Meet Shawna Solomon | Entrepreneur | Brand Success Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawna Solomon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shawna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Never wanting anyone to have a limit on my potential. Having the freedom to be as successful I could be, or not, because of me. As a single teen mom, being told what you would not be, ended up being the reason I knew entrepreneurship was for me. I remember one of my supervisors telling me, I had gotten as far as I would with the company. I was devastated! No conversation about growth or opportunities. I knew that wasn’t for me. My mind needs to be ignited with new information often. Knowing I could take what I learned and continue to learn, would some day put me in the position to live my life, they way myself and God intended me to,

What should our readers know about your business?
It’s been a road. Not easy at all but worth it. I have a boutique, Shawna Solomon Collection (rebranded from another name) since 2005. Back then, I didn’t understand why I got into retail until, I got into retail. Later on, realizing that the store was my vehicle to meet other women and assist them with building their brands.

Overcoming the challenges came from consistently learning. I definitely feel like I would have been success sooner, if I took the time to build a solid foundation before jumping all in.

Lessons learned – No short cuts. Take the time to do your research, from your audience to marketing, Promise, it will make a difference. You can’t do it alone, hire a coach, get a mentor..no matter what stage of business you’re in. I remember the first time I hired a coach and she pushed me to do things I’m doing now, back then.. LOL! I wasn’t ready, but she knew I had it in me and set me up to be prepared for it.

This is my heartwork paired with my calling. I’m determined to assist women like me, teen mom, domestic violence survivor, find success within entrepreneurship. There are so many obstacles and through my entrepreneurship programs, we prepare you for them, from personal experience and our expertise. Love building community with women entrepreneurs. Two events I plan to bring to Houston are The Black Label Market & The Black Women Meetup, both encourage building genuine relationships in entrepreneurship.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many things to do here! Especially the food options. I love the adult arcades. I’m heavy on content so any place to get content! Would definitely visit the murals around the city, visit some of the small businesses, the rug making with Habibi Bazaar, the cake making at the Createery, The Rooftop Cinema is perfect for date night! I love Lost & Found brunch. Oh, Th adult arcade and go karting. There’s literally something to do everyday. Even small meetups with other entrepreneurs. Houston is a vibe!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many! What I’ve learned through my success, you can’t do it alone. I have an amazing support system with my husband, my mom is my right hand, my kids. I also have a squad of close friends who love me. We learn, love and grow together. All of them are powerhouse entrepreneurs! Opportunities with organizations, such as Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, EForever and others that provided opportunities for me to facilitate and educate other small business owners within their programs. Giving me a platform to do what I love, helping small businesses owners grow and be sustainable through entrepreneurship.

Website: www.shawnasolomonandassociates.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theestylemuva

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnasolomon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnalbennett

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/shawnasolomon

Image Credits
Ray Carrington and Marvin Solomon