Meet Shaunté Johnson | Visionary

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

Hi Shaunté, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was fueled by my desire to be more available for my son as a single parent, free from the constraints of a corporate job. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, pushing me to heed God’s calling and conquer my fears. As a single parent without a support system, I had to navigate the delicate balance of keeping my son and myself safe from COVID-19 while clinging to my job. This experience revealed to me that I lacked control over my life and career; instead, it was the organization I worked for that held the reins.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise

Welcome to brēTH! We’re not just redefining the headwear and loungewear industry; we’re trailblazing it with passion and excitement. Our brand stands as a beacon of uniqueness, excellence, and comfort, always placing you at the heart of everything we create. We’re proud of our commitment to empowering individuality and celebrating natural beauty. We’re thrilled about the impact we’re making in the fashion world, where every product is more than just accessories and loungewear, it’s an experience.

Headwear:

Our headwear is all about celebrating individuality. Each piece is thoughtfully crafted with premium materials and innovative designs, allowing you to showcase your natural beauty while enjoying supreme comfort. With a versatile range of style, Sandy Floppy Beach hat, Friday Vibes Fedora, and Pool Day Bucket hat, you can effortlessly blend fashion with function and make a statement that’s uniquely yours.

Loungewear:

Our loungewear collection is equally special. We’ve carefully curated a selection of rompers and two-piece sets, each designed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure unparalleled comfort and quality. Made from breathable materials and featuring stylish designs, our loungewear epitomizes relaxation and luxury, offering you an exceptional lounging experience.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

By God’s grace, I am where I am today. I learned to step out of my own way and embrace faith without fear of rejection and judgment. God aligned my path with entrepreneurs who supported and believed in my son’s and I vision. Doors opened, and the creation of brēTH and Zander the Great began.

No, the journey has not been easy. There have been countless lessons in marketing, funding, caring for an active 7-year-old son, and balancing a full-time job as a single parent. But through it all, our faith and determination have guided us, and we are excited about the future we are building.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

At brēTH, founded by a Black woman, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and her son, we are driven by a deep vision inspired by nature enthusiasts of all ages and genders, including my son.

brēTH is an innovative company dedicated to providing exceptional comfort through the use of top-quality materials. Our headwear and loungewear not only offer unmatched aesthetic appeal but also promote individuality and celebrate the unique beauty within each person. We are actively reshaping the fashion industry with our commitment to these values.

The Zander the Great animation YouTube channel series was inspired by the lack of representation of minority male youth in animation. We aim to create a visionary platform that shows minority male youth that they are superheroes. They are capable of achieving all their dreams and goals, unconstrained by others’ opinions. God’s purpose for their lives surpasses all obstacles.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s a fun-filled week-long itinerary for exploring San Diego, Del Mar, Point Loma, and La Jolla with a friend, focusing on eating, drinking, visiting attractions, and hanging out:

Day 1: San Diego Downtown
Morning:

Breakfast at Cafe 21: Enjoy farm-to-table breakfast dishes.
Visit USS Midway Museum: Explore the historic aircraft carrier and museum.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Seaport Village: Choose from a variety of eateries with a view of the waterfront.
San Diego Harbor Cruise: Take a one-hour cruise to see the sights from the water.

Evening:

Dinner at The Gaslamp Quarter: Dine at The Lion’s Share for eclectic American cuisine.
Drinks at Altitude Sky Lounge: Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this rooftop bar.

Day 2: Del Mar
Morning:

Breakfast at Stratford Court Cafe: Relax with a coffee and pastry.
Del Mar Beach: Spend a few hours sunbathing and swimming.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Jake’s Del Mar: Savor fresh seafood with ocean views.
Explore Del Mar Plaza: Shop and enjoy the scenic views.

Evening:

Dinner at Pacifica Del Mar: Enjoy coastal cuisine with sunset views.
Drinks at Zel’s Del Mar: Unwind with craft cocktails in a cozy setting.

Day 3: La Jolla
Morning:

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla: Try their famous lemon ricotta pancakes.
La Jolla Cove: Snorkel, swim, and watch the sea lions.

