Interview by Emiliano Perez, Gainesville High School senior and Abernathy Cochran intern
Meet Shai Lopez! Shai has one son and serves as the Gainesville Middle School East Campus Administrative Assistant.
We want to thank Shai for spending time with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Question: Please tell us a bit about your family.
Answer: “I’m the oldest of three siblings. My sister lives here in Gainesville, where she’s married and has a 14-year-old who also attends GHS. My younger brother lives in Baltimore, MD, with his fiancée. While we don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like, we’re always in touch and make an effort to visit whenever we can. We cherish the time we spend together, whether it’s enjoying meals, celebrating special occasions, or just relaxing. My family is incredibly close-knit and always there to support each other. Although, we each have our own personalities, the bond we share is unbreakable. We believe in working hard, maintaining a positive attitude, and always showing up for one another, no matter the circumstances. Family means the world to me, and I’m truly grateful for the love and support we give each other.”
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I am currently employed by the Gainesville School System and have been working there for over 15 years. In addition to my career in education, I also own and operate Bittersweet Lemonade, where I create fresh-to-order specialty lemonades. I love serving and engaging with my community through my business, and it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. While I enjoy working in the school system, my ultimate goal is to grow Bittersweet Lemonade into a full-time venture.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “A couple of my favorite restaurants in the community would have to be Recess, Consuelo, Centro, and Atlas. I could definitely add more to the list, but those are my top four. When I have family visiting, I always make it a point to take them to one of these amazing spots – they never disappoint!”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I have been living in Gainesville since 2006. It’s been a wonderful place to call home, and I’ve had the pleasure of being part of the community for many years.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “If I could travel anywhere in the world right now, I would love to spend a summer in Italy. The food, the culture, the history, and the art all call my name. It’s a place that offers so much beauty and richness, and I’ve always wanted to experience it firsthand.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A: “One of my favorite movies and TV shows would have to be anything Disney. I also can’t count how many times I’ve rewatched ‘New Girl’ and ‘Reba’—both are always a go-to for me!”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people
A: “My best advice is to always stay true to yourself and embrace the journey, even when it’s not easy. Life has ups and downs, but every experience teaches us something valuable. Never underestimate the power of kindness, both towards others and yourself.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “The business that makes me the most nostalgic about our community has to be Frances Meadows. I have such fond memories of taking my son there when he was just one year old. Now, at 17, he’s outgrown most of it and prefers the indoor pool. I truly miss the days when he’d spend hours playing in the splash zone or racing down the water slide a hundred times. It’s a place that holds so many cherished memories for us.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community and secondly what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?
A: “One of my favorite things about our community is Mule Camp. It’s an event I look forward to every year. There’s something special about seeing all of our local small businesses come together in one place. It’s a great opportunity to support them while having fun and enjoying the atmosphere. The sense of community and excitement during Mule Camp is truly unique! In the future, I hope our community continues to grow and thrive while keeping its strong, supportive sense of togetherness. It would be wonderful to see even more events and initiatives that bring people together, such as local markets, outdoor festivals, and community-driven projects. Additionally, I hope we can focus on creating more opportunities for youth development and mentorship, ensuring that future generations have the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “One thing on my bucket list is definitely to go base jumping. The thrill of jumping off a cliff with just a parachute to rely on sounds like an incredible rush. I’ve always wanted to experience that sense of freedom and adrenaline!”
Q: What is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “One of the things I’m most proud to check off my bucket list was traveling to London on a solo trip. It was a bit scary at first, navigating the city on my own, but it ended up being so much fun! I got to explore everything at my own pace and really immerse myself in the experience.”
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “My go-to band when I can’t decide what to listen to will always be *NSYNC. They’re the best boy band to ever exist—no questions asked!”
Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?
A: “I would have to say that one of our local shining lights today is Brandon Evans. He is the CEO of Men Alive and has been mentoring my son for the past four years. Brandon has made an incredible impact on his life, from small gestures like offering a snack to major acts like showing up to all of his events, whether it’s sports, theater, or just for a chat. Brandon is always just a text or phone call away, not only for Jahleel but for all the young men in his program. He shows these young men that he cares and is there for them, while also teaching them important life lessons that they will carry with them forever.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “The most beautiful place I’ve ever been would have to be anywhere in Puerto Rico. From the crystal-clear beaches to the lush rainforests, the charming little pueblos, and let’s not forget about the incredible food—it’s all so amazing.”
Q: Favorite month? Favorite Holiday? And the best single day on the calendar?
A: “My favorite month is December. Christmas is my favorite holiday—there’s something magical about the decorations, the music, and, of course, spending time with my family that makes it so special. As for the best single day on the calendar, it would have to be Friday. I’m always looking forward to time off to relax and be with the people I love and cherish.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “There are so many things I could rate 10/10, but right now, I would rate Disney World a solid 10/10. It’s my favorite place to go with my family, and I get to be a kid again, no matter how old I am. The magic, the rides, the atmosphere—it’s just pure joy from start to finish. Every visit feels like a new adventure!”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “If I were to pick someone to play me in a movie about my life, I’d definitely go with Justina Machado. She’s an incredible actress with such depth and versatility, and she has this amazing ability to bring warmth and authenticity to her roles. Plus, she’s got the charm and wit to capture the essence of me—if I had to pick someone to bring my story to life, she’d be a perfect fit.”
Q: What is one of two of your favorite smells?
A: “One of my favorite smells has to be the scent of fresh, brewed coffee. There’s something about that rich, warm aroma that just instantly makes me feel cozy and energized. It’s like the perfect wake-up call for the senses.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My son, Jahleel, inspires me to be the best person I can be. He does things fearlessly, goes after what he wants, sees the good in all people, and loves God with all his heart. I just want to be more like him—his strength, kindness, and unwavering faith remind me every day of what truly matters. What did I do to deserve such an amazing son? I honestly don’t know, but I’m just so grateful to God for him. He’s truly a blessing in my life.”
