Ashro Woman: Shanta
Meet Ashro Woman of the Week, Shanta from Lithonia, GA
Shanta is a mother, grandmother and community powerhouse!
As Founding Director of The Center for Truth and Healing, member of the Atlanta Black Chambers’ Global Opportunities Committee, and countless other associations, Shanta finds immense joy in making a positive impact.
What’s Shanta’s greatest challenge? Learning to manage multiple responsibilities! It’s helped to focus on self-care and lessons learned from her grandmothers.
Both women taught her the importance of resilience, compassion, hard work—and embracing one’s own unique, self-expressive style. “My style has been greatly influenced by my mom and my grandmothers….evolv[ing] into a fusion of Afrocentric and royal influences.”
BEAUTIFUL (we love it)!
| Name | |
| H.E. Shanta H. | |
| Which city do you live? | |
| Lithonia | |
| Which state do you live? | |
| GA | |
| How would you describe the Ashro woman? How do you embody her? | |
| The Ashro woman is confident, classy, and courageous. I embody her by embracing my own unique sense of style and carrying myself with grace and poise in every situation. I tackle challenges with confidence and resilience, always striving to inspire and uplift those around me. By valuing elegance and sophistication in my appearance and actions, I demonstrate the same class and strength that defines the Ashro woman. Whether in my personal or professional life, I lead with integrity, courage, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting the true spirit of the Ashro woman. | |
| How long have you been an Ashro customer? | |
| I have worn Ashro clothing for more than 20 years. | |
| What do you do for a living? What do you like most about it? What don’t you like? | |
| I am involved in various roles including my work as Founding Director of The Center for Truth and Healing managing global opportunities and events for the Atlanta Black Chambers’ Global Opportunities Committee, and supporting business initiatives through Ateker Kingdom Alliance, East Memorial Drive Revitalization Foundation, and Shanta Lana LLC. My work spans community service, event planning, business consulting, and promoting empowerment and leadership, particularly among the Black community. What I like most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community and to empower individuals and businesses. I find great fulfillment in fostering collaboration, promoting human rights, and supporting the growth and success of others. Being able to connect with diverse groups of people and help bring their visions to life is incredibly rewarding. Managing multiple responsibilities can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when trying to balance various projects and commitments simultaneously. However, these challenges also push me to be more organized and resilient in my efforts. | |
| How do you spend your free time? | |
| In my free time, I enjoy engaging in activities that promote personal growth and community connection. I love volunteering with local organizations and participating in events that uplift and support the community. I also enjoy doing research and engaging with content on leadership and personal development, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. Additionally, I find relaxation and inspiration in exploring new places, whether through travel or simply discovering new spots in my local area. Balancing relaxation with activities that enrich my mind and spirit is important to me, and I always look for ways to blend leisure with purpose. | |
| What small thing makes you happy? | |
| Besides the two small grandchildren I have, the one small thing that makes me happy is seeing the genuine smiles and expressions of gratitude from people I’ve helped or supported. Whether it’s through a successful event, a kind gesture, or simply lending a listening ear, knowing that I’ve made a positive impact in someone’s life brings me immense joy. | |
| What is your best dish? Who do you make it for—and where do you typically serve it? | |
| I typically get rave reviews on every dish I make, but everyone can’t cook greens and cornbread dressing like I do. I typically make it for my family and friends on Sundays or take it as a side dish for a gathering. | |
| What has been your greatest struggle…and your greatest (or latest) triumph? | |
| One of my greatest struggles has been navigating the complexities of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. Juggling my commitments to community service, business initiatives, and personal growth can be challenging, especially when unexpected obstacles arise. However, this struggle has also been a source of growth, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-care. My greatest triumph, or latest one, has been successfully organizing and executing several major events that will make a profound impact for the community. | |
| Who influenced you the most in your life. Why? And in what way? | |
| The people who influenced me the most in my life are my grandmothers. Their strength, wisdom, and unwavering love have profoundly shaped who I am today. They taught me the importance of resilience, compassion, and hard work. | |
| Do you volunteer or do charity work? Tell us about it! | |
| Yes, I am deeply involved in volunteer work and charity initiatives. I am the Founding Director of The Center for Truth and Healing (CFTH), a grassroots human rights organization dedicated to care, compassion, community, collaboration, and change. Through this organization, I engage in various programs and initiatives that support and uplift marginalized communities. I am also the Founding President of The East Memorial Drive Revitalization Foundation, Guest Relations Manager for The GO Global International Trade and Investment Expo, Visionary and Co-Chair of The Birth of a New Nation Global Peace Summit, Organizer of The DeKalb County Good Neighbor’s Day Out on East Memorial Drive, Part of the Million Woman World March for Black Women, Community Affairs Liaison for The Brantley Foundation, Global Goodwill Ambassador, and Royal Ambassador At Large for The Ateker Kingdom Alliance. In addition to these roles, I also volunteer with various local and international organizations, supporting causes related to human rights, community development, and empowerment. These experiences have been incredibly enriching, allowing me to connect with diverse communities and make a positive impact in the world. | |
