Meet Shantell Bates | Author/master cosmetologist/life coach

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

Hi Shantell, how do you think about risk?
I come from a place where there are no opportunities for black entrepreneurs. I decided to move to Atlanta after my father passed away. A baby in my stomach and 3 trash bags full of clothes, I vowed to give him a place where he could have unlimited choices and I would be successful no matter what to pave the way. I know what it feels like to have nothing and to have everything and lose it all. I’ve been on top and on the bottom but every time I lost the most high always gave me more than I had before. I am the true meaning of perseverance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I completed cosmetology school fresh out of high school, I went back and completed massage therapy afterwards I went back to college and completed dental assistant. I’ve furthered my education in completing several classes receiving several certifications and certificates along the way.
I’ve worked across the board at several franchised salons over the years. In 2017 I felt it was time to step out on faith and work for myself opening my very first master cosmetologist/ esthetician business creating my own products and multi body oils ( blue Angel ) I’ve always helped people from behind the chair offering encouragement, guidance, life coaching and help where needed. I felt that stories that were brought to me and some of my very own needed to be heard to a wide scope of people just by reading they definitely could learn more in private so I decided to start writing my own (short reads ) something not to long for the average day to day working people but short enough to captivate your mind for a moment in time. Telling stories for us by us with a heart felt meaning to give hope and inspire.
The amount of people I’ve helped in private gives me great joy that I’m here for a reason. My company The Amora Jazze is derived from the names of my children letting them know anything is possible and as a Author ( I am young girl read ) first off starting with young women to help them read more, be true to themselves, and acknowledge their true beauty and find inner peace although I will say I do have children books but my lates two are for 18 and older. I keep it a bit real I find that’s what the people want to hear. I’ve done exceptionally Well to be independent and thankful enough to be able to give back to the community and the homeless. I have a program that starts right before winter every year called (Give a cover, where we collect items to pass out to keep our homeless warm. I am very grateful for opportunities such as this one to give the people who started at the back of the line a chance to be heard and seen, although all winners start at the back of the line but end up in the front and running it. I plan in the near future to expand bigger so I can help more. Truthful obstacles I had along the way is dealing with with multiple deaths I’ve lost my father, my oldest brother and recently my oldest sister theses deaths have taught me me that time is short so love and live for today but always prepare for tomorrow though trials and tribulations may come find balance in every thing because balance is the key and no matter what keep moving forward and you will eventually prevail.

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.
I’d definitely have to say Tassili’s Raw reality for nutrition and healthy eats

Ruby Chow’s for small bites drinks and beautiful esthetics

Kennesaw Mountain for nature walks and exercise

And you’ll definitely find me around town in most lakes and parks grounding

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First the most high, Amen Ra, my 3 children Theavius, Kamora, and Kelsea, for sticking by my side and believing in me, my editor mutima with mutima novels and myself

Website: https://Youngirlread.wixsite.com/youngirlread

Instagram: @theamorajazze

Facebook: Shantell Bates