We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shonte Youmans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shonte, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Developing my confidence and self-esteem was a journey—one filled with personal growth, faith, and intentional inner work. It started with understanding that my voice matters. I used to shrink in spaces where I was called to shine, but once I began to recognize the value of my experience, my education, and my ability to connect with others, everything shifted.
Working in the Department of Adult Corrections gave me a unique perspective and a level of resilience I didn’t even know I had. From there, stepping into roles as a speaker, coach, and author required me to stretch—and I said yes, even when I was nervous. That courage built confidence over time.
I also did the internal work—prayer, journaling, speaking affirmations, and surrounding myself with people who reminded me of my greatness. The more I aligned with my purpose—helping women find their voice and walk in their power—the more my own self-esteem grew. It’s an ongoing process, but today, I walk in rooms knowing that I belong.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Absolutely! I’m Shonté Youmans, a Communications Strategist, international speaker, bestselling author, and the founder of Fresh Start Consulting. My work is deeply rooted in faith, purpose, and passion. I love God, and I serve with my whole heart in everything I do—because I believe that when you’re walking in alignment with your calling, lives are transformed.
I specialize in helping women in leadership and business master the way they communicate—because your voice is not just about how you speak, but how you show up in the world. Through my work, I empower women to communicate with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
My journey began in the field of criminal justice, working in the Department of Adult Corrections. That chapter of my life taught me strength, discipline, and the importance of using your voice for impact. Today, I bring that same grit and grace into my coaching and leadership work.
What excites me most is witnessing transformation—when a woman realizes that her voice is powerful, that her story matters, and that she’s fully equipped to lead. Through my CommuniPower Coaching Program, I guide women through an 8-week experience to unlock their confidence, sharpen their communication, and embrace their influence.
In addition to coaching, I host the Business Bestie Networking Experience, a heart-centered, high-impact event that brings women together to build authentic relationships, grow in faith and business, and support one another through purpose-driven collaboration. It’s not just networking—it’s ministry, sisterhood, and strategy all in one.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding the CommuniPower Program and the Business Bestie brand with new tools, virtual intensives, in-person retreats, and digital resources. I recently released a new communications ebook and I’m excited for what God continues to unfold in this season.
At the end of the day, everything I do is about serving—serving women, serving my purpose, and most importantly, serving God. I believe our voices are one of the greatest gifts He’s given us, and I’m committed to helping women use theirs boldly and with intention.
“Proverbs 31:26 — ‘She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.’ That’s the standard I live and lead by.”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Faith
Faith has been my anchor. There were times when I didn’t have all the answers, resources, or support—but I had my faith. Trusting God’s plan for my life and business gave me the courage to step out, even when the path wasn’t clear.
Advice: Don’t wait for everything to make sense before you move. Pray, listen, and take the step. God honors obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable. Faith is a muscle—use it and it will grow stronger.
2. Resilience
The road to purpose is not without challenges. I’ve had to bounce back from rejection, self-doubt, and seasons of uncertainty. But every setback refined me. I learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about rising with wisdom and with grace.
Advice: Expect challenges, but don’t let them stop you. Get back up every time. Surround yourself with people who will speak life into you and remind you of who you are when you forget.
3. Communication
Knowing how to communicate clearly, confidently, and with authenticity changed everything. It’s not just a skill—it’s a superpower. It opened doors, built relationships, and positioned me to lead.
Advice: Invest in your voice. Learn how to tell your story, speak with clarity, and connect with people. You don’t have to sound like anyone else—your authentic voice is your advantage.
To anyone early in their journey: Trust the process, stay grounded in who you are, and remember this—God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Walk boldly in your calling, and the rest will align.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely—I’m always open to purposeful partnerships and collaborations! I believe that when women come together with a shared vision, we create impact that goes far beyond ourselves. I’m especially interested in connecting with: • Women in leadership or business who are passionate about helping others grow through community, communication, and collaboration.
• Event hosts, podcast creators, and media platforms looking for empowering voices and transformational stories to share.
• Faith-based brands or organizations that align with my mission to uplift, inspire, and serve women through both faith and strategy.
• Coaches, authors, and speakers who are interested in cross-promotion, panel discussions, or joint offerings that amplify our collective voices.
If you’re reading this and feel alignment with my work—whether it’s through coaching, speaking, or event partnerships—I would love to hear from you. Let’s create something meaningful together.
You can connect with me directly at [email protected], visit my website at www.freshstartconsulting.biz, or send me a message on Instagram at @shonteyoumans. Let’s use our gifts to make room for others and create powerful spaces where women thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: Freshstartconsulting.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shonteyoumans?igsh=MTlpMTV3eWFiMXpidQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
