Today we’d like to introduce you to Shunte Gamble.
Shunte, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey began writing to cope through a challenging season once I graduated from college as a single mom. That experience led me to publishing my first book “Therapy for your Soul Book of Poetry”. Within this time, I was doing the work to find my purpose, passion, and gifts. I discovered I was creative. I took that self-discovery and started my first company. From there, I was driven to find out all I was made of no matter how long it took. The effort turned into a nonprofit, hosting events to support cancer awareness, and another book. Life never stopped. There were many times I wanted to give up, cried when facing difficulties that felt too hard to overcome, denied access to opportunities all while being a wife, mother, and myself.
Years of hard work took a toll. A time of reflection came and it hit hard and deep. I had to rediscover my “why”. As much as I wanted the “over-night’ success, I knew it wasn’t real. Success comes with consistency to the vision and an intent to succeed no matter how long it takes. After a time spent resting and refocusing, I was able to continue my efforts to support the community.
I evolved in my understanding of the processes of life. Now I am blessed to speak to women and men about a wider variety of life’s experiences. I can see the pain in a person’s heart turn into joy as I share my authentic self through sharing my own sacrifices and failures. The best moments are when I get the crowd laughing about times when my tears were very ugly. To stand in the present and look back on the past with a laugh and a smile brings me gratification.
Three books, speaking tours, a magazine, and a talk show later, I am still down-to-earth Shunte. I am even more raw with my vulnerability in a way that gives life, empowers others to move forward, and solidifies that fact that they are not alone.
I look forward to seeing what is next. I will keep reaching until I am standing on my mountain top at the end of my life’s journey. Even then, I will be reaching for the next generation through a legacy left behind.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. My journey has been just that, a true journey. I had had to let go of businesses and friends. I went through a divorce that took much needed therapy to find my healing. I have had financial struggles being a single mom with a dream. I have been rejected, denied, and overlooked. Yet in it all, it shaped my passion. I speak with an intent to empower people to keep-on-moving. Life can been a tough teacher but learning provides the wisdom that opens doors.
Please tell us about Women Empowering Change, Let’s Talk Life XL Talk Show and BBU! Magazine – what should we know?
Women Empowering Change is an organization that is committed to equipping purposed driven women and men with the tools to inspire change through empowering growth, leadership, and community support. It is purposed to bring women and men together to connect, grow personally and professionally, discover strategies for balance, and to develop new business/personal relationships. WEC is on a Mission to empower women and men to be confident, successful and purpose-driven. To build, enrich, and educate those connected to our organization.
Beautifully Being U! Magazine is dedicated to supporting small business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs by providing a platform to assist with brand exposure and expanding their client base. BBU! Magazine is featured on a global host site and read all over the world. It is formatted as a digital download, free to read, and in print.
Let’s Talk Life XL (X-large) is the new entity of WEC. We will discuss all of life’s extra large moments and the ones in between. We are seek professionals from all fields and faith backgrounds for our Live Interviews. They are the gems of our show. Viewers are able to connect to and be empowered by the messages our guests share.
My companies all specialize in putting small businesses in the spotlight of new supporters. I have a heart to offer low cost and/or free opportunities to small businesses. I am humbled to spotlight their efforts, organizations, and/or gifts through speaking at my events, being featured in my magazine, and/or being on my talk show.
I am personally known for my ability to make people feel comfortable, welcomed, and happy. People know that I bring a smile, put on a great party, and have fun aspects to my conferences. They know they will have a good time!
I am most proud of being able to connect professionals with each other. Over the years, my networking events put many professionals together that ended up working/ doing business together.
My company has also donated to great organizations to support cancer awareness and prevention in the honor of my grandmother who lost her fight when I was around the age of 16.
I believe my genuine intention to help others is felt. I believe that level of authenticity throughout the evolution of my companies has kept many supporters and continues to attract new supporters.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a wonderful support system. I could not have done even half of this without my mother and father. They were instrumental in the healing process through the most difficult season in my life. They encourage me to keep going, challenge me to adjust when needed, correct me when I am wrong, help out with the kids, and so much more. My father has been a huge support. He is our company DJ. He is loved by our supporters when he steps out on the stage. He has built furniture for events, picked out table clothes (laughs), set-up and broken down events. At the end of the day, my father is my rock.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.womenempoweringchange.org
- Email: info@womenempoweringchange.org
- Instagram: lets_talk_life_xl, Shunte_gamble
- Facebook: @wec4hope
- Other: Shunte Gamble (on facebook)
Image Credit:
Donte Cherry of Light Dreams
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