Dr. Shonte Youmans shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Shonte, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I graduated with my Honorary Doctorate from Anchorway Christian University — a truly proud and profound moment in my life. As I continue breaking generational curses and building a legacy, I can’t help but feel incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. People counted me out, but God counted me in every single time. This milestone isn’t just about a title — it’s a reminder that faith, perseverance, and purpose always make room for you when the world tries to count you out..
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dr. Shonté Youmans — I’m the Founder of Fresh Start Consulting, Visionary Host of The Business Bestie Networking Experience, and Creator of The CommuniPower Coaching Program. My passion is helping women in business and leadership find their voice and their power through the art of effective communication.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s built on both faith and strategy — I combine purpose-driven coaching with real-world communication tools that empower women to speak with confidence, lead with authenticity, and build meaningful connections. My journey from setbacks to success has become the heartbeat of my work.
Right now, I’m preparing for The Business Bestie Networking Experience, happening March 13–15, 2026, in Blue Ridge Mountain, NC— a powerful weekend designed to help women build partnerships, confidence, and legacy through faith, business, and sisterhood. I’m also expanding The CommuniPower Academy, a membership community that helps women grow personally, professionally, and spiritually while creating lasting impact and influence.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I used to believe that my voice didn’t matter — that being quiet and playing small would keep me safe and accepted. But as I grew, I realized that silence only dimmed my light and delayed my purpose. Today, I know that my voice is my power. It’s not just meant for me, but for the women I’m called to help. Every time I speak, teach, or lead, I’m reminded that what once felt like my weakness has become my greatest strength.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life came from rejection, disappointment, and feeling unseen — both in my personal life and on my journey to becoming the woman I am today. For a long time, I carried the pain of being overlooked and misunderstood, which made me question my worth and my voice.
My healing began when I stopped seeking validation from others and started seeking alignment with God. Through faith, forgiveness, and a lot of inner work, I learned that my wounds weren’t meant to break me — they were meant to build me. Every scar tells a story of resilience, and those very experiences now allow me to help other women heal, communicate with confidence, and show up as their whole, powerful selves
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that success is all about strategy, visibility, and hustle. While those things matter, they mean nothing if your communication isn’t rooted in authenticity and purpose. Many leaders think they have to sound like everyone else to be heard — but true power comes from being unapologetically you.
Another lie is that vulnerability is weakness. In reality, it’s one of the greatest tools of connection and leadership. When women learn to speak truthfully and confidently — not perfectly — they attract opportunities, relationships, and success that are aligned with who they really are. That’s the heartbeat of my work: teaching women that their voice is their superpower.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people may most misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not built on titles, achievements, or recognition — it’s built on transformation. Some may see the success, the stages, and the spotlight, but what truly defines my legacy is the healing, faith, and inner strength it took to get here.
My legacy isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being purposeful. It’s about showing women that you can rise from rejection, rebuild after pain, and still lead with grace and power. Every program I create, every event I host, and every word I speak is rooted in helping others find their voice and their freedom — because my legacy isn’t just mine, it’s the spark that ignites others to walk boldly in theirs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freshstartconsulting.biz
- Instagram: @drshonteyoumans
- Facebook: @drshonteyoumans
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