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

Hi Nicole, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. I remember loving to work at a young age. After dropping out of college, getting married and having four kids, I wanted freedom to do what I wanted instead of someone else telling me what to do. I had attempted many at home businesses but none of them were long lasting. Then, I decided to become a personal trainer and health coach. One business being face to face in a brick and mortar and one virtual. It was the best of both worlds. 9 years later, I added a coffee shop to that list. I’m always seeing problems that need solutions and as an entrepreneur, I develop a business to make that happen.


Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a mother of 4 children, 2 with special needs, I’ve always put my family first. That means taking care of myself and enjoying my career because that helps me be the best Mom I can be for them! My heart for wellness developed over many years and SHINE health & wellness was created in 2013 with a focus on fitness, nutrition and therapy. It is so important to me to provide an opportunity for people to create lifelong transformation one healthy habit at a time through many different avenues. 7 Years later, seeing the need for meaning and purpose through work for my kids, I felt called to open a coffee shop that connected to the wellness center not only to provide jobs for people with special needs like my kids but also for neurotypical people to buddy and come alongside them. RISE coffee & tea opened in March 2020 when the pandemic hit the US. This proved to be a challenging time for both the wellness center and the new coffee shop but God provided what we needed every step of the way. RISE also proved to be a low barrier entrance to wellness for our community as a public place that connected to our private wellness center. RISE & SHINE stand out in our community because we are a place that everybody knows your name and that you belong. You have a place. You are seen. You have value. It is our heart to be a light in our community of true hope and health. Q

The challenges that we’ve overcome are many as we constantly pivot and punt to keep moving forward. Our coffee shop boasts healthy drinks, treats and protein smoothies unlike any other coffee shop. With all our products baked in house and gluten-free, we are raising the standard in our market.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We love hiking so our favorite spots are Amicalola Falls and Stone Mountain.

We don’t eat out much except for convenience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Getting married at 19 years old isn’t for everyone. However, when I met my husband at church, I knew he was the one God created specifically for me. My husband Josh is my constant, my firm foundation, my level head, my partner, my encourager, my provider, my best friend, and “my favorite” person on Earth. I wouldn’t be who I am today without him. The businesses I’ve created wouldn’t be possible without his leadership and provision. We are absolutely better together and they make the best team!

Website: shinehw.com rise-coffeetea.com

Instagram: shinehw risecoffeetea

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.