embracing your unique journey. Music and writing have this beautiful synergy, and I’ve found that they inform and enrich each other in my creative process.
What do you see as your legacy, both as an entrepreneur and as a writer?
I want my legacy to have an impact on the lives of the people I’ve coached, the readers who’ve found inspiration through my books, and the audiences I’ve spoken to. I want to be remembered as someone who helped people discover their inner strength and potential, especially through storytelling. Stories have the power to heal, connect, and transform, and I hope that my work encourages others to write their own stories and share them with the world.
Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one of empowerment. I want people to know that no matter where they come from or what obstacles they face, they have the power to create their own path and achieve greatness.
What’s next for you? What can your followers expect from you in the coming months?
In the coming months, I’m focusing on continuing to grow Write Your Way, LLC, and expanding my reach as a coach and author. I have several new books in the pipeline, including works in both fiction and personal development. I’m also planning some exciting workshops and speaking engagements where I’ll be able to connect with even more aspiring writers and entrepreneurs.
Additionally, I’ll be focusing on my music and how it ties into my brand, sharing more about my journey through my albums and singles. I’m also excited to continue engaging with my audience on social media and offering more resources to help people pursue their dreams.
There’s a lot ahead, and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey of growth, creativity, and impact.
Thank you for your time, DeShaun. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Thank you for having me. I’d just like to encourage anyone who’s reading this to take the first step toward their dreams, no matter how big or small they may seem. Life is about growth, and you can’t grow if you stay stagnant. Whether you’re writing a book, starting a business, or simply trying to improve yourself, take that first step with confidence. You have everything you need within you to succeed. Believe in yourself, and the rest will follow.
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