Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shantel Nicole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shantel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

It takes a made-up mind, grit, determination, intentionality, consistency, and risk-taking.

Stories: The passing of my father and starting my travel business with a complete stranger from social media. Both were life-changing.

Shantel, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into social work because of my personal experiences growing up in the welfare system. As a child, I felt like the system wasn’t designed to truly support me or my family, and that always stayed with me. I wanted to make a difference, so I decided to pursue a career in social work.

I started with an associate degree, but I quickly realized it wasn’t enough to make the kind of impact I wanted. To really be heard and enact change, I knew I needed to go further. So, I made the decision to pursue my advanced degree. It was a tough journey. My father passed away the year before I graduated, and my life felt shattered. In those moments, I had to dig deep and tap into everything he taught me about determination, consistency, intentionality, and grit.

There were times when I wanted to give up, but I knew my dad wouldn’t want that for me. His lessons pushed me forward, and I accomplished my goal of graduating. That moment was bittersweet because he wasn’t there to see it, but his influence was with me every step of the way.

After graduation, I spent 16 years working in social work. While I loved the idea of helping people, the reality of the job was often disheartening. Many roles were demanding, underpaid, and left little room for personal growth. Eventually, I landed a job that paid well, but even then, I wasn’t fulfilled. I couldn’t shake the feeling that reporting to someone else, having a cap on my income, and sacrificing my personal time just didn’t align with the life I wanted.

That’s when I started praying and affirming that something different was possible. I knew I wanted financial freedom and the ability to create a life that felt truly allowed me to be in control. This reflection led me to entrepreneurship. I started with a travel business, and that decision was life-changing.
I leaped quick and fast with my eyes full of tears. My mother was so encouraging. She reminded me who I was and what I had been praying for. My tears quickly dried up with her subtle reminders. Fear left the scence quickly! Lol!

Not only did starting a travel business allow me to step into a new level of independence, but it also connected me to a network of mentors and coaches who helped me dream bigger.

With their encouragement, I took another leap of faith and launched my second business, Shea Butta Babe’s Naturals, a skincare line focused on natural self-care. I will also be launching my podcast “Healers Need Healing Too” on Spotify- keep your eyes and ears open!

Taking a risk on myself opened doors I had only imagined before. It also sparked a complete mindset shift. I started learning more about finances, investing, and building wealth—areas I continue to grow in today.

This journey hasn’t been easy, and I know I haven’t “arrived”. There’s so much more I want to accomplish, but I’m incredibly grateful for where I am now. I thank God for every door He’s opened and for giving me the courage to walk through them.

Looking back, I’m proud of the risks I’ve taken and the lessons I’ve learned. If there’s one thing I’ve realized, it’s that stepping into your purpose requires faith, resilience, and a willingness to bet on yourself. This is only the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s next.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I met my first business coach, Kristen, during a difficult time in my life. I was feeling down and depressed, recovering from COVID, and actively affirming and seeking something different for my life. I was longing for personal freedom, time freedom, and financial freedom, and one day, I came across her TikTok. Her content spoke directly to those desires, and I felt an instant connection. I left a comment on one of her posts, but she didn’t respond right away—it actually took about two weeks. I didn’t mind the delay because I was still in recovery, but when she finally responded, everything changed. We had a phone conversation where she shared a business opportunity that completely aligned with what I had been seeking. That same night, I decided to take the risk and get started. It felt right, and I had an overwhelming sense of peace about the decision. At first sight, I could see beyond the screen how this opportunity could truly benefit me and help me create the freedom I was longing for.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

This is an ongoing process, and right now, I primarily focus on using social media. What’s been effective for me is showing up consistently, being authentic, and allowing people to see all sides of Shantel Nicole—the good, the bad, and the ugly. People crave genuine connections. They want to feel like they know you, and they often buy into who you are before they invest in your business or choose to partner with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/shantelnicole25?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1DxCj90DhDqX8yOsXpPrs-3xabK7mvyjJMJT8dyNwwrfatZJr1C78a-gw_aem_QFelpuPdtKfEWdnhiPLrrQ
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantelnicole25/profilecard/?igsh=MW9qY21wMTJ6dXlzcA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074436793763&mibextid=ZbWKwL