Afternoon:

Lunch at George’s at the Cove: Dine at the rooftop terrace for fantastic ocean views.
Visit Birch Aquarium: Explore marine life exhibits and interactive displays.

Evening:

Dinner at Herringbone La Jolla: Enjoy seafood and coastal cuisine in a chic setting.
Drinks at La Valencia Hotel’s The Med Bar: Sip cocktails with ocean views.

Day 4: Point Loma
Morning:

Breakfast at Point Loma Coffee: Start your day with great coffee and pastries.
Visit Cabrillo National Monument: Enjoy the views and learn about the area’s history.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Mitch’s Seafood: Relish fresh seafood with a harbor view.
Explore Liberty Station: Check out the arts district, shops, and galleries.

Evening:

Dinner at The Brigantine: Taste delicious seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.
Drinks at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens: Enjoy craft beers in a beautiful setting.

Day 5: San Diego (Balboa Park and Little Italy)
Morning:

Breakfast at Cafe on Park: Delight in creative breakfast dishes.
Visit Balboa Park: Explore museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.

Afternoon:

Lunch at The Prado: Dine in the park with Spanish-inspired cuisine.
Explore Little Italy: Wander through the charming streets and boutiques.

Evening:

Dinner at Juniper & Ivy: Enjoy innovative American cuisine.
Drinks at Kettner Exchange: Experience craft cocktails in a trendy atmosphere.

Day 6: La Jolla (Outdoor Activities)
Morning:

Breakfast at Sugar and Scribe Bakery: Enjoy a hearty and delicious breakfast.
Kayaking Tour: Paddle through the La Jolla sea caves and ecological reserve.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Duke’s La Jolla: Savor Hawaiian-inspired dishes with ocean views.
Relax at Windansea Beach: Enjoy a more secluded beach experience.

Evening:

Dinner at The Marine Room: Experience fine dining with waves crashing against the windows.
Drinks at The Lot La Jolla: Watch a movie or just enjoy cocktails in a chic setting.

Day 7: San Diego (Coronado Island)
Morning:

Breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop: Step back in time with a retro diner experience.
Ferry to Coronado: Take the ferry for beautiful views of the bay.

Afternoon:

Lunch at Hotel del Coronado: Enjoy dining at this historic beachfront hotel.
Beach Time at Coronado Central Beach: Relax and soak up the sun.

Evening:

Dinner at Peohe’s: Dine on fresh seafood with views of the San Diego skyline.
Drinks at Coronado Brewing Company: End your trip with craft beers and a laid-back vibe.

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 want to give a huge shoutout to Krystal Lewis of Black Unicorn Merchandise. Without Krystal, my brand, brēTH, wouldn’t exist. From the moment she answered my call, she has been by my side, working tirelessly to create and design our remarkable product line.

Most importantly, she has supported me at all costs. She was the first ‘yes’ amid so many ‘no’s, and she brought my vision of brēTH Naturale headwear and brēTH Children’s loungewear to life. Krystal listened and truly understood what I wanted, never letting me settle, while also being a realist who guided me when my ideas were unattainable. She always made the necessary design changes, ensuring my expectations were met every step of the way.

Thank you, Krystal, for believing in me and for making brēTH a reality.

I want to give a huge shoutout and express my immense gratitude to Dwight and the team at Normal Network! To the man who said YES within minutes of hearing my son’s vision of creating a superhero animation YouTube series. Dwight is a true ambassador for change! His support has not only helped my son and I create cherished memories but has also allowed us to make a lasting impact on the world. Through our ZTG animated series, Dwight has helped bring awareness and empowerment to minority male youth. Thank you, Dwight, for your unwavering support and for believing in our mission.

Website: www.brethnaturale.com ; www.brethloungewear.com

Instagram: @breth_naturale ; @breth_childrens_loungewear ; @officialzanderthegreat

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zanderthegreat

Image Credits
Sydney Barrett, Four Lane Photo, Product/Merchandise Photography

Lauryn Bolton, BB Family Photography, Product/Merchandise Photography

Krystal Lewis, Black Unicorn Merchandise, Headwear, loungewear design, and production

Connie, Conjetta Designs, Headwear design and production

Dwight Mathis, Normal Network, Zander the Great Producer