| Are you in a sorority? Or is anyone in your family in a sorority? If so, which one and what does it mean to you? | |
| No, I am not in sorority. Several family members are but I am not a fan of sorority organizations. | |
| What do you love about fashion and style? | |
| I love how fashion allows me to express my creativity and personality. Clothes have the power to boost my confidence, make a statement, and showcase my unique identity to the world. Fashion is more than just clothing; it’s a form of self-expression that empowers me to be bold, creative, and authentic. | |
| Has anyone in particular influenced your style? | |
| Yes, my style has been greatly influenced by my mom and my grandmothers. Growing up, I admired their elegance, grace, and timeless sense of fashion. They taught me the importance of dressing with confidence, embracing classic pieces, and adding personal touches to create a unique look. Their influence has shaped my style preferences and continues to inspire me to this day. | |
| What occasions/events do you dress up for? (for example-do you often dress up for church, cultural events, charity events, going out, etc.) And how often do you typically get dressed up? | |
| I dress up for a variety of occasions, including high-level meetings, events related to my community work and charity involvement, cultural events, and special outings. Additionally, I often dress up for media appearances and features, where my appearance reflects my personal brand and the causes I support. Overall, I typically dress up 2-3 times per week. | |
| How has your style evolved over time? | |
| My style has evolved into a fusion of Afrocentric and royal influences, reflecting both my cultural heritage and my personal sense of reality. I’ve gravitated towards clothing that celebrates African aesthetics, incorporating bold prints, vibrant colors, and traditional fabrics into my wardrobe. At the same time, I’ve embraced a more regal and sophisticated aesthetic, opting for tailored pieces, statement accessories, and elegant silhouettes. | |
| Do you wear hats? How often and what type of hat? Do you wear them to church? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a hat with us! | |
| I don’t wear hats often, but I do appreciate them for certain occasions like funerals or high tea. When I do wear hats, I prefer styles that complement my Afrocentric and royal aesthetic, such as elegant wide-brimmed hats or culturally inspired headwraps. | |
| Do you wear headwraps? How often? Where did you learn how to tie it? Share a pic of you in a headwrap with us! | |
| I don’t currently wear headwraps often, but I would like to start incorporating them into my style more frequently. I haven’t learned how to tie them yet, but I’d love to learn how. | |
| Do you wear wigs? How often and what length or style? If so, be sure to share a pic of you in a wig with us! | |
| No, I no longer wear wigs. | |
| Are you a woman of faith? How does that faith affect your life? Please tell us more. | |
| Yes, I am a woman of faith. My faith is deeply personal and spiritual, guiding me in my journey through life. It influences every aspect of my being, from how I perceive the world around me to how I interact with others. My faith gives me strength, hope, and a sense of purpose, especially during challenging times. It shapes my values, morals, and decisions, leading me to live a life filled with compassion, kindness, and empathy. My faith is not bound by any specific religious doctrine but is rooted in a belief in a higher power. | |
| Do you attend church? What church do you go to and what do you love most about it? | |
| No, I don’t attend church. | |
| How are you passing along your faith traditions onto your children/grandchildren? | |
| I pass along my faith traditions to my children and grandchildren by teaching them about our family’s beliefs, values, and traditions. I share stories and teachings that have been passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of faith, love, and kindness. | |
| Are you a First Lady or a Pastor? | |
| No | |
| Your best advice? | |
| My best advice for other women is to prioritize self-love. Surround yourself with positive influences and support systems. Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate your strengths. | |
| What lessons has motherhood (or being a grandmother) taught you? | |
| Motherhood and being a grandmother have taught me countless valuable lessons. They have taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of unconditional love. They have shown me the true meaning of selflessness and sacrifice, as well as the joy that comes from nurturing and watching someone grow. | |
| Are you an Ashro Credit customer? If so, how has our credit helped you? | |
| No, I am not. | |
| Do you have a memory to share of when you first heard about Ashro or when you received your first catalog? | |
| I have fond memories of shopping with my mom at Ashro in Chicago, back when it was in the wholesale district before being acquired by Swiss Colony Brands. After they were bought by Swiss Colony Brands, and I was more mature, I started buying their clothing by attending sales in Monroe, where I also discovered other brands like Midnight Velvet and Seventh Avenue. |
Thanks for inspiring us, Shanta!
If you’d like a chance to be a future Ashro Woman of the Week, share your story with us — then watch your weekly Ashro emails to see if you’re featured next! Already filled out our questionnaire? Then you’re all set (you may see yourself featured in next week’s email)! Make sure to tell your friends and family to sign up for emails. We can’t wait to see you!
