Meet Dr. Shawana Carter-Barnett | CEO & VP of Human Resources

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Shawana Carter-Barnett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Shawana, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been purpose. Every business I’ve built, whether it’s Pretty Girls CuppieCakes, my Naughty for Nyce trilogy, or Carter Business Associates, was born out of a genuine passion and a desire to create something that makes an impact. My academic background gave me the discipline and knowledge, but my family is truly my driving force. My three children, Shanaiya, Alonzo, and Carter, are my daily inspiration. And my wife, Taneshia (DJ TNyce), gives me that extra push to keep striving. Even though we’ve only been married for three years, she has been an incredible source of motivation and strength, reminding me why I work so hard and why balance between love, family, and business matters.

Equally important is consistency. I believe that brands grow strong when you stay true to your values, show up every day, and keep evolving without losing sight of your “why.” For me, success isn’t just about revenue or recognition; it’s about inspiring others, serving people with excellence, and building businesses that reflect passion, creativity, leadership, and love.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Each of my businesses, Pretty Girls CuppieCakes, Naughty for Nyce, and Carter Business Associates, represents a different piece of who I am, but they are all tied together by love, passion, and a commitment to quality and excellence.

Pretty Girls CuppieCakes started out as a hobby, baking my grandmother’s recipes. What began in my kitchen with family favorites quickly turned into something bigger once people tasted the quality, homemade flavors, and saw the attention to detail we put into every cupcake, cake, and dessert. Today, I’m proud that Pretty Girls CuppieCakes has become a local staple for people who want both delicious treats and a beautiful presentation.

Naughty for Nyce is an entirely different passion. It’s an exciting trilogy that keeps readers on edge and allows me to stretch my creativity as an author. Writing has given me another platform to connect with people and tell stories that inspire conversation and spark imagination.

Carter Business Associates was born from over 20 years of HR and payroll experience. After years of working in human resources and understanding firsthand the challenges small business owners face, I wanted to create a firm that makes starting, running, and sustaining a business easier. Our mission is to take the guesswork out of compliance, payroll, and HR processes so that entrepreneurs can focus on growth and success.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Balancing multiple businesses, family, and personal goals takes perseverance, sacrifice, and faith. There were challenges with funding, time management, and sometimes self-doubt. But I overcame those by staying focused on my “why”, my family and my purpose, and leaning on the support of my wife, Taneshia, and my children, who inspire me every single day.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way are the importance of consistency, embracing failure as part of growth, and never forgetting the power of relationships. What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that everything I create; whether it’s a cupcake, a book, or a consulting solution—is built on authenticity, quality, and passion. I’m proud of the fact that I can show others that you don’t have to be limited to one dream. With hard work, dedication, and faith, you can build multiple paths to success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I’m a homebody at heart, but if my bestie was in town, I’d definitely pull out a few of my favorite spots in Atlanta to make sure they had the best time. We’d kick things off with brunch, either Breakfast at Barney’s or Atlanta Breakfast Club, because brunch is a must in this city. After that, we’d grab drinks at Saints + Council in Colony Square, which has such a cool vibe for relaxing and catching up.

For some pampering, I’d take them to the spa at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead, perfect for recharging. One of my favorite ways to unwind is just chilling in the park with a picnic while listening to live music, so we’d find something with old school R&B or jazz vibes, maybe even City Winery. Food is always on the itinerary, so Pappadeaux is non-negotiable for seafood lovers, and we’d wrap up one evening with a classic dinner at Ruth’s Chris.

I’m pretty simple and laid back, so I don’t feel like you need an over-the-top itinerary to enjoy Atlanta. The mix of good food, great vibes, live music, and quality downtime makes for the perfect visit. To me, it’s about creating memories in places that feel welcoming and full of energy, those are the spots that really show off the best of the city.

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?
First and foremost, I have to thank God for ordering my steps daily and giving me the strength, vision, and perseverance to keep going. I also want to dedicate a huge shoutout to my parents, Emily Jefferson and David Carter, for laying the foundation of love, discipline, and values that I continue to carry with me today. Their support and sacrifices gave me the confidence to dream big and the resilience to overcome challenges.

I also owe so much to my wife, Taneshia (DJ TNyce). She is truly my “why” and one of my greatest motivators. Her encouragement, belief in me, and constant push to be my best self have been invaluable. And, of course, my three children: Shanaiya, Alonzo, and Carter, who inspire me every single day to keep building, creating, and leading by example.

Website: www. naughtyfornyceseries.com; www.prettygirlscuppiecakes.com

Instagram: @naughty_for_nyce; @prettygirls_cuppiecakes; @carterbusinessassociates