Dame Dr. Shatira
As a serial entrepreneur, Lady Dame Dr. Shatira has carved an extraordinary path through the business world. Transitioning from a career at the U.S. Post Office to a full-time pursuit of entrepreneurship, Shatira’s journey has been marked by remarkable achievements and groundbreaking ventures that have garnered national and international recognition.
Beginning as a sought-after National Handbag Designer, Shatira’s creations graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Ebony, InStyle, and many more while also captivating audiences through television and radio broadcasts nationwide. Her innovative designs ultimately propelled her into becoming a U.S. Importer/Exporter, where she established herself as a trailblazing African American female in Illinois. She worked relentlessly to gain approval for her Eel Skin Leather Handbags with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and various U.S. Customs Ports. Once approved, she became one of only three licensed women in the State of Illinois—and the only African American woman—who ran her own brokerage. She went on to sell her products nationwide, resulting in over $6 million worth of free advertising.
Continuing to expand her entrepreneurial portfolio, Shatira ventured into multi-unit franchise ownership, acquiring six locations of a national brand and becoming a Franchisee. Simultaneously, she opened Diva Dolls International, the first licensed Plastic Surgery Recovery Home in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. For seven years, her establishment aided over 5,000 women worldwide, supporting them through medical procedures and rescuing women from sex trafficking, earning her legendary status in the Dominican Republic, as reported by many of her clients.
Shatira’s unwavering commitment to uplifting others extends to her role as a Franchisor, where she launched Chicago’s Chicken Shacks as an approved licensed brand to operate across the United States. This exemplified her hard work and vision within the franchise industry. Ever focused on catalyzing growth and fostering opportunities, she has evolved into a revered public speaker and philanthropist, extending charitable support to shelters, children, animals, and individuals in need. Shatira is also the first and only recipient of The International Women of the Year Award, hosted by NowHonors in Las Vegas. She is also a recipient of The United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her philanthropy and leadership. Furthermore, research shows that only 3% of African American Female Franchisors exist across the United States and 20% to 30% of women Franchisors globally, with Shatira being part of that 3%. She was also awarded the “Legacy Builder Franchisor of the Year” award from the Women of Heart Foundation, known as “The Oscar for Humanitarians” in London in 2024, for her outstanding work as the creator and franchisor of Chicago’s Chicken Shack® brand.
Acknowledged as Lady Dame Dr. Shatira following the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate Degree, her dedication to creating transformative experiences has positioned her as a Knighted member of The Royal and Sovereign House of Cappadocia under The Royal Order of Constantine The Great and St. Helen. She was knighted by His Highness Prince Rafael Andujar, a direct descendant of Constantine the Great. Embodying a spirit of selfless service and boundless compassion, Lady Dame Dr. Shatira exemplifies a life lived with intention as she continues impacting others’ lives with an open heart and unwavering generosity.
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