We had the good fortune of connecting with Shant’a Miller White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shant’a, how does your business help the community?
My Non- Profits Mission is to Take a PROACTIVE approach to the anti- bullying education and awareness of our Youth, their families and the Communities. Our Purpose is to Empower our Youth, their Families and Communities to take a Stand against Bullying. Building character, self-esteem and a sense of loving one’s self is also a strong goal of Parents Against Bullying VA. By creating a safe space and building a relationship to even have the opportunity to allow us to have these conversations with anyone of any age. We believe over the last 11 plus years our work throughout the communities and beyond has spoken volume on its own. Based on the work that we have been doing and will continue to do. Educating on” Just What Bullying” is defined as is the biggest foundation of our programs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a licensed Cosmetologist and I owned a salon for 10 years. I gave up my salon due to the choice I had to make as in being a Mother or a Hairstylist. I began doing hair around the age 9 years old. It was a dream of mine to one day become a hairstylist and salon owner. In 2012 one of my Twin daughters was attacked and assaulted by her ‘Bully.” She was kicked in the head for a total of 17 mins on the school bus (Which this is the short version of the story). My daughter was seizure free for 3 years prior to the attack. After the attack my daughter began having seizures 5 out of 7 days a week. This made it very difficult to continue to give my clients my 100 %. Therefore, I had to choose to be the full-time care giver for my daughter. I closed my salon. I also began to think about how I could help other families not go through what my family went through. I didn’t want anyone else to have the feeling of being alone with no sense of direction. Back in 2012 you didn’t hear much about the topic of bullying like you do today. I gathered resources along with other means of support to be proactive instead of being reactive. So, I planned an event and the birth of  my Non Profit Parents Against Bullying VA  has been up and running since 2013. Is this or has this been easy by no means! But when I was told that  3 more inches to the left if my daughter was to have been kick anymore she could have died instantly. I know then God saved her for a reason and a purpose for me to not be silent! Never would have thought this would have led to being a Best Selling Author with (5) books ,A radio host for my own show ” PUSH Talk with Shant’a Nichole” on RedInk Radio Live Cast,  also now  being a Consultant! That test is definitely now our testimony!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I my best friend was to come for a visit  we would go to a nice place where we could listen to Live music . One of the places here in the Hampton Roads area would be Noir A Simply Panache Lounge. We would enjoy the food ,drinks , dancing and the entertainment as a whole. I love to get dressed up! Noir is perfect place to put on your grown folks attire and have a great time. I would also take my friend to one of my favorite seafood restaurants “ The Deadrise” located on the historical Fort Monroe sitting right on the water. The best food, drinks and scenery that you could imagine. We would have to take a trip to the outlets to do a little shopping in Williamsburg area . Walking, talking, and laughter while shopping is always a great Girl’s day out!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My God Father Mr. Winfred Henry would be the person I would recognize .My God Father from day one has been the most supportive person ( Besides my Grandparents) on this journey and beyond. There were so many times that I wanted to throw in the towel but with his encouragement, love, wisdom ,knowledge and most importantly prayers I could never give up. You would also always find him in the room with a camera or recorder in his hands to record all of the memorable moments that will be around for a lifetime.

Website: www.pabva.com www.shantanichole.com

Instagram: @Shantanichole_ @PABVA

Linkedin: Shant’a Miller White

Twitter: Parents Against Bullying VA

Facebook: Non- Profit page: Parents Against Bullying VA Personal page: Shanta Miller White

Youtube: Parents Against Bullying VA

Image Credits
Kevin Moore

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