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

Hi Shanita, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?

Although Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta was created to help transplants and tourists experience Atlanta like a local, it has a bigger purpose. It also seeks to highlight black and women-owned businesses that are often overlooked in the local media. I want people to know that especially when it comes to black-owned businesses, there are wine shops, luxury handbag boutiques, bespoke fragrance shops, private clubs, and coffee houses. Black businesses go beyond soul-food restaurants and hair salons. They are vast, diverse, and high-quality. I hope to use the Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta platform to reshape the conversation and perspective about Black-owned businesses. This is how I want to contribute to my community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have a Bachelor’s in French & International Relations from Wesleyan College and a Master’s in Leadership & Human Development from The George Washington University. By day, I am a Development Consultant for non-profits in the Southeast region. I specialize in fundraising and special events. I have been in the non-profit industry for 10 years. Before going into consulting, I had the honor of serving as Director of Development for the Alliance Francaise of Atlanta and Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta.

I believe my innate ability to cultivate relationships has helped me be successful. It is what I am known for and what I do best. It’s also why I believe the non-profit sector has always been the best industry for me because relationship building is the foundation of fundraising.

Moreover, I have always been a creative person and I believe Black Girl’s Guide to Atlanta (BGGA) is the result. I’ve always had to play the role of connector in my day job, but to do it now with BGGA is a dream come true. As someone who is actually from Atlanta, I enjoy connecting people to my city and doing it from my point of view. I honestly started this page for fun, but I am humbled that it has taken on a life of its own. People really connect to this page and I am so appreciative of that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok, how about I give you a good weekend itinerary instead?

Friday Night
– Casual dinner at Little Rey’s “Al Carbon”
– Head to R&B night at Bar Vegan for drinks and music

Saturday
– Book a room at The Sylvan Hotel
– Grab some morning tea at Just Add Honey
– Stroll the Atlanta Beltline
– Grab Brunch at Ms. Icey’s Kitchen
– Go on the Black Girl Magic Tours luxury mural crawl
– Dinner and wine at Forza Storico
– Rooftop nightcap at St. Julep (Sylvan Hotel)

Sunday
– Afternoon tea at Ginger Tea Room
– Walk the Sweet Auburn neighborhood for a little Atlanta history
– Go Shopping at Village Market Atlanta at Ponce City Market
– Sweet treat at Jeni’s Icecream

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my husband who has always been my number one supporter and most constructive critic. He helps me dream big and speaks life into my vision no matter how many times it may change. He is the core and gatekeeper of my inner circle and I am forever thankful for him.

Website: Www.blackgirlsguideatl.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackgirlsguideatl/?hl=en
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shanita-miller-89151a9/

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