Shawna Payne aka The Business Essentials Academy

08/10/2026

Too often, we tell entrepreneurs to "work harder" when what they really need is access.

Access to capital. Access to resources. Access to mentors. Access to the right people and opportunities.

That's why I'm excited to see Queen Anne's County continue investing in minority-owned businesses through CatalystQ by creating access and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Serving as both a CatalystQ partner and mentor during Cohort 1 alongside Shelly Gross-Wade and Deayna Ewell, all while pregnant, reminded me of something I tell my clients all the time: Stop waiting for the right time to show up and do the work. You will always find a reason to wait. Start where you are with what you have!

I look forward to continuing to help the participants in Cohort 2 gain confidence, sharpen their vision and grow their businesses.

If you're a minority-owned business in Queen Anne’s County that qualifies, I encourage you to apply. And if you know someone who would benefit from this opportunity, please share it with them.

Visit: https://choosequeenannes.com/catalystq

03/09/2026

They call this a “geriatric pregnancy.”

I’m 41.

And apparently that means I now fall into the category of “advanced maternal age” and “high risk.”

The terminology alone will have you sitting in the doctor’s office like…

“Am I too old to be here?”

But here’s the thing.

Women are building businesses, leading companies, raising families, and stepping into some of the most powerful seasons of their lives in their 40s and beyond.

So while the doctors might label it one way…

I see it differently.

This isn’t “geriatric.”

This is a woman who has lived, learned, grown, and is now bringing life into the world with a whole lot more wisdom than she had in her twenties and thirties.

That feels like a blessing to me. 🙏🏽

To every woman navigating motherhood later in life…

You’re not late.
�You’re right on time.

Any other mamas have a baby in their 40s? Tap in 🤌🏽

03/05/2026

03/02/2026

Okay… it’s March. What are we doing?

In January, everybody had goals.
�In February, life got busy.

But March?�March tells the truth.

If you said this was your year —�Where’s the evidence?

Not perfection.�Not motivation.�Proof of movement.
�You don’t need a new vision board.�You need consistency.

You don’t need more time.�You need more discipline.
�March is where average habits get exposed… and disciplined women separate themselves.

Because disciplined women don’t wait for the perfect mood.

They execute anyway. 🤏🏽

04/29/2025

🔥 I’m honored to be named one of the 2025 Midshore Women to Watch — but even more blessed to deliver a message straight from the heart: "You Are Chosen: For a Time Such as This."

This wasn’t just a speech. It was a divine assignment.

✨ God led me to Esther 4:14 — a powerful reminder that you were chosen for this exact moment.

Sis, this is YOUR season.
The question is, will you be obedient?

Click here to check out my article feature:

https://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/women-to-watch-event-recognizes-212-leaders/article_06919e9b-770f-42bd-9abb-05503bf66e58.html

EASTON — Shawna Payne issued a reminder to more than 100 people gathered in the Avalon Theatre April 9 — “You have been chosen.”

02/07/2025

Big congratulations to Tides of Grace and their incredible founder, Leann Rhodes-Ickes, on the grand opening of their new community resource center! 🎉

I've had the privilege of volunteering at several of their events and have seen firsthand the amazing ways they bless and support our community. From offering essential resources to lifting up families in need, Tides of Grace is truly making a difference. 🌟

It was such an honor to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new center, and I can’t wait to see how many more families they’ll be able to serve in this beautiful space!

If you're looking for a way to get involved, whether it’s donating your time or resources, visit their website at https://tidesofgraceinc.org to learn how you can help! 💙