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

Hi Shana, how do you think about risk?
I think of risk as choosing growth over comfort. For me, taking risks has always been tied to trusting that discomfort often leads to transformation. Whether it was starting over in a new city, rebranding my influencer journey after years of feeling stuck, or launching a deeply personal blog—I’ve had to bet on myself, even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed.

Risk has played a huge role in both my personal and professional growth. I’ve learned that staying in my comfort zone was actually costing me more than taking the leap. Even when the results weren’t immediate, every risk taught me something—about resilience, creativity, and trusting my voice.

Honestly, some of my proudest moments came after the scariest decisions. And while fear still shows up, I’ve learned that when your “why” is strong enough, you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to move.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is storytelling—whether through words, visuals, or shared moments. I don’t just create content; I create connection. What sets me apart is my ability to blend humor, raw honesty, and depth in a way that makes people feel seen. My blog, The Rewrite, is where that all comes to life. It’s a space for lessons, laughter, and transformation—told through stories that make you feel and lessons that make you think.

I got to where I am today by embracing reinvention. My journey hasn’t been easy. There were years where I felt stuck—watching others seemingly thrive online while I questioned why my voice wasn’t being heard. But I realized I was measuring success by someone else’s standard. Once I stopped chasing the algorithm and started honoring my own rhythm, everything began to shift.

Overcoming challenges meant facing myself: my doubts, my procrastination, my need for external validation. It meant starting over, giving myself grace, and leaning into the belief that my story was still worth telling—even if it didn’t look like anyone else’s.

What I’m most proud of is not giving up. I’m proud of turning pain into purpose, and using my platform to help others feel less alone. I want the world to know that my brand isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about showing up as you are, rewriting your story, and owning every chapter, even the messy ones.

My mission is simple: to empower others to live in their truth, laugh through the chaos, and heal out loud.

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.
If my best friend came to visit me in DFW, we’re not just having a good time—we’re having a core memory kind of week. I’m talking vibes, views, and vibes again.

Day 1 – The Welcome Reset
We’d start with a cozy brunch at The Henry—because ambiance matters. Then we’d walk around Klyde Warren Park, grab a popsicle from a food truck, and maybe people-watch with a little main character energy. That night, I’d book us a rooftop dinner at Sky Blossom, where the drinks are strong and the skyline hits different.

Day 2 – Soulful & Scenic
We’d head to Bishop Arts District—vintage shops, local art, and a stop at The Wild Detectives for books and wine (yes, both). Lunch at Tejas for street tacos, and then we’d wind down with dessert from Emporium Pies—because we deserve it.

Day 3 – Spa & Slow Life
Midweek means spa day at King Spa or Spa Castle—a full reset. After lounging in saunas and sipping cucumber water, we’d hit up Flower Child for a healthy meal that still slaps.

Day 4 – Adventure Mode
We’re doing something fun and unexpected like Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park or maybe AT&T Stadium tour for my sports-loving friends. Dinner would be at Pangea Restaurant & Bar—Black-owned, upscale, and always a vibe.

Day 5 – Selfie Day
We’d visit Museum of Illusions or Rainbow Vomit for the aesthetic photos. Then I’d take them to Legacy West in Plano for food, shopping, and cute backdrops. We’d end the night with drinks and dancing at XOXO Dining Room—pink overload, but in the best way.

Day 6 – Foodie Friday
We’d do a full-on food crawl: coffee from La La Land Kind Café, lunch at Velvet Taco, and dinner at Kitchen + Kocktails. Somewhere in there, we’d grab matcha or boba, just to feel young and cool again.

Day 7 – Chill & Reflect
A peaceful walk through the Dallas Arboretum or Fort Worth Botanic Garden, then journal and chat over tea at Recipe Oak Cliff. Final dinner? Something intimate like Gemma—a hidden gem that feels like a warm hug. Then we’d close the trip out with gratitude, laughs, and plans to do it all again.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my late grandmother. Her love, strength, and quiet wisdom have shaped so much of who I am. Even though she’s no longer physically here, I live every day in her honor—chasing purpose, choosing joy, and learning to love myself the way she loved me.

I also have to shout out my close circle of friends who’ve seen me at my lowest and still reminded me of my power. They’ve poured into me with prayers, pep talks, and the kind of accountability that helps you grow—not shrink.

Lastly, I want to give flowers to every woman who shares her story online, unfiltered and honest. Watching others live boldly gave me permission to do the same. That kind of courage is contagious, and I’m forever grateful for the community that uplifts and inspires me—even from afar.

Website: https://therewrite.ghost.io/

Instagram: @essenceofshay

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@essenceofshay?si=7ecVV3tJQDdn1E_m

Image Credits
N/a

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW 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.