Meet Shaneé DeWitt | mompreneur

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

Hi Shaneé, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I disagree with is, “words don’t hurt.”

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

How many times have you heard this lie? Do you believe it? How many times have you inadvertently been dismissive of someone else, perhaps your child’s feelings by reciting this lie while simultaneously remembering the scars you’ve sustained as a result of verbal wounds?

This convenient untruth is too often recited while blatantly ignoring the truth. According to Proverbs 18:21 KJV, that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” We are often taught that harshly expressing our disapproval, hurt or opinion is not belittling or harmful, and the reality is, it can be detrimental. I used to believe that communication was key; I now understand that comprehension is. Many do not actively listen to understand what is being said (and sometimes what is not being said), when communicating, they listen to respond. This, in my opinion, is where the initial breakdown in conversation occurs and often takes a downward spiral. If people would listen to others with the heartfelt standpoint of engaging in a conversation versus the prideful need to feel right, there would be less disagreements.

Have you ever participated in or seen a conversation consumed by pride and irrationality? As the conversation deteriorates you realize gain the understanding that the purpose of one or more of the participants (maybe even you), is to prove something. Words are then used to demonstrate perceived intelligence or superiority, but their choice of words produce the opposite effect, often revealing one’s foolishness instead. “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: And he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding” (Proverbs 17:28); “silence is golden.”

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light (Genesis 1:3). The tongue has no bones but possesses an immense amount of power and the capability to break one’s confidence, heart and spirit. According to the National Institutes of Health, the average tongue weight for an adult female is 79 grams, an adult male is 99 grams and children 38 grams. Your greatest weapon for good or evil is in your mouth; “a wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4). Words can be deadly not only discrediting and/or destroying the sender, but also the speaker. When we choose to tear others down (knowingly or unknowingly), we make them bitter, break relationships, bring them grief, destroy their confidence, disappoint them, sever bonds and sometime speak word curses. We must also remember that our choice to tear others down reflects us and often how we feel about ourselves and the image(s) we try and project on others, not them; “hurt people, hurt people.”

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Consider how your feelings after a heartfelt apology, or even respectfully agreeing to disagree; a relationship can potentially be restored, even strengthened. Consider how a timely yet or lifted your spirits unexpected compliment brightened your day. Be that person to others. Take notice of how complimenting or encouraging others can improve your also improve your day or mood.

Remember Christ’s final words, “It is finished” (John 19:30), the next time you find yourself in or witnesses a verbal disagreement. Though not the same context, the same theory applies, because sometimes an apology is not enough and whatever the relationship can be finished because of one’s choice of words; imagine or share this analogy:

Squeeze toothpaste on a spoon and then try and put the toothpaste back in the tube with the spoon; it’s impossible. The same holds true for words; once they said, they can never be taken back. There are many people who are not achieving their full potential because of a word curse spoken over their lives, and words spoken to them, that they have internalized and now believe to be true about themselves.

I look forward to the day we ALL choose words that bring life and not cause strife!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the owner of “A Better Choice: Events and Catering”.

I am also the co-owner and CEO of “Faustina Fashion” (owned by her oldest daughter, Nevaeh), co-owner and CEO of “Soul Tribe Ministries” (owned by her middle daughter, Sasha), and the co-owner and CEO of “Leilani Shaneé” (owned by my youngest daughter Leilani).

I am proud to be a homeschool mom who and also has the opportunity to work alongside my daughters in helping them attain their business dreams and goals.

It’s taken a lot of work both personally and professionally to get to where I am today. The road was not easy, but it has been worth it. I’ve had many obstacles and I honestly implement creative and inventive ways to tackle them as they come. As a single mother, it has been challenging homeschooling and being an mompreneur, but by the grace of God it has worked for almost two years. I’ve learned that consistency is key. I’ve learned that my relationship with God is important because there are many naysayers. I’ve learned that I MUST believe in myself, because if I don’t, not many will. I have learned that patience is virtue, and I have learned that every “no” is not a “no,” some are simply “not right now.”

I want everyone to know that you have to be or be in a mess to have a message, and unless you are tested there is no testimony. I have not always believed in myself or my abilities as I do now. I’ve have word curses spoken over my life and I’ve endured some very difficult times, but by the grace of God, I have pulled through each and every time. I no longer possess a lack or victim mentality; I’m learning to look at challenges more optimistically and I speak positively over my life; I am an abundant victor. I also don’t look at victory or other things the way many do; for some, victory is waking up, others it’s getting out of bed, others it’s making it to work with one minute to spare, others it’s biting their tongue. The point is, we all face challenges and we all have areas in our lives that need improvement, and we are all running our own individual race, so it will never mirror anyone else’s. So long as you stay in your own lane, there’s no traffic.

Money is not everything, some people are so rich all they have is money and that’s not the life for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to everyone in need of encouragement, kind words and/or motivation. I want you all to know that you are beautiful/handsome and you are NOT the negative words that have been spoken to you and/or over your life. You are so much more than you know and you are able to accomplish everything you set your mind to. Some may have what the world considers a disability; I want you to know that it’s not; it is the opportunity to prove you have the ability dispute the current standard. In case no one has told you today, in awhile or ever; I love you, with the love of Christ and you are deserving of everything positive your heart desires!

Website: www.faustinafashion.com www.loveoursoultribe.com

Instagram: @faustinafashionllc @loveoursoultribe  @leilanishanee

Facebook: @faustinafashionllc @loveoursoultribe  @leilanishanee

Youtube: @faustinafashionllc @loveoursoultribe @leilanishanee

Image Credits
Mel Peters and Picture People