We had the good fortune of connecting with Ta Shawna “Shawna” Baird and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ta Shawna “Shawna”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Wow! where do I start? I was depressed prior to starting Shawna’s Open Book. At the time, I felt like nothing in my life was going right. Failed relationship, in between jobs, financial struggles…. My life was spiraling out of control.

I was in a very dark space that year. I didn’t know who else to turn to other than God. I prayed EVERYDAY for a month. I asked God to show me my purpose in Life.

One day, I saw an ad on Instagram, it stated 10 ways to make money as a Boss Babe ( s/o to Boss Babe definitely inspired me to become a blogger).

In that very moment, I had an epiphany. My mind was racing with so many thoughts and ideas.

For those who don’t know me, I struggle with asking for help or venting about my problems to family and/or friends. It suddenly dawned on me, that they are hundreds maybe thousands of people that are just like me. Or maybe they don’t have anyone to talk to.

A few months later….

Shawna’s Open Book was created.

I share my stories and experiences in hopes that I can help or inspire at least one individual.

Shawna’s Open Book is a safe haven for individuals to share their stories and speak freely without any judgement. A community for like minded individuals. A safe space for people to share their truth unapologetically.

This is more than a BUSINESS to me. This is me healing myself as I heal Others with my Stories!

What should our readers know about your business?
I launched Shawna’s Open Book January 21, 2020 and it has brought me so much joy to my life. What I’m most proud of is being able to help individuals by speaking my truth. It’s a great feeling to know that your business is helping at least one person every time I decide To write a blog post or speak on a topic on IG LIVE.

Two things I’ve learned about running a business, Quality over Quantity. and consistency is key.
At one point, I struggled With the idea of not having a huge audience but I had to remember that I’m not doing this for fame or clout chasing. I’m doing this for the like minded individuals that struggle with pain because they harbor it in and for the individuals that are scared to speak up because of being judged.
Everyone’s journey is different and people may not understand mine, and that is okay. You’re not going to be everyone’s cup of a tea. However, the people I’m suppose to connect with through Shawna’s Open Book are the ones I’m suppose to help. So as long as I’m doing my part by being consistent, and sharing my truth, everything else will come together.
At the end of the day, I’m just a young black woman trying to live out her purpose taking it one day at a time.

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.
Oh wow! I lived in Atlanta for over 10 years and I’m still learning all the best go to spots lol

Let’s see my favorite spots In the city are….

painted pin (adult arcade)
Ponce city market
cru lounge
Bar vegan
Tin Lizzy (margaritas)
BQE restaurant
Boogalou
Negril Atl
Fin & Feathers
APT 4B Atl
Six flags/white water(for adventure)

They’re few more spots I would like to check out but those are my go to spots for great food and fun dining experience.

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?
Shout out to my amazing family, friends, my therapist and my storytellers! It’s the constant support for me., whether it’s sending me a topic to talk about, giving me ideas, reposting my content, joining my IG LIVES, or simply giving me words of encouragement. I genuinely don’t know what I would do without them.  You know the saying, It takes a village to raise a family, welllllll I feel like “It takes a Village to grow a Business”. Lol

Website: www.Shawnasopenbook.com

Instagram: @shawnasopenbook

Twitter: @shawnasopenbook

Facebook: Shawna’s Open Book

Image Credits
Photographer IG @photograford Cartoon illustrator IG: @carniels_art

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.