✨ meet tawana ✨

This week, we’re honored to spotlight someone who embodies faith, strength, and perseverance—and who also plays a vital role on our More Than Pretty team. Meet Tawana: a bold, beautiful soul who reminds us what it truly means to walk in purpose and embrace every season God leads us into.

Originally from Youngstown and raised in Cleveland, Tawana carries a story marked by quiet strength and uncommon resilience. Her time serving in the U.S. Army Reserves speaks volumes about the kind of discipline, courage, and heart she brings into every space she walks into.

Right now, she’s in what she calls her “me season,” and honestly, I think that’s something more of us need to learn to honor. It’s a season of choosing yourself—of making space to heal, to grow, to be stretched by God. It’s a sacred time where obedience leads, peace is protected, and the focus is on becoming who God has always seen in you.

Tawana is living that out with so much grace and quiet boldness. She’s focused, teachable, and full of integrity. Her growth doesn’t shout—it whispers. It happens in the still moments, the surrendered decisions, and the daily yeses to God that most people never see.

Through it all, one thing remains constant: her spirit. She leans on Philippians 4:6–7, casting her cares in prayer and resting in the peace of God that truly surpasses all understanding. You can feel that peace in the way she carries herself—with calm confidence and unwavering faith.

Tawana, I pray that this “me season” becomes everything you didn’t even know you needed. May it be sacred and healing, full of revelation, realignment, and release. May the Holy Spirit guide you into all truth, and may God’s peace guard every corner of your heart and mind.

You are more than pretty—you are powerful, anointed, and appointed for such a time as this.

Instagram: @_tlashell

7 minutes in heaven with tawana ⛅️

We took a few moments to sit down with Tawana and hear her heart. In this short interview, she shares a bit about her journey, her faith, and what’s been carrying her in this season. Take a moment to be encouraged—you just might see a little of yourself in her story.

Q: If you could spend one day in the Bible, what story would you want to be part of?

T: I’d spend the day with the woman at the well. She was misunderstood, carrying shame, and still chosen by Jesus to receive living water. I relate to showing up empty and still being seen, loved, and called by name. That kind of encounter changes everything.

Q: What does living “more than pretty” look like in your daily walk?

T: More than pretty means I protect my peace, steward my purpose, and walk in power even when life doesn’t look perfect. I show up fully, soft, wise, healed, and still healing. It’s keeping my spirit polished, not just my nails.

Q: What has heartbreak taught you that healing couldn’t?

T: Heartbreak taught me the truth about who was never meant to hold me. It revealed the areas I tried to hide or compromise to feel loved. Healing is where I regained my strength—but heartbreak is where I met God raw, and finally let Him hold me for real.

Q: How do you remind yourself who you are on hard days?

T: I talk to God like a friend. I open my journal. I play worship music. I get in the mirror and speak over myself—out loud. Sometimes I cry and still call it holy. I remember who I’ve already survived being. And I don’t let a hard day define a healed woman.

Q: If you could go back to a version of yourself who felt unworthy or unsure, what would you speak over her now?

T: I’d tell her: You don’t have to earn your worth, baby girl. You’ve always been enough. What they did, what you allowed, what you settled for none of it disqualified you. You are still her. You are still worthy of gentle love, real rest, and radical joy.

Q: If you could plant one seed of wisdom in every young girl’s heart, what would it be?

T: Know your value early, so you don’t spend your life proving it. You don’t have to shrink, compete, or perform to be loved. Protect your spirit, not just your beauty. Let God tell you who you are then act like it every room you enter.

Q: Finish this sentence: I’m not just pretty, I’m _____________.

T: I’m not just pretty, I’m powerful. I’m purpose-filled. I’m protected. I’m becoming everything I prayed for even when the process is messy.

make some noise! 🔊

We are so honored to celebrate Tawana! Let’s lift her up with words of encouragement, appreciation, and love.

Drop a comment below to congratulate her, share how she’s inspired you, or simply send a blessing her way! Let’s remind her that she is seen, valued, and deeply loved by God and this community.

Vote for next week’s ✨pgotw✨

Who do you think should be our next Pretty Girl of the Week? Take a moment to vote for the woman in our community who has been shining with love, faith, and encouragement. Whether she’s been consistent in her walk with God, helping others grow, or simply radiating kindness, we want to honor her.

Your voice matters, and your support helps us continue to celebrate the incredible women in our sisterhood. Let’s come together and lift one another up as we walk in God’s light!