We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawnti Refuge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawnti below.

Shawnti, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I never planned on making a career in Mental Health until after my own mental health was threatened. It’s funny how we as humans don’t acknowledge or pay attention to mental health until it effects us or someone close to us.

Once I decided to take my mental health seriously, I hit the ground running advocating for EVERYONE to take their mental health seriously. I learned that mental illness and mental health are to different things, so I decided to advocate for mental health to educate the world on the difference.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2018 is when I had my “Nervous Breakdown”. I waited an entire month before I sought help and the help I received was a diagnosis of Severe Depression & Anxiety along with medication which didn’t help me at all. The medication only numbed me and not healed me.

I refused the medication & chose to get to the root of my emotional & mental health issues. I did this by journaling; guided journaling to be exact. Once I learned the power that guided journaling holds, I made it my business to help others who struggle with their emotional & mental health by telling my story and teaching guided journaling.

I’m a Mental Health Coach, Advocate, Speaker & Author. I help women & men to help themselves heal from emotional & mental health issues & traumas related to stress, anxiety, & depression. I am here to help them develop greater awareness in themselves and implement effective tools to better manage their lives while holding them accountable.

I am proud to share my past traumas to show my audience that a regular person like me can acknowledge, face, work on, and heal from past traumas that had been holding me back in all areas in my life. If I can do it, they can do it; WITHOUT medication. It takes a commitment to heal.

I am not against medication, but I want people to know that medication doesn’t have to be the first option; let journaling be first, then therapy, then meds-if needed.

All of my clients & followers who have used my guided journals are surprised at how the simple act of answering questions helps them to release the past in a safe space so they can focus on more important things.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe that me being vulnerable, open, and transparent with my story has helped build my reputation within the mental health field. I get lots of gratitude from others who appreciate that I don’t hold back when I speak. I don’t sugar coat. I give it to them raw. That’s who I am and I refuse to change for anything or anyone.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is being consistent on the platforms that they are on. I don’t just show up for myself and my business; I show up for my audience. I do it in a way that is transparent and they eat it up!

Contact Info:

• Website: shawntirefugejournals.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shawntirefugejournals
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/shawntirefugejournals
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shawntirefuge
• Twitter: twitter.com/srefugejournals
• Youtube: youtube.com/@shawntirefugejournals

Image Credits
Headshot: B2ful Photography Product shots: Shawnti Refuge