Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Brooks.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born on January 19, 1990, in Harlem, New York. Unfortunately, for me, both of my parents were victims of an impoverished lifestyle which lead to them to being unproductive citizens. My living arrangements at such an early age brought some unbearable situations for me including being a victim of molestation at one of my grandparent’s home. Fortunately, for me, I went to live with another grandmother where I found love, comfort, and security; it was like a safe haven for me. Being there, I was happy and had a normal childhood up until about the age of 12. My other grandmother died in 2002 and at such a young impressionable age, I felt that my childhood was over. I had to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to live with my mom where at the time my older sister was residing with her as well. During that time, my mother was unstable and although I started school in the fall, we quickly had to change schools because of eviction. Due to the unbearable stress in my life at that time, I ran away from home in 8th grade landing myself in a group home for a few months. I went to live with my older sister for the remainder of middle school and high school and that had its highs and lows. I quickly learned how to take care of myself and just make things work.
I graduated high school in 2008 with no intention of going to college, but fortunately for me, things began to change for the better and I enrolled at Bethune Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL with a major in Biology education. My first year of college was a breeze, but devastation hit me again when my mom died. My mom had recently given birth to a baby girl who was my one-year-old little sister, Lyniah. She went to Texas to live with my older sister for a year. Soon after my mom died, because of being in a state of depression my older sister made destructive and poor decisions with her life. She committed a crime and was arrested, causing her to lose her job and car. That put me into a state of crisis. I had to go to Texas to pack up her apartment and bring my little sister back to college with me in Florida. I applied for custody with the court and adjusted to my new life. We made it work and I graduated with cum laude honors in 2012 and moved to Atlanta to teach at Atlanta Public Schools. I attended Georgia State University to pursue my masters in Broad Field Science Education. I graduated from GSU summer of 2013 looking forward to starting my school year in my own class, however, another unforeseen incident changed my life again. I was in a volatile relationship with my college boyfriend and because of domestic issues in our home, it became unsafe for my sister and I. I left that environment and went through court proceedings, moving, and resettling my life. I had to find balance in being a mother figure and maintaining a peaceful home. My baby sister struggled in school due to the hectic transitions. I had a few more highs and lows with parenting and men, in general, but I am happy to say in 2019, I’m happy and still striving for greatness.
Every hurdle became a stepping stone for me. I am the proud parent of a beautiful 10-year-old girl who is on the honor roll in private school. I have been teaching seven years and currently teach Biology and Environmental Science for which I won Teacher of the Year for last year (2017-2018). I am also the CMO and social media marketing coordinator for a major hair company and app: iWeave International. I oversee all marketing operations for iWeavehair while simultaneously organizing workshops for my nonprofit organization; ThatGirl! Foundation. ThatGirl! Foundation is a nonprofit organization that I co-founded to help bridge the gap between high school and real-life. We offer a variety of life skills workshops for girl seniors transitioning out of high school into college or the workforce. I enjoy mentoring the youth in my community and in an attempt to further inspire those in my community, I published my first book My Agape January 2019 that speaks about self-love and how it can help you triumph over all. My Agape speaks from experience in lessons of love and life.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has defiantly not been a smooth road. I have been homeless, depressed, a victim of rape, and a victim of domestic violence. I share all these experiences in my book My Agape and my number 1 take away for anyone going through hardship is to not let your experiences define your level of success in life. Young women especially, I encourage them to cry and constantly re-evaluate every obstacle as a stepping stone. There are no limitations on “your” greatness. No matter how rough the journey may become, greatness is of anyone who strives for it. Every individual should believe in their self and know that they are far braver than they think, more talented than they know, and capable of more than they can ever imagine.
We’d love to hear more about iWeavehair/ThatGirl! Foundation/My Agape’ Memoir.
I am a woman with many hats. During school hours, I teach high school Biology and Environmental Science. I have been teaching seven years and it is something that comes very natural to me. After school, I am returning emails and organizing the social media campaign for iWeave Hair.
iWeave™ is an e-commerce application designed for use on smartphones, e.g. iPhone and Android. The app allows users to photograph themselves, browse through multiple styles and lengths using our “virtual hairstyler,” and “try on” multiple looks. Once a style is selected, the user can purchase the hair and associated goods directly through the application. Additionally, iWeave™ users will have the ability to post their picture on social networking sites and send a picture via SMS and email.
iWeave wants to follow in the footsteps of black historic hair care companies such as Dudley’s, Carson Soft-Sheen, Johnson Products, and Bronner Bros. Our tagline is “iWeave, The Revolution Begins Now!” Why is this a revolution? Because we believe that we are starting the “Revolution” of taking back the Hair Care Industry. Through our HBCU partners program, iWeave is the Official Hair Sponsor for the “World Famous Grambling State University Orchesis Dance Company.” iWeave was the only tech hair company to have a stage at the Bronner Bros hair show. Kim Kimble (Stylists to the Stars, Beyoncé, Ciara, Oprah) graced our stage and said iWeave is the next big thing.
On the weekends, I am setting up events and feeding synergies with iWeave, alongside, planning high school life-skill workshops for my nonprofit organization ThatGirl! Foundation. I empathize with the community I work in and feel a divine purpose to pour into the young people I do encounter. I helped co-found ThatGirl! Foundation with the mission of mentoring and guiding young ladies to their inevitable greatness.
Last but far from least, when I can manage being tired, I stay up late and put on my author hat. I published my first book in January 2019. I am proud of publishing my first book mostly because it was such a personal reflection that I wanted to use as inspiration for my reader to triumph over everything.
I believe the fact that I wake up every day and set out to do it all, alongside adopting my little sister is what sets me apart from others. I feel like I am unbreakable and unstoppable because I am constantly reminded of how far God had brought me.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Women are dynamic. I believe that women are well positioned for any opportunity we want. I think media has made it exceptionally plausible today to curate and market with little to nothing. Women are creative and intricate and that alone sets up opportunities to thrive. I feel like as long as a woman is working towards her purpose, she can thrive and be successful. Today’s society has made it possible for everyone to have and promote their own lane for free. The opportunities are endless and far more innovative.
Pricing:
Contact Info:
- Address: 2311 Eagles Nest Cir
Decatur, Ga 30035 - Website: www.ShawnaBrooks.org
- Phone: 4049895848
- Email: brooks.shawna@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shawana_f_brooks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawana.brooks.587
Image Credit:
Mecca 1 Photos
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