Divine, Stilettos & Mr. Right | Shauntay Dunbar
Updated: Oct 18, 2020
As I have develop this place on my Blog and Youtube called "Goddess Revelation", which is a Q&A and soon to be series on my Youtube...I am constantly looking for women pursuing their purpose and passion(s) in life. I'm especially drawn to those who are going through a transition or have gone through the transition and now they are making a new way of life for themselves. It's been a little over a year now since I started that series. What I'm learning thou is, I don't have to necessarily look as much. I am finding that these women are finding me or at least my instagram and blog that is. That is how I came to know Shauntay Dunbar.
A Bronx, New York native, Shuantay Dunbar, is author of the book "Diving in Stilettos First : Memoirs of Dating Mister Right Now". Diving in Stilettos First is a true story about her actual dating life over the past 5 years. She is the main character Shaunie and every scenario in this book actually happened. Every character is a real human with real feelings so she opted to change the names of course to protect the innocent. Shauntay is a graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland with a Bachelors in Marketing. Currently, she is enjoying being event planner for a luxury publisher. Something Shauntay has enjoyed since her days in college.
Checkout my interview with Shauntay below.
"When you are secure with who you are as a person, your opportunities are limitless." - Shauntay Dunbar
Q & A
1. Were you named after anyone?
My middle name is Lucinda which is my grandmother's name. As for my first name, well that's my mom being cool in the 80's. 2. How did you get involved with writing? I've always enjoyed writing as a kid. Short stories and poems. In fact a poem I wrote for an assignment in high school won an Editors Choice Award and was published in "A Tapestry of Thoughts." The National Library of Poetry.
3. What or Who inspired you?
My mom inspires me the most, but I have noticed lately I'm inspired by all the black girl magic that is flourishing these days. We are leaders, entrepreneurs, and unapologetically ourselves and its amazing. Especially the very young girls out there making their mark in the world. 4. What did you want to be when you were a child?
Claire Huxtable lol and a gymnast. I could flip off a coach like nobodies business. 5. What were you doing before you started officially writing your book?
I was working 2 jobs. My current job I'm an event manager for a luxury magazine and my second job at the time was working for an organizational store. It was time to stop giving all of my time for someone else's dream so I quit the second job and started pursuing my own.
6. What has been the hardest part and best part in developing your book?
The hardest part was finding an editor that wouldn't lose my voice. The best part was being able to read my stories and see how much I've grown as a person. Sometimes writing things out will allow you to view things differently. Not always an easy pill to swallow. 7. What would you tell your younger self when it comes to where you are now in life?
Never stop writing. It's part of your purpose. Have fun with it and never let anyone break your spirit. Your gift will inspire others. 8. What do you want to be known for?
My kindness and my ability to inspire people to believe in themselves.
9. How would you describe your style as a writer?
I'm a very visual writer. When reading my pieces I want the reader to feel like they were in the room with me and felt every emotion.
10. What have been 3 key points in branding yourself?
Social Media has been very helpful, Events like meet and greets to me seem to be the most helpful. I really enjoy talking to people face to face it always ends in a hug, smiles and laughter. I'm still figuring out the branding but any opportunity for someone to get to know me a little I'm open to it.
11. What advice would you give aspiring authors/writers?
Just write. Don't worry about the formatting and sounding a certain way. Be yourself and get it out. The structure will come. Be honest and real. People gravitate toward authenticity.
Now for some fun questions.
12. What/who are some of your favorite books or writers?. My all time favorite writer is Maya Angelou. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a classic. I can read her poems all day. I also enjoy The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. A newer book that has become part of my favorites is The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
13. What is your must have accessory for an outfit?
A killer shoe. Stilettos preferably but I do believe footwear can make or break an outfit.
14. Are you writing another book?
Of course. People want to know what happened after I survived all those shenanigans, LOL. They need updates.
15. What was it like for you, seeing your book completed and ready to be sold for the first time?
It was surreal. I couldn't believe it. It was such a proud moment but also very scary. I had written my story and it took me 6 months to write and another 6 months to find the right editor. I'm a very private person and here it is all my stories and private moments just out there for the world to read. It made me lift my head and own it. I know I'm not the only person to have experienced these situations and even if I am; one thing for sure someone can learn from my mistakes as they laugh their butts off.
Checkout Shauntay's YouTube Channel and learn more about her Book. You can also follow her on ig @Diving_In_Stilettos_first