We had the good fortune of connecting with Shonte’ Parrish-Norgriff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shonte’, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Woosah Bride was started because of the experience I had while planning my wedding in 2020/2021. My husband proposed in August 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic, countless people dying, losing their jobs, and people who look like me still being gunned down for no reason other than being black. Although the state of the world contributed to my depressed state at times, I struggled to find balance in taking care of myself mentally while planning. I struggled with finding a circle of people who understood that I was excited, I was happy, and I did have and love my wedding planner, but I was in a constant state of anxiety, depression, frustration and panic. I was shocked at how I never knew about how planning a wedding changes the dynamic between your family members, friends, your partners closest loved ones etc. I was shocked about wedding etiquette no one seemed to understand. During my planning process I ordered all types of planners, bridal boxes etc. to help me be organized and excited, however in these products, there were barely any representation of black and brown faces, and that also did not feel good.

My husband and I were married on 12.12. 2021. We celebrated our nuptials at Pattoo Castle in Negril, Jamaica, the weekend before most of the world contracted covid-19 due to the new omicron variant. Luckily, all of our guests made it home and virus free. WHEW! I was so happy with how the wedding weekend turned out, but it stayed on my mind how I struggled to find a community of support for people who looked like me and were experiencing similar issues based on my culture and traditions while I was planning.

For these reasons, finding support and being affirmed as a black woman was imperative to my journey and mental health, just as it may be for other brides to be. Although my professional wedding planner was a Black woman and eventually all of my other vendors as well, it was hard to find the support I needed for basic questions I needed to ask about my skin, my hair, my teeth, family obstacles, and even just, “IS YOUR FAMILY ACTING LIKE THIS?!”.

In a few of my bridal groups, I noticed repetition of similar questions posed and brides in all stages providing resources and answers. When most individuals are engaged, they do not know where to start, and may be flooded with tons of non-relevant information during their initial research. This can make early decisions, even more difficult. Most importantly, there are no resources that emphasize internal and external health for marriage, rather than just for the wedding day.
This is why Woosah Bride was created. To provide relief so the bride can take a DEEP BREATH.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit so with my husband and family support, I started Woosah Bride in November 2022 and we haven’t looked back since.

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?
My business is the very first in it’s niche. I am extremely proud to be bridging the gap in the wellness and wedding industry. Being the first comes with its worries and obstacles but I am super proud of where we are. In our first year we sold out 5 times, and still hit 6 figures in sales. It absolutely has not been easy. There have been several long nights with no sleep, being burn-out, and there have been so many lessons learned, because we are still developing a foundation. I had to get beyond myself and let go in order to progress. As a new founder I am learning not be a perfectionist, to be more patient, and I am also learning to delegate. One day at a time. I want the world to be impacted by Woosah Bride, by influencing wedding vendors to include health and wellness in their packages.

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?
My best friend is also from my city- Baltimore, but moved south a few years ago. If she was visiting I would do the following:

Book us a Spa Appointment at the Four Seasons
Shoot out to Happy Hour in DC at Dirty Habit
Brunch at D’lena
Tacos at Papi Cuisine or Clavel
Visit a Speakeasy at W.C. Harlan
Hit a SocaRobics class
Have a Mediterranean dinner at Ammoora
Swing by Chris’ Seafood for some large crabs
Look at CharmCityTable for some other ideas

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?
Shoutout to God first, my husband and family who helped me start this brand.

Then my team!

Shenequa – Sjohnsondesigns
Candice- NoelleRx

My first business coach- Isis Breana

All of my mentors!

Website: www.woosahbride.com

Instagram: @WoosahBride

Facebook: @WoosahBride

Image Credits
Iris Mannings Iris Mannings Photography

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