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

Hi Shawanna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business out of a deep desire to support the mental and physical well-being of middle-aged Black women. In my previous professional roles, I was fortunate to design and lead programs centered around women’s empowerment. But it wasn’t until I began holding space in nature that I witnessed something truly powerful—authentic moments of disconnection from the noise, reconnection with self, and a profound sense of recentering. That experience solidified my purpose and shaped the foundation of my work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Hiking, Healing and Outdoors Life (H2O) is a business born from a deep desire to create restorative, introductory outdoor experiences specifically for middle-aged Black women. It’s about more than just hiking trails; it’s about carving out sacred space to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with self.

Starting a business is one of the hardest things a person can do. It’s not just about KPIs or profit and loss statements—it’s about the person behind the work. Entrepreneurship reveals every side of you—the strong, the unsure, the disciplined, the exhausted. There’s no boss telling you to show up. You have to choose to show up for yourself, even on the days when motivation feels miles away.

That’s been my greatest challenge—learning to stay committed through the ebb and flow. But over time, I’ve created a rhythm that aligns with who I am, how I do the work, and how I show up.

The smartest thing I did early on was set boundaries. I made a conscious decision to prioritize me: my needs, my wellness, and my own time in nature. So far, I’ve honored those boundaries well. And even so—there’s always room to grow. I’m still growing.

At the core of my brand and my story is a simple hope: that people feel my love—for community, for healing, and for the well-being of those whose voices have too often gone unheard, and whose brilliant, beautiful lives have gone unseen.

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.
If my friends were visiting, we’d absolutely do a mix of things—but hiking would be at the top of the list! You simply can’t come to Chattanooga and miss out on these views.

Booker T. Washington State Park is always my go-to for first-time visitors. With over 7 miles of trails winding through lush forest and offering stunning views of Chickamauga Lake at nearly every turn, it’s the perfect introduction to the natural beauty of this area.

Not into hiking? No worries—you can always hit the water instead! Paddling is another amazing way to experience the park. And yes, both hiking and paddling are services H2O Life is proud to offer. *wink wink*

When it comes to food, Chattanooga does not disappoint. One of my favorite spots is Davis Wayne’s, a cozy, family-owned gem that delivers big, bold flavor in every bite. And for those who want to sample a little bit of everything, Chatt Taste Food Tours is an absolute must. They offer a delicious variety of options all around the downtown area—perfect for any foodie looking to explore the city through their taste buds.

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?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family and friends. There are far too many to name individually, but I must honor the two who gave me life—my beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin and Charlean Kendrick. Their love, wisdom, and constant guidance have shaped every part of who I am: the woman, the mother, the sister, the friend. Simply put, without them, there would be no Shawanna Kendrick—lover of people, community, and Christ.

Website: https://www.theh2o.life

Instagram: https://the.h2o.life

Facebook: TheH2OLifeLLC

Image Credits
Chris Shaw, Final Flash Productions
Soraka Tours
Cascade Outdoors

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