Story & Lesson Highlights with Shantell Taylor of Washington DC

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shantell Taylor. Check out our conversation below.

Shantell, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I believe many people are silently struggling with money and financial stability. Even in today’s digital age where opportunities are everywhere, there’s still a lot of fear, uncertainty, and lack of knowledge around how to truly build income and create freedom. People want to look like they “have it all together,” but behind closed doors, many are juggling bills, worrying about providing for their families, or feeling stuck in jobs that don’t fulfill them.

As an entrepreneur and founder of Digital Boss Divas Academy and Shantell’s Natural Hair, I see this struggle every day. What inspires me is turning that struggle into strength by showing women, moms, and aspiring entrepreneurs how to leverage digital products, content creation, and even cosmetic formulation to create new streams of income. My mission is to make conversations about money less intimidating and more empowering—because once people realize they’re not alone, they also realize they can take steps toward financial growth, generational wealth, and freedom.

I believe when we normalize the conversation around money struggles, we open the door to solutions, community, and transformation. That’s what drives my work every day—helping others not just dream about financial freedom, but actually create it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Coach Shantell’s Natural Hair, and I am an entrepreneur, content creator, motivational speaker, and visionary CEO dedicated to helping women, families, and all individuals transform their lives through creativity, education, and empowerment. I grew up in poverty in a household with two dysfunctional parents—both alcoholics, with one also struggling with drugs. For a long time, I felt the weight of that environment, but when my first son was born, I demanded change. I made a decision to break generational cycles, pursue a new lifestyle, and create a future filled with hope and opportunity.

Today, I am the founder of multiple brands—Shantell’s Natural Hair, Digital Boss Divas Academy, Shantell Wealthy University, and Exclusive Pink Palace. Each one represents a piece of my journey, from hair natural hair tutorials, teaching natural hair care and cosmetic formulation, to showing women and teen girls how to leverage digital products, social media, and AI to build sustainable income and generational wealth.

Now, as a wife, mom, and mentor, my life has headed in a positive direction, and my mission is to inspire others to do the same. My story is proof that no matter where you come from, you can rise above your circumstances and create a better life for yourself and your family. I am actively building new businesses, developing new courses, and creating fresh opportunities for others to grow alongside me.

Through my work, I aim to normalize conversations about money, success, and self-worth while providing the tools, strategies, and community to make transformation possible.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was told that I had a learning disability and that I was “slow.” For a long time, I carried that label and believed it was true. It made me doubt myself, my intelligence, and even my potential. I felt like I would never measure up or be able to achieve big things.

But over time, I learned that those words didn’t define me—my determination and resilience did. I no longer believe that I am limited by what others once said about me. Instead, I know that I am capable, intelligent, creative, and powerful. Today, I run multiple businesses, teach others how to build wealth, and create opportunities that inspire and empower.

What I once thought was a weakness became my motivation to prove that I could rise above any label. Now I know that being “slow” was never my truth—my strength has always been in my ability to learn, grow, and keep pushing forward no matter what.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized that my silence was no longer serving me or my future. Growing up, I faced poverty, abuse, and even the trauma of being molested. For years, I carried shame, guilt, and fear—often worrying about what others would think if they knew my story. But the turning point came when I understood that my past did not define me, and that speaking my truth could actually set me free.

I chose to stop hiding and instead use my pain as fuel. I no longer care about judgment or whispers because I know who I am today: a woman who has overcome, healed, and grown stronger through every trial. My experiences pushed me to break cycles, shift my mindset, and build a better life for my children and myself.

Now, my story is my power. It’s what allows me to connect with others, to show them that they are not alone, and to prove that no matter the abuse, trauma, or hardship you’ve endured, you can rise above it and create a life of freedom, love, and purpose.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is family and community empowerment. Growing up, I didn’t always have a strong foundation of support, but now as a wife and mother, I am intentional about building a different legacy. My husband and my children are at the center of everything I do, and I work hard to create a home filled with love, support, stability, faith, and opportunity.

Protecting this value also extends beyond my household. I make sure my work and my businesses reflect the importance of family and community by empowering women, mothers, and young girls to believe in themselves and create new opportunities. Whether it’s through natural hair care, digital entrepreneurship, mentorship, motivational speaking, or financial education, I want my children, my husband, and the communities I serve to always know the power of unity, resilience, and generational growth.

For me, protecting family and community means protecting the future. It’s the legacy I am creating for my children and the value I will always stand on, no matter what.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am surrounded by my children and my husband, creating memories and building a strong foundation for our family. My peace also comes from living in my purpose—whether that’s making content, creating businesses, teaching, motivating others, or formulating cosmetics. There’s a unique joy in knowing that the work I do not only supports my family but also inspires and empowers others to step into their own greatness.

For me, peace is found in the balance of love and purpose: the love I pour into my family, and the purpose I pour into my businesses and community. Peace isn’t about stillness—it’s about alignment with my calling, and that alignment gives me the strength and clarity to keep building, creating, and leading with intention.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shantellsnaturalhair.com
• Instagram: Shantellsnaturalhair
• Facebook: Shantell’s Natural Hair
• Youtube: Life With Shantell
• Other: Socials:

  TikTok: @Coachsnh @Digitalbossdivasacdemy @Shantellwealthyuniversity @Snhcontentcreation @Exclusivepinkpalace

  Instagram: @Coachshantellsnaturalhair @Digitalbossdivasacademy @Shantellwealthyuniversity @Swuwealthpreneuracademy @Exclusivepinkpalace
  @Snhcontentcreation

  Shantellsnaturalhair.com
  Shantellsnaturalhair.net
  Digitalbossdivasacademy.com
  Digitalbossdivasacademy.net
  Shantellwealthyuniversity.com
  Snhcontentcreation.com
  Exclusivepinkpalace.com

Image Credits
Shantell Taylor (Coach Shantell’s Natural Hair)