LaVianca and Shakim met at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. One night when LaVianca was homesick, starring at the moon outside of her dorm room. Shakim was walking home all dressed up, coming home from a date. LaVianca thought to herself; "Awww how sweet, I'd love something like that" not knowing Shakim was trying to win his then-girlfriend back over. Flash forward a few days and LaVianca, ever so boldly, approaches Shakim (though he didn't know her) and asks if he has a friend he could introduce her to. Welp, he did and needless to say it didn't go too well. Two semesters go by and both on about their lives. One spring afternoon LaVianca's walking home and spots a mutual friend working on his car and there's Shakim. Being the southern belle LaVianca is she greets and hugs them both like their all old friends. Later that evening LaVianca's mom comes into town and takes her grocery shopping. When they return Shakim sees them taking the groceries in and being the gentleman he is offers to help. That day they exchanged phone numbers. Months go by before they speak again. One day, when walking home from class LaVianca scrolls through her contacts and comes across his number, and decides to reach out. There's no reply. LaVianca had no idea that during this time while she was still attending UNCP that Shakim had gone off to basic training. Months go by with no reply and then, one day when LaVianca is off at LeaderShape Camp after a terrible heartbreak she receives a text message from Shakim. Shakim asks LaVianca out on a date, that Friday when she gets home. LaVianca still recovering from a heartbreak was eager to say yes. The night before she agreed; she unpacked with a friend about her recent heartbreak and the guy who had been texting her every day that week requesting to take her out. He gave her some much-needed perspective and she agrees to the date. That Friday, LaVianca returns home while Shakim travels 2hrs down from Laurinburg.

Shakim waited anxiously for his mom to return with his car. He couldn't wait to get on the road to take LaVianca our their first date. His mom arrived; he quickly jumped in the car and started his adventure. He had no idea that Gastonia was a little over 2hrs away. Meanwhile, LaVianca was on her way home for LeaderShape camp experiencing a bad hair day and was nervous herself. LaVianca got home and began to get ready for Shakim's arrival. She panicked when she received a text that he would be there soon and looked in the mirror, having no idea what to do to then transitioning hair. She decided to grab a little hat and call it a day. Shakim arrived and knocked on the door. LaVianca's mom answered the door and Shakim introduced himself. They were shocked he had driven that far for the date. They got in the car and decided to see Peeples. The ride to the movie theater was filled with nervous conversation and butterflies. LaVianca found herself looking out the window smiling from how genuine the moment felt. After the movie, they went to LaVianca's then-favorite restaurant, Cheddars. When they sat down there was an awkward silence from them both trying to figure out what to say. "You know these are racist straws right?" LaVianca attempted to break the ice. Shakim looked at her curiously and she continued with her joke. "Because it's the white paper covering a black straw" she chuckled and he laughed. The ice was broken and they enjoyed their meal. The date ended with the laughing and flirtatiously cracking jokes at one another. On the ride home the butterflies seemed to dance in LaVianca's stomach but the first time on a date she felt light. Shakim was filled with excitement and nervousness knowing that with the date coming to a close the first kiss was expected. They pulled back up to LaVianca's house and he walked her to the door. LaVianca hugged him and thanked him for a nice time. She leaned in for a kiss goodbye, just to be stopped in her tracks.

After LaVianca's good night kiss was rejected; she went into the house still on cloud 9 from how well the date had gone. Shakim got back in the car and was kicking himself for turning down the kiss. Truth is, he was too nervous to kiss her. He thought about it on his ride home and hoped he hadn't just ruined his chances. Over the next three months, he made a habit of driving 2hrs there and back. They got to know one another over those few months, shared adventures, and fell in love. They developed a friendship and partnership. Today, LaVianca and Shakim have been together for 7 years. They've both challenged one another to grow both individually and together. They've struggled together and are continuously working towards breaking generational curses. Their goal is to live a life of purpose filled with abundance, servitude, and overflow. LaVianca and Shakim's family include their beautiful baby boy; JahIra Sihere Amaan Shallah.