Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannaan Dawda.
Shannaan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The real challenge came when I graduated from college. To go from a broke college student to making $38,000 and to be working with the federal government with “great benefits” made it seem like I had made it. I felt like that for maybe 30 days lol. Once I started having real bills like rent, utilities, Car note, and car insurance. I had always had some form of responsibility of paying a bill since high school. But there is something different when you become a real-life adult. You realize the money agreed on as the starting salary is not really the money you bring home after taxes and benefits. Quickly I was living check to check. Thank god for a roommate at the time or I might as well have just lived out my Honda.
When I started my new job, some co-workers of mine took me under their wing and really tried to preach financial responsibility and freedom to me. I didn’t want to hear them though because I was a young bachelor who was ready to live my best life. However, after about three months of living check to check, I realized it may be worth listening to them. So I checked out their pitch about a guy named Dave Ramsey. Ended up listening to the show and soon after reading his book. I realized that If I simply paid off my debt my check to check situation would vanish and I could have discretionary money EVERY month. That was when the journey began. I was fired up to pay off my debts. Did a monthly budget every month. I worked overtime helping another department in need. I ended up paying off a little over $26,000 in 11 months. That’s where my whole life changed.
That led me to share my testimonies on social media. That eventually lead to people reaching out for financial counsel. Eventually, I started coaching people after work. It quickly became a passion for me. I ended up going to train with Dave Ramsey and his staff because I wanted to become a better coach and be equipped with the right tools. Once I did that I literally put my two weeks notice like 30 days later. I was debt free, had saved up enough money to last two years without having to work, and had discovered my new interest. As my best friend said, there is no better time to jump. So I did. Here was are five years later I’m still in business, authored a 5 star rated book, Developed a high school curriculum, helped people pay off $1.3 million dollars worth of debt, a professional speaker and have seen lives improve for the better all the way around just because of my presence. The latter is the most rewarding part.
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely has not been a smooth road. When I started as a financial coach, there really wasn’t an industry for it. It felt like I was the only one in the space outside of Dave Ramsey and he was just year ahead of where I was. I basically had to build an entire business with now template. Along the way, I failed some customers, which I needed those moments to improve as a coach. I failed some speaking engagements, which I needed those to help me become a better speaker. I have faced the challenges of having no income and truly relying on the work and trusting in the process that hard work would pay off. Regardless of how hard times got God always seemed to come through in the clutch for me. I learned that being able to manage money well does not mean you are good at generating money. I had to learn how to generate money by creating ways to serve the people who needed my insight/knowledge and their needs. I have learned that entrepreneurship is probably one of my greatest teachers in life because yes you work on business but that same work can be implemented in every area of your life. It’s all applicable if you allow it to be. It’s kind of like farming. So many wise lessons you can get from them both.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
So as a company and brand I help people improve financially. From actual financial education to establishing sound financial beliefs and behaviors. We specialize in helping people generate the confidence and know how to improve their financial position by allowing their current income to work for them vs. against them. I am best known for helping people pay off their debt at a rapid, effective rate. I am also known for helping people build the confidence to dominate financially. This is done through one on one coaching, workshops, and seminars. As a company, I am most proud of financially bettering the lives of those who come across the From Paychecks to Power movement and helping folks pay off over $1.3 Million dollars worth of debt. What sets me apart from others is that I offer completely honest and unbiased financial advice and education because we sell no financial products.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is a great city to start a business like this. I tell people all the time that being in Atlanta is the only reason why my business has been able to make it’s mark like it has. One because I have a lot of support from my network as an Atlanta Native and Grady baby but also because Atlanta’s diversity and hospitality are what makes it special. Atlanta is truly a city to busy to hate.
Pricing:
- Book- From Paychecks to Power $15
- Financial Coaching – Ranges from $379 to $1,199
- From Paychecks to Power University Live Classes – $99 to $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.frompaycheckstopower.com
- Email: yourcoach@frompaycheckstopower.com
- Instagram: @Paychecks2Power
- Twitter: @Paychecks2Power
Image Credit:
Rahmeek Rasul; Paul McPherson; Nyimah Bryd
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