Woosah Bride was founded after the founder, Shonte’ Parrish Norgriff, and her husband experienced planning their wedding during the pandemic. This brand is for those planning brides who may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or pressured to please everyone but themselves.
Woosah Bride was founded to create awareness for melanated brides and their support systems on the importance of prioritizing mental health. The goal is also to create a community specifically to uplift this change.
Tell us something interesting about yourself that isn’t in your bio.
Shonte’: I am a newlywed! My husband and I just celebrated our one-year anniversary.
I am a foodie and a traveler! Although my traveling has slowed a bit to focus on this brand my husband and I love traveling together. After having a destination wedding in Jamaica, we came home to decompress and then left for a 3-week honeymoon to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Because my birthday is on New Year’s Eve, we have a goal of experiencing a new country every NYE. We both usually have a plethora of commitments so travel helps us to slow down, do a check in on us, and just keep our relationship fun and spontaneous.
What motivates you daily?
Shonte’: I have so many daily motivations. My parents invested so much in my education with after-school programs and activities, and they were always a safe haven for my dreams, I honestly just want to just make them proud. I also want to be able to look in the mirror and love the person I am when no one is around. Everyday. I have been through some trauma that really took years to heal from and every day is a work in progress but loving ME is a priority. That alone is the motivation to keep pushing. I don’t have kids yet but just hope to consistently grow and develop into a person who my future little ones would be proud of.
Outside of the brand do you have any hobbies?
Shonte’: Outside of planning unique experiences, this may sound boring, but I love to read and write. My imagination will have me engulfed in a book until it is completed. I used to want to be a songwriter. I love that good old pen-to-paper vent, reflection… etc. I used to play the piano and basketball growing up and I recently said I would make it a priority to get back to those things.
Why is self-care important, especially for Brides?
Shonte’: Self-care is important because you cannot maintain a life of pouring into other cups without first making sure your OWN IS FULL. As women we tend to put everyone else’s needs first, our spouse, our children, our parents, our friends, and our career, leaving the last little droplets left for us and it’s a recipe for resentment, unhappiness, and unfulfillment. As a bride entering a new chapter, it’s important to understand and be able to effectively assert yourself when it comes to self-care tools like establishing boundaries.
It’s Black History Month. Can you give us two Black women who inspire you?
Shonte’: Quinta Brunson and Issa Rae These are two creatives who I absolutely am inspired by and can relate to. I am absolutely a socially awkward person and a growing introvert, but most of my friends think I am an extrovert! I love how Issa and Quinta are unapologetically themselves and have fought to stay true to their vision of success and impact. Impact will always be a huge thing for me.
How can our readers connect with you?
Shonte’: You can connect with me by subscribing to woosahbride.com. You can always shoot me an email at shonte@woosahbride.com my socials which are: Instagram, Tiktok at @woosahbride
Photo Credits: Shonte’ Parrish Norgriff
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