Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanice Whittaker.

Hi Shanice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

A little over a decade ago, I took my first official job in Human Resources, stepping into the world of higher education with big eyes and a heart full of ambition. I was eager to be part of an industry that, while historically flawed in its treatment of underrepresented communities, also held incredible power to create change. For me, this work wasn’t just about building a career—it was about making a real impact.

My grandfather always taught me that education was the key to success, a tool to open doors that had been shut for generations. So, to be in a position where I could help build more equitable and inclusive workplaces? That was my why. I had a five-year plan mapped out—soaking up as much knowledge and experience as I could, climbing the ranks, and eventually stepping into an executive leadership role where I could drive change from the inside.

But then, 2020 happened.

The world turned upside down, and with it, my perspective shifted. I started seeing the cracks in the system more clearly—the red tape, the limitations, the resistance to real transformation. I realized that the change I wanted to create couldn’t be confined to institutional walls. If I truly wanted to make a difference, I had to step outside of the system and build something of my own.

So, I did.

I started my consulting firm as a way to test the waters—to see if my skills and leadership could be just as impactful beyond the 9-to-5 structure. I threw myself into volunteer work, working with organizations and communities that needed real, actionable solutions. And before I knew it, what started as a side effort turned into something much bigger. I found myself pulled toward a greater purpose—helping underrepresented voices not just be heard, but valued.

Fast forward three years, and here I am, confidently standing on the foundation of my firm, Soul Movement Success—a global force dedicated to eradicating the gender wage gap and creating workplaces where everyone thrives, regardless of race, gender, or background. But beyond the work itself, I’m pushing for something even deeper: a shift in how we define success.

To me, success isn’t just about climbing a corporate ladder—it’s about universal lifestyle balance. It’s about making sure people don’t just survive in their careers but actually flourish—mentally, emotionally, and financially. It’s about ensuring that historically disadvantaged communities don’t have to keep fighting for a seat at the table, but instead, get to build their own.

This journey hasn’t always been easy, and it definitely hasn’t been linear. But one thing is for sure—I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And the best part? I’m just getting started.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road to business ownership has been a rollercoaster ride—except the tracks are still being laid as I go. Some days, I’m soaring with excitement and other days, I’m holding on for dear life, wondering if the next turn is going to be a smooth glide or a sharp drop.

Finding my rhythm in growing my business has been anything but easy. Thankfully, I never bought into the social media version of entrepreneurship—the perfectly curated highlight reels, the “six-figure success overnight” narratives. I knew better. My MBA program had already prepared me for the reality that transitioning from a functional specialist to a strategic visionary would be a challenge. But knowing it and living it are two very different things.

Late-night brainstorming sessions turned into early-morning strategy meetings—with myself. Figuring out how to build a sustainable business structure, manage finances, and forecast revenue? That was a whole new world. Creating a profit and loss statement had me in a full-on tizzy. And let’s not even talk about finding start-up capital—that was (and still is) a test of faith.

There have been moments when I’ve had to remind myself why I started this in the first place. When the returns don’t come as quickly as I’d like or when progress feels slower than expected, I have to pump myself up and push forward. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just a business. It’s a movement. And movements take time to build.

So, I embrace the journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—because I know that every challenge is shaping me into the leader and changemaker I’m meant to be.

We’ve been impressed with Soul Movement Success, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

At Soul Movement Success, we’re not just another consulting firm—we’re a force for change. Our mission is to empower women leaders and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities to achieve limitless wealth, health, and luxury. We do this by dismantling systemic barriers through personalized coaching and organizational consulting, ensuring equal access to leadership and business opportunities.

What sets us apart? We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Our professional services are tailored to each client’s unique journey, whether they’re an emerging leader looking to break through corporate ceilings or an entrepreneur building their own empire. We specialize in leadership development, equity-centered business strategies, and workplace culture redesign—all with the goal of creating sustainable success that leads to a thriving legacy.

At Soul Movement Success, we don’t just talk about change—we make it happen. We challenge outdated systems, advocate for pay equity, and ensure that organizations are not just diverse, but truly inclusive and equitable. Our work goes beyond policy—we focus on real transformation that creates lasting impact.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we help our clients step into their power unapologetically. Whether through executive coaching, strategic consulting, community-building summits/podcasts/social groups, or speaking engagements, we’re here to make sure that success isn’t just for a privileged few, but for everyone ready to claim it.

At the heart of everything we do is a deep belief in solidifying a sustainable lifestyle—one where wealth, well-being, and success aren’t fleeting, but lasting. Because when we create equity, we don’t just change lives—we change legacies.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

I don’t believe in luck—I believe in spiritual intervention that aligns with your heart posture. Every step of my journey, both in life and in business, has reinforced this truth. There have been ups and downs, moments of uncertainty, and unexpected twists, but I’ve come to realize that even when things seem to be falling apart, something greater is always being set up in the background. And more often than not, what’s waiting on the other side is even better than what I imagined.

For me, staying focused on my purpose and standing on business—showing up, doing the work, and moving with intention—creates more moments that some might call “good luck.” But in reality, it’s about alignment. It’s about being positioned for the opportunities that are meant for me.

To anyone stepping into business ownership, already in the game, or simply trying to make the most out of life—live it on your terms. The good and bad? They’re both part of the process. Every setback, every challenge, every unexpected turn—it’s all either a level up or a lesson learned. So just keep going, keep growing, and trust that it will all work out exactly as it’s supposed to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulmovementsuccess.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soul_movement_llc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulmovementllc
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/soul-movement-success
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JUMXijHl94idxu3q2mgws?si=ac5d9b44e2164722

Image Credits

Special thanks to Amaya Lynch, my incredible Brand & Social Media consultant, for capturing and curating the visuals that bring this story to life.