Rising Stars: Meet Shawanté Dennis of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawanté Dennis.

Hi Shawanté , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a proud mother of one beautiful daughter and two handsome boys, and both motherhood and faith have played a major role in shaping who I am today.

My journey in the beauty industry began in high school when I first started braiding hair. That passion eventually led me to attend Paul Mitchell Schools-Atlanta, where I graduated on February 8, 2017. Shortly after, I became a licensed Master Cosmetologist on April 12, 2017. Before obtaining my license, I spent years working in the fast-paced “$40 and $50 weave shops,” beginning in 2010, which helped me sharpen my skills, work ethic, and understanding of the industry.

Although I’ve always loved doing hair, I also knew there was a greater purpose on my life beyond beauty. I felt called into ministry and community empowerment. In 2016, I began hosting Relationship Empowerment Panels, bringing together people from different walks and stages of life to have honest conversations about healing, relationships, and restoring brokenness within our communities. Those events opened doors for me to host gatherings outside of Atlanta, including opportunities in Houston, with plans for New Orleans before the pandemic interrupted many of those efforts.

Over the years, God continued calling me to build community and create spaces for transformation, healing, and accountability. In 2024, I officially launched Women of Purity (W.O.P.), a ministry dedicated to empowering women to walk boldly in their God-given purpose while cultivating holiness, authenticity, and sisterhood. Our mission is rooted in love, trust, unity, and becoming reflections of Christ’s purity, grace, and wisdom as we strengthen women, families, and communities for generations to come.

Like many people pursuing purpose, my journey has not been without challenges. After facing several personal struggles, I stepped away from ministry for a season. However, through God’s mercy and grace, I was able to realign, heal, and return to the work I know I’ve been called to do.

Today, I am actively rebuilding and expanding that vision. On June 6, we will host the Women of Purity gathering, “God Manifest Your Glory Within Me,” a powerful day centered on worship, intercession, teaching, healing, networking, brunch, and supporting local vendors. In addition to ministry, I’m also planning events that bridge beauty, faith, and community, including gatherings within the beauty industry and initiatives like Prayer in the Park.

Everything I do is rooted in my desire to inspire, heal, empower, and create safe spaces where people can encounter both purpose and transformation.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. As a single mother, I faced many challenges early on while trying to raise my daughter and pursue my education at the same time. Before attending Paul Mitchell Schools, I attended Empire Beauty School, but due to attendance issues and not having the support I needed, I was dismissed from the program. That was a very difficult and discouraging time for me.

Later, during and after COVID, I had my sons and struggled with postpartum depression, which was one of the hardest seasons of my life. I am 35 and still figuring myself out while balancing motherhood, personal struggles, and my faith. At times, I tried to fit into environments and lifestyles that never truly felt natural to me, and I often felt out of place.

I still experience struggles today, but those life experiences have been a major part of my journey and have shaped who I am.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a servant of the Lord and a licensed Master Cosmetologist who is passionate about both beauty and ministry. I specialize in healthy hair care and provide services such as sew-ins, precision cuts, color treatments, and promoting healthy hair growth. My goal is not only to help my clients look their best, but also to ensure their natural hair remains healthy and cared for.

What I’m most proud of is the genuine love and passion I have for what I’ve been called to do. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a hairstyle come together beautifully and watching my clients leave feeling confident, refreshed, and empowered.

What truly sets me apart is that I don’t view hair as just a service — I view it as ministry. Every time someone sits in my chair, it becomes more than just an appointment. It’s an opportunity to create a safe space where people feel seen, encouraged, valued, and cared for. Whether it’s through conversation, listening, encouragement, or simply creating peace in the environment, I believe God uses me to pour into people while I do their hair. For me, beauty and ministry go hand in hand.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you are pursuing a career in the beauty industry — whether it’s hair, skin, or nails — my advice would be to start in a salon where you can truly learn and grow. Whether it’s an hourly salon or a commission-based salon, take the time to build your skills, gain experience, and learn the business before jumping straight into a salon suite or booth rental position. Having that foundation and mentorship early on can make a major difference in your long-term success.

Beyond the beauty industry, and even in ministry, I believe it’s important to truly get to know yourself and learn how to hear the voice of God for yourself. When you are confident in who you are and grounded spiritually, other people’s opinions and distractions will not become louder than God’s direction when it’s time to make important decisions and advance in life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/touchedbyasistershands
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18npxWwYCz/
• LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/Shawantelatrece
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@iamshawantelatrece
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@touchedbyasistershands