Founder Story

Royal Essence Empowerment was founded by A’Shawnti Chestnut, a visionary, leader, and woman deeply rooted in purpose, passion, and community. Born and raised in the Charleston area, A’Shawnti has always carried a natural desire to bring people together, uplift others, and create meaningful experiences. Her journey has been shaped by both life’s challenges and her unwavering determination to grow through them. Through every season, she discovered the importance of self-worth, resilience, and the power of community—and from that, Royal Essence Empowerment was born. What started as a vision quickly turned into a movement. A’Shawnti recognized a need for safe, intentional spaces where women could come together—not to compete, but to connect. Spaces where women could be vulnerable, be inspired, and be reminded of who they truly are at their core. She wanted to create experiences that felt genuine, elevated, and impactful—where every woman leaves better than she came. As a Business Administration Graduate with a concentration in Human Resources, A’Shawnti brings not only passion but purpose-driven strategy into everything she builds. Her background in community engagement and people-centered work has allowed her to cultivate experiences that are both empowering and transformative. From curating signature events like The Royal Essence Awards & Empowerment Tea to developing initiatives centered around self-care, financial literacy, and personal growth, her mission has remained the same: to help women recognize their worth and walk confidently in their power. At the heart of it all, A’Shawnti believes that every woman carries a crown. Her goal is to remind women to know their crown, honor it, and never let it fall. Royal Essence Empowerment is not just her brand—it is her purpose, her passion, and her promise to continue creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered.