Deedria Chauntee is an educator, producer, television personality, motivational speaker, visionary and more. This multifaceted Atlanta-based entrepreneur crosses state lines spreading inspiration through a purposefully driven operation.
A Virginia native who pursued and crafted her talents at Flair Beauty Institute in Petersburgh, Va., and received a degree in cosmetology. Shortly thereafter, she opened her first salon & a string of successful beauty businesses in the area. Deedria relocated in 2007 to Georgia on a request for a divine purpose. And quickly began to flourish and discover her calling to mentor and empower.
She’s also a Pastor at the GEM Project Church. GEM Project Church is a movement that through spirit-led empowerment sessions, community outreach, adult education courses, and by combining the basic principles of Christ’s to inspire and empower a brighter light to shine within us all.
This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Deedria Chauntee as we spoke about her journey of seeking divine purpose, and what she does to empower and educate others. We also spoke about the Women’s Conference she would hold in September where she will travel from city to city to give grant writing sessions. We also spoke about her experience working as a television personality and her entrepreneurial work.
Eman: Can you tell us more about your life as a pastor?
Deedria Chauntee: Life as a new pastor is rewarding yet challenging. When you serve as pastor we tend to carry people in our hearts and spirits which can be very time-consuming and draining. Yet you begin to see life change for the people you serve; it becomes quite refreshing and fulfilling. Almost like craving a steak and finally getting it.
Eman: How has your journey been in seeking your divine purpose?
Deedria Chauntee: I always knew that I had a special gift and calling. Fine-tuning it and making sure I hear from GOD and not operate on myself required me to be still for many days.
Eman: Was it easy or was it difficult?
Deedria Chauntee: Submitting your will to the Will of GOD concerning you can be challenging to say the least. I trusted myself for so many years. Now I’ve learned to trust him when I can’t trace him. If he said it, that settles it.
Eman: And what was the best thing you learned throughout the journey?
Deedria Chauntee: I have learned that my position can never NEGATE his purpose for my life. But operating in my Purpose will change my Position every time.
Eman: What strategies have you implemented to empower and educate those around you?
Deedria Chauntee: Classes, mentorship, seminars I am committed to sharing my experiences with all whom I meet.
Eman: You will be holding a Women’s Conference in September where you will be traveling from city to city and it will also include a grant writing session. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?
Deedria Chauntee: The Essence of a Women Conference is a conference I put together a year ago to help unite women of all colors, races, religions, and backgrounds. To help share and discuss the traumas that unite us one with the hopes of fostering more compassion and camaraderie among women. We should be uplifting one another and not competing with one another.
Eman: Other than doing so many more amazing things, you also have experience being a television personality. Can you tell us a bit more about your experience being a television personality?
Deedria Chauntee: I host a show called Unleashed Talk TV in which I feature hot topics and local talent and new businesses from all across America. Having a Platform for us to promote us is the goal.
Eman: Our audience would love to know in-depth about your entrepreneur work.
Deedria Chauntee: Wow as a single parent, I knew that a 9 to 5 would never be sufficient for me. I knew that I needed to be able to maximize my income, yet maintain flexibility in my work schedule. Also, as a mother of young girls, I needed to be able to keep them with me as much as possible. So I first started with a hair salon that grew into the school.
Eman: If you could give some advice to girls looking to pursue the same career aspirations as you, what would it be?
Deedria Chauntee: Never give up. There will be Good days and Bad Days but they will all be your days. On days you don’t WIN, trust me, you WIll Learn.