Essie Mae Dennis

Self Love. Transform. Success.

Essie Mae Dennis was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised by her grandmother and aunt along with her cousins in a home they shared in Fort Valley, Georgia. Fulfilling the roles of grandmother, mom and community advocate have allowed her generosity of inclusion to soar. “Everyone belongs somewhere,” says Dennis. Among her many awards, medals, certificates and degrees, she has special pride in being the first Black woman in Fort Valley, Georgia, to be the CEO and executive director of a company providing supported living services. Those services include training for the developmentally disabled, after-school program support, rental spaces for entrepreneurs, and professional training for college students pursuing careers in human services.

Her Book

man standing near high-rise building

Loving Me: A Self Love Journal

This book is a guided self-love journal by Essie Dennis that helps readers build self-worth, resilience, and emotional well-being. Drawing from her personal experiences with adversity and disability, Essie offers compassionate support through reflective prompts, mindfulness exercises, gratitude logs, mood trackers, and self-care planners. The journal serves as a tool for healing, growth, and embracing one’s true self. It's a supportive companion for anyone seeking to start or deepen their journey toward self-love and personal empowerment.

man standing near high-rise building

My Test. My Testimony

My Test. My Testimony is a powerful anthology featuring 14 brave authors who share their most life-changing struggles and how they turned pain into purpose. Guided by publisher Dr. Lena Payton Webb, this book offers raw, honest stories of grief, healing, faith, and transformation.

Each chapter is a reminder that your struggles are not in vain—and your voice can inspire others. Whether you're facing your own test or have already overcome it, this book will uplift, encourage, and remind you that every trial can become a testimony worth sharing.

man standing near high-rise building

Making the Shift: Helping Individuals Overcome Challenges to Grow Independent

Making the Shift is a heartfelt and faith-filled guide for families, caregivers, and advocates supporting individuals with disabilities on their journey toward independence. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical truths, and real-life stories, S.E. Dennis empowers readers to see beyond limitations and nurture purpose, confidence, and growth in those they serve. This book offers practical insights, encouragement, and gentle strategies to help caregivers release control, foster responsibility, and celebrate every small victory along the way. Whether you’re walking alongside a loved one or leading a care team, Making the Shift will remind you: independence isn’t about doing it all—it’s about believing they can.

Essie Dennis Published Works:

man standing near high-rise building

Daughter of Another Mother

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Essie who have faced the heart-wrenching experience of being rejected by her mother. Her story illuminates the struggles and triumphs of reconciling with this deep-seated pain, offering readers a relatable and compassionate perspective. With empathy and resilience, the author guides readers through the stages of grief, forgiveness, and ultimately, self-discovery. As she confronts her past, she learns to redefine her sense of belonging and to embrace the possibility of healing and growth.

man standing near high-rise building

My Test. My Testimony

My Test. My Testimony is a powerful anthology featuring 14 brave authors who share their most life-changing struggles and how they turned pain into purpose. Guided by publisher Dr. Lena Payton Webb, this book offers raw, honest stories of grief, healing, faith, and transformation.

Each chapter is a reminder that your struggles are not in vain—and your voice can inspire others. Whether you're facing your own test or have already overcome it, this book will uplift, encourage, and remind you that every trial can become a testimony worth sharing.

man standing near high-rise building

Loving Me: A Self Love Journal

This book is a guided self-love journal by Essie Dennis that helps readers build self-worth, resilience, and emotional well-being. Drawing from her personal experiences with adversity and disability, Essie offers compassionate support through reflective prompts, mindfulness exercises, gratitude logs, mood trackers, and self-care planners. The journal serves as a tool for healing, growth, and embracing one’s true self. It's a supportive companion for anyone seeking to start or deepen their journey toward self-love and personal empowerment.

man standing near high-rise building

Why I Can't Fly High In The Sky

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man standing near high-rise building

Making the Shift: Helping Individuals Overcome Challenges to Grow Independent

Making the Shift is a heartfelt and faith-filled guide for families, caregivers, and advocates supporting individuals with disabilities on their journey toward independence. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical truths, and real-life stories, S.E. Dennis empowers readers to see beyond limitations and nurture purpose, confidence, and growth in those they serve. This book offers practical insights, encouragement, and gentle strategies to help caregivers release control, foster responsibility, and celebrate every small victory along the way. Whether you’re walking alongside a loved one or leading a care team, Making the Shift will remind you: independence isn’t about doing it all—it’s about believing they can.

man standing near high-rise building

Chosen and Courageous: A Journey to Belonging is an honest and uplifting story for kids ages 10 to 12 who’ve ever felt left out, different, or unsure of where they belong

Written by Essie Mae Floyd Dennis, this heartfelt journey follows a brave young girl as she learns to face her feelings, speak her truth, and believe in her value—just as she is. With relatable stories, gentle wisdom, and thoughtful reflections, this book helps readers explore emotions like sadness, anger, and loneliness—and shows them how to grow confidence, courage, and compassion along the way. If you’ve ever felt rejected, struggled with big feelings, or simply needed someone to understand—you’ll find a friend in these pages.By the end, you’ll be able to say with courage and confidence:

“I matter. I belong. I am chosen and courageous.”


Testimonials

Rachel S.

Essie’s words found me in a season of confusion, and her content gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed. Her heart for everyday people is felt in every message, every page, and every post. Through her ministry, I’ve rediscovered my worth, my voice, and my God-given purpose. EssieDennis.org is more than a website — it’s a well of wisdom for anyone ready to grow in faith and self-love.

Nicole B.

Essie Dennis doesn’t sugarcoat — and that’s exactly why her message is so powerful. Her platform ignites something deep within: a boldness to live with intention and to use your story for God’s glory. Her books and resources challenged me to stop playing small and embrace the woman I’m becoming. Every visit to her site leaves me sharper, stronger, and more grounded in my calling.

Tiana L.

From the first time I landed on Essie Dennis site, I felt like I had found my tribe. Her passion for helping others walk in healing and wholeness is so genuine. Her journals and teachings have helped me rebuild spiritually and emotionally after years of feeling stuck. Essie’s message is for real people with real struggles who want real change — and I’m forever grateful.