We recently connected with Shatanese Reese and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shatanese, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I am definitely happier as a business owner. The only times I think about having a regular job is right around the time when all the bills need to be paid. LOL. The consultant/contractor business takes time. It takes time to build relationships, create proposals, wait for their review and then negotiate terms if needed. And then, you have to wait for the payment to be rendered. You can’t necessarily tell the mortgage company, “Hi…I’ll be sure to pay you as soon as that contract lands!” Thankfully, throughout my 7 years in business, I can count on one hand the number of times I have ever had that thought. I also have an excellent CFO, my husband, and an external resource who serves as our business accountant, who keep me grounded during the slow periods.

Being a business owner has opened so many doors for me in terms of flexibility. I LOVE that I can be in attendance at my children’s events without guilt. Why? I set my own schedule! Now, there are times when a client meeting HAS to occur when there is a conflict with awards day, or the holiday luncheon in the school cafeteria, but thankfully, my tribe can step in on those rare occasions. Being a business owner is exactly what I need at this juncture in my career and life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Shatanese Reese LLC is a boutique leadership development firm. We help teams and leaders reach their greatest potential through engaging workshops (online or in person) and executive coaching. We also facilitate team-building exercises to help teams who may be struggling with internal conflicts. Team dynamics can be tricky at times. As a certified EQ coach, I enjoy partnering with leaders to fully understand why they show up as they do. I also include my skills as a certified John Maxwell DISC coach to help my clients understand how they show up as they do.

Additionally, I am a certified Senior Human Resources (HR) Consultant, with over two decades of experience in various industries such as banking, retail and higher education. My HR expertise, coupled with my EQ certification allows me to hear what is said by clients as well as what is not said. Many of my clients state that after our sessions they feel as if they have been in therapy. It gives me great joy to serve as a cathartic resource for growth. *Side note – Coaching can touch on areas that may touch internal matters that need healing. I make it very clear with each client that I am not a licensed therapist and have referred clients to trained individuals in that field if necessary. I do, however, ensure that if any matters are brought to the surface during a session, the client has an opportunity to recalibrate before they return to their daily routines (through breathing, journaling, or simply sitting in the moment).

It was a breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 which prompted me to reevaluate my life and launch out on my own a year later. I’ve never looked back.

What makes me most proud is after a session, a participant waits in line after a workshop or emails me to share what I offered during the session has truly touched their life in some manner and they are compelled to make some positive changes. Hearing that type of feedback makes me smile.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first launched my firm, it was called “Super Extra Ordinary Mom.” I initially had the focus of being a mom and juggling it all. After launching, I kept getting questions about whether I work only with moms as leaders or in groups. My brand was not clear and I was spending way too much time on trying to explain what I offered.

In 2019, I underwent a brand change. I called it “Becoming Shatanese Reese” ( you can view full vid here ttps://youtu.be/5usxWyOYfog )

Rebranding myself was one of the best decisions I made early on in my journey. You have to make sure you are clear on what you offer and lessen any confusion about your brand. That was a major pivot for me.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As I alluded to earlier in this interview, in 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was devastated. I was thriving in my HR Career and preparing to take my oldest to her college campus for move-in for her freshman year. I could have remained in that space of devastation and depression but instead, I took it as an opportunity to assess my life and make any changes to ensure I was living on purpose.

8 years later, I am cancer free (praise God!) and I am grateful for my choice to launch out on my own. 7 years as a business owner, it’s been a rocky ride at times, but I wouldn’t change anything about my journey.

I look back at notes I wrote to myself in August of 2019, with the idea of sharing them with others –

The Beginning: Define your passion, maximize your network, and remember Balance is key.
The Middle: Know your worth, Know your profit goals, Find your pace and run your own race – comparison is the thief of all joy
The End: Your No has to be strong so your Yes can be even stronger, understand your limits (bring in experts when needed, such as tax attorneys or virtual assistants)

Sometimes you will want to cry.
Sometimes you will cry.
Sometimes it will be stressful.
Sometimes you will feel all alone.
And sometimes you will feel like you are soaring like an eagle.
Enjoy the journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shatanesereese.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shatanesereese/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shatanesereese/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shatanesereese/
• Twitter: https://x.com/shatanese
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShataneseReese

Image Credits
Blue background – Terry White Image with red outfit – Victoria White Hubby, Steve Reese, is in the pic of me with yellow dress and serves as the firm’s CFO and advisor