We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashante Griffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashante, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always loved being creative and it has been a place of comfort for me. I am currently a high school Choral Director and music has always been my passion. I love performing and creating and coordinating shows. My mother was the best cook and baker that I have ever known and I was able to learn from her and be influenced by her passion. She always fed everyone who came to our house as well as having her own catering business. I absolutely love being in the kitchen. I am at peace when I am cooking or baking so I knew that I needed to take it a step further and start my own business. All of my hobbies involve creative aspects and it just made sense for me because it’s always been in my heart taking many different forms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a music teacher at a Title I high school and I have been there for 7 years. I have learned so much about myself as a teacher and I strive to be better every year. It has not been an easy road to get where I am but God will never give me more that I can bare and I understand that every struggle had a lesson in it. I I have been accepted into a PhD program in the fall and I am nervous but very excited for the journey ahead! The biggest lesson that I have learned is to stay organized and know when to take a break. Self care is very important and you cannot pour from an empty cup. I started my business Shani’s Sweets this year and I wasn’t prepared to start it but God told me to stop playing and go. You really want everything to be perfect and keep coming up with reasons to push things back and then it never happens. So I went ahead and put it out there because it was time. Everything always seems to align for me when it is according to God’s plan. It’s when I try to do my own thing that stuff gets out of wack. So here I am, a full time teacher, new business owner, about to be a doctoral student, and I have a 2 year old *if you know, you know*. I do have a lot on my plate but I handle it all with grace. A real life superwoman. I want people to know that I put my heart and soul in everything that I do. People who know me and have worked with me know that they do not have to worry about the quality of my work and I love that for me. I am dependable and I am good at what I do because I work hard to be great. When people think of me, my work, and my business, I want them to instantly think of quality and love. I am authentic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Funny story about my best friend. We went to Cass Tech together in Detroit and then CAU so she wouldn’t need a guide if she came to visit. But, we would have to do brunch so VVS or Atlantis. Food is always a great option. They also usually have festivals or some event at Piedmont or Centennial during the summer so I’d do that. We would also hang out at my house and watch a movie or talk and laugh like crazy. Pre-pandemic I really liked kickbacks because they were more personal and intimate and you could talk more because I always have a good time with my friends. The jokes are non stop. I like all kinds of activities, museums, I loved the indoor rock climbing place before it closed, escape rooms. Any activity and I’m down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I want to thank God who is the guiding force in my life. Everything that I have and am is because of his grace. I am thankful for my relationship with God and learning to let him lead my life

Next, I would like to thank my mama who is watching over me and who was the best example for an all around amazing mother. I aspire to be like her in so many ways.

I also want to thank my family and friends for continuing to support me in everything that I set my mind to achieve. I always have people in my corner pushing me to succeed and reminding me that I am destined for greatness.

Lastly, hey Gigi baby. I do it all for you little one.

Website: Shopshanissweets.com

Instagram: Shanisweets100

Facebook: Shani’s Sweets

Youtube: Mommy and Kitchen Tingz

Other: Personal IG – @ANerdy30

Image Credits
N/A

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