We had the good fortune of connecting with Shavanti Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shavanti, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I began Pretty Gurls Pray after a year of posting prayer videos on TikTok. My videos began reaching women around the world who desired a closer relationship with GOD. I’d wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a little girl but got so caught up in corporate America that my dreams began to slip away..something was missing and I didn’t feel like I fit in. I decided to give fashion design another shot but be intentional and purposeful in doing so. I reflected on what I am passionate about before I started my business, which is my love for GOD and all he has brought me through. That was it! I thought, what if I could save women and girls through fashion? I stepped out on faith and created a brand that is not only fashionable and far from your average church fit, but that also encourages a relationship with GOD! This was truly a GOD given idea that resonated with my heart and purpose.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pretty Gurls Pray is saving others through fashion. Let’s be real, when visiting a few churches in the past I felt judged by what I wore. I’m sure many others can relate. It’s important we remember we’re all human and make mistakes. People may not understand what they aren’t used to, including unique takes on fashion. That was a bit challenging but later contributed to my desire to create fashionable pieces that also express love for GOD and positively impact those who aren’t even wearing them. There are boundaries to keep in mind as a woman of GOD but being stylish doesn’t make you love him any less. . Along the way I’ve learned to stay true to me and to pray about everything! I want the world to know that Pretty Gurls Pray is not about being pretty on the outside. We are about being pretty on the inside by having a heart like Christ and building a relationship with him. . So sis, forgive those who’ve judged you and be who GOD called you to be!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hey Gurl! First stop is Carolyn Quinn’s Southern Comfort food. They have the best soul food in the Atlanta Area. Fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, yams, burgers, you name it! Next let’s head to Gurl Mobb Museum. If you’re a girl boss and need some new content you have to check them out along with The Bakery Co Work. It’s a must to stop at the Sugar Factory in Atlanta for a fun and colorful dinner, dessert and great vibes. Lastly, we’re headed to the Atlanta Zoo. I don’t know about you but I love me a zoo and dressing to fit the wild aesthetic by mixing and matching different prints and fabrics. It’s giving Pretty Gurls Pray meets Noah’s Ark!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my parents for showing me what hard work truly is. I’ve watched my mother and father work hard to provide for my siblings and I since I was a little girl. My father is a retired PG County, MD firefighter and my mother owned and operated a Christian daycare center. We relocated to Atlanta and they became restaurant owners. To this day they are up early and gone to bed late, if at all. Although their kids are grown now, they still work hard to make sure they are financially prepared for the “What If’s”. This is an emotional topic for me because when you watch your parents give up their world to make sure you have everything you need all you want to do is give them the world. Thats exactly what I’m going to do as my business grows and becomes more successful. Thank you Ma and Dad for raising a strong, hard working, GOD fearing and independent young woman.
Website: https://www.prettygurlspray.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettygurlspray.co?igsh=eWFmdGl5Mjc4Ymc2&utm_source=qr
Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@prettygurlspray.co?_t=8nWTjhagSkw&_r=1