SwagHer Spotlight: Shawnte Mckinnon

Shawnte Mckinnon is a speaker, author, magazine contributor, media host, business strategy consultant, and minister. Shawnte also served in the United States Air Force, subsequently earning her business degree, where she then forged a successful career, all while working her way up the corporate ladder. She has worked as a financial professional for more than a decade. Shawnte’s tumultuous journey of life fueled her passion for helping others heal, release, and be restored. This passion became the catalyst that led Shawnte to birth her own platform, where she served as host, creative director, and executive producer of The Shawnte Mckinnon Show. 

Shawnte is also a self-published author of the book “I’ve Got to Comb my Hair,” a riveting story of how God uses pain to direct the paths of our lives and how that pain can be reflected in something as simple as how a woman wears her hair. In addition, Shawnte has had the honor of being featured in K.I.S.H. Magazine’s Winter issue as one of the TOP 30 Influential Women: Movers & Shakers of 2019, Who’s Who of Black Charlotte in 2019, Faith Heart Magazine, and most recently, the Glambitious Coach Magazine.

 

Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Shawnte, Shawnte? 

Shawnte: My SwagHer is I’ve never been a follower of the crowd person. I’m comfortable with my path. God has always taken me the unconventional route, if you will, since I was a child. I have the audacity to believe in the God who has chosen my path and myself with very little outside support. Because of this, I’ve always been somewhat underestimated. This built my resolve to achieve and lead without the need for constant validation. If the crowd builds you, then that same crowd can dismantle you. So, I’ve had to take the less popular routes in my journey with my career, business, relationships, and ministry; however, this route built my passion for helping mend hearts and bridge gaps in the community.

Christina: Tell us a little about your show, The Shawnte Mckinnon Show.

Shawnte: The Shawnte Mckinnon Show is a platform I built to give voices to leaders and give answers to the community. The show is a bridge for the community to have a voice and address poverty, financial and relational issues, politics, business, the arts, and health & wellness. 

Christina: What inspired you to start your own show? 

Shawnte:  Honestly, the show was birthed out because of heartbreak, and I couldn’t find the answers I was looking for. God placed it on my heart to start this show to provide a space where others can find hope and healing. I wanted to make healing and success tangible for all. A good “rags to riches story” or from “broken to heal” makes overcoming relative and tangible. I believe it takes a village to raise a community; the show, my guest, the audience are my village.

Christina: You have a book out, “I’ve Got to Comb my Hair.” Tell us about it. Where can our readers purchase the book? 

Shawnte: Unbeknownst to my late grandfather, he gave me the name of my book with a simple question, “Baby, are you going to comb your hair? LOL!! The book is a riveting story of how God uses pain to birth our purpose, and how what a woman is feeling can be reflected in something as simple as her hair. In the book, you will see how that question was pivotal in me looking at myself, pulling my life back together at a time where life felt like it had just stop for me. You can purchase my book on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and all other online bookstore outlets. 

Christina: What motivates you? 

Shawnte: My doubters, naysayers, blockers, and a very real enemy to the Kingdom of God, Satan. I’m prior military, so needless to say; my enemies keep me geared up and obstacle ready. LOL!! The other truth is my heart. I have a heart for people. I feel God entrusts me with battles because he knows that once I conquer them, I’m going to help others do the same.  

Christina: How was your experience in the U.S. Air Force? Was it a dream of yours to be a part of the air force? 

Shawnte: Listen, I’m a diehard Air Force girl!! The military was a great experience. It honed my leadership abilities, discipline, and tenacity. I was in Army Jr. ROTC in high school, but I just really wanted to go straight into college after high school. As fate would have it, that option was off the table after moving back to Florida from New York with no financial support (it’s a long but short story. It’s in the book…) This goes back to those unconventional routes I was speaking of earlier. I believe God allowed it because the military is where I needed to be first, subsequently obtaining my degrees in Business Administration.

Christina: What does success mean to you?

Shawnte: Success is subjective, but for me, it’s obtaining my personal and spiritual goals, it’s helping others overcome and break down barriers, it’s a positive change agent and voice in the world. 

Christina: How would your friends describe you?

Shawnte: Strong! LOL!! I think they would say I’m tough, ambitious, loyal, and a gentle soul all in one. These are usually the things I hear from them.

Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like our readers to know about? 

Shawnte:  Yes, I do, actually! May 6th, I will be hosting the “Global Money Mindset Mastery One day summit in Charlotte, NC. This will be time for entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, and nonprofits to network in person and virtually with other business owners worldwide on how to optimize their business, money, and emotions amidst a pandemic that has formed a new normal. The details will be out soon on all my social media platforms.

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share? 

Shawnte: Yes, I would challenge the reader who’s afraid to step out not to despise small beginnings. Don’t be afraid to go against the status quo. Be authentically you. If you’re small, be mighty! Secret weapons are usually potent…wink

 

Connect with Shawnte below:

Website: www.mckinnonscg.com

Instagram: @shawntemckinnon/@mckinnonscg

LinkedIn: Shawnte Mckinnon

Facebook: Shawnte Mckinnon/ Mckinnon Strategic Consulting Group