Whew! Life has thrown some unexpected plot twists my way. I have survived two strokes, a heart attack, medical gaslighting, and the realization that the healthcare system was not built with me in mind. Oh, and let’s not forget starting over in my 40s after leaving a government job to build my own empire.
I had to unlearn a lot, especially the belief that success looks a certain way, comes at a certain time, or requires permission from anybody but me. Those challenges were not just obstacles; they were the fuel that made me question everything and carve my own lane.
I turned my pain into power and profit, let’s be real. I became an advocate for heart health, especially for Black women, educating people through humor because sometimes, you gotta laugh to keep from crying.
I built a media company amplifying underrepresented voices, created content that inspires and educates, and proved that reinvention is not just possible—it is necessary. Now, when I speak, post, or create, I am not just telling my story—I am giving folks permission to rewrite their own.
The journey of going against the grain and challenging the norm has been a mix of thrilling, exhausting, and “Why did I sign up for this?!” Some days, I feel like I am running a marathon in stilettos. Other days, I am celebrating wins I never imagined.
The biggest challenge? Getting people to take me seriously when I mix humor with real-life issues. But I have learned that when you disrupt, you will ruffle feathers—and that is the point. Growth is not comfortable. But neither is regret.
We need a serious upgrade on how we treat people, especially Black women, in health, business, and life. The medical system needs to stop dismissing our pain. The media needs to stop erasing us after a certain age. And society needs to stop acting like joy, success, and reinvention have an expiration date. I also want to see more funding and support for Black-owned businesses before they “prove” themselves. We are often expected to build empires from dust while others get handed blueprints and budgets.
The milestones I am most proud of include: surviving and thriving, turning my stroke into a six-figure business, being recognized by Oprah, launching a media company, achieving over 1 billion impressions on social media, raising kids who see their mama refuse to settle, and proving that success does not have an age limit, a size limit, or need a permission slip.
I am a Disruptor because I don’t just break rules, I rewrite them. I am living proof that you can start over at any age, that humor is a powerful tool for healing, and that representation matters. I take up space, I challenge outdated narratives, and I do it all while making folks laugh, learn, and rethink what is possible. Being a Disruptor is not about making noise, it s about making change. And baby, I am just getting started.
Dr ShantaQuilette Develle is a dynamic entrepreneur, healthcare activist, and humorist based in Cedar Hill, Texas. With an MBA in Forensic Accounting from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a PhD, her career spans roles as an accountant and revenue officer for the Department of Treasury. After surviving a heart attack and stroke in her late 30s, ShantaQuilette transformed her journey into a mission to raise awareness about heart disease. She left her position at the IRS to pursue comedy, using humor as a platform to educate and inspire others about health and wellness.
As the CEO of GirlBNatural, a wellness and beauty tech-enabled lifestyle brand, and founder of The Pink Peppermint Project, a nonprofit supporting women affected by breast cancer, she demonstrates her commitment to empowering women and promoting health equity. ShantaQuilette’s engaging presence extends to social media, where she shares her journey and advocacy work. She is also the founder of Laughter on the Go, combining her passion for comedy and wellness to create transformative experiences. Through her multifaceted endeavors, Dr ShantaQuilette Develle continues to inspire and empower others, turning personal challenges into platforms for change.
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