Today we’d like to introduce you to D. Shanelle Israel.
Hi Shanelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a wife, mother of 3, mentor of 9 years, and entrepreneur. My business has rebranded and changed its “face” a few times but the fundamentals have always been the same. That being to serve my community and do the work that God has set out for me to do. I went on my quest for seeking God as a teen and along the way the idea of religion put a very sour taste in my mouth. After coming to the realization that seeking God had little to nothing to do with a church building and religion at all. My journey led me to finding and living my truth and everything I put my hands to do, is a direct reflection of the wisdom gained.
I absolutely love working with the youth. The spirit of children carries such a pure essence that along the way gets tainted by the world. As adults, we have the ability to pour good or bad into them. I always wanted to be that person along a child’s path that leaves a long-lasting impression on them. Don’t we all remember that one person: whether it was a coach or a teacher or one of your neighbors that always had some wise words for you? They would always stay in your ear and remind you of how great you have the ability to become. To not lose sight of that. To stay on the straight and narrow. For many, it’s a lifesaver. I can only hope that I can have an impact on my community and the youth in such an inspirational way that can change the world for the better.
I’ve developed many skills along my journey and all I’ve ever wanted to do was inspire others. Through the most influential outlets. Like Fashion designing, styling, writing, and modeling. The knowledge that I believe sets me and my services aside from many others. Becoming an Etiquette Consultant has truly been the most rewarding because I get to share more of my story with my community. As an Etiquette Consultant, people can assume I woke up like this. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I had to grow for this, change for this, and step out of my comfort zone for this. When I say “this” I mean, growing into my femininity and becoming a softer and better version of myself. I get to help other women like me do the same.
Adding girls to the equation, teaching fundamentals of good manners is key in life. Somehow as a society, we’ve gotten so far away from it. Treating people right and expecting a certain level of respect from others. Setting healthy boundaries and advocating for yourself and those around you. I absolutely LOVE what I do. I pour every bit of myself into what I do. Praying along the way and with the counsel of my better half, I know this can go a long way. In many ways, I do believe I am doing God’s work and healing the world in my own unique way.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I truly believe that nothing worth having comes easy. So, yes whew. it is very hard. Financially, it can be the biggest hindrance to reaching its fullest potential. I have a whole family. Responsibilities. Home always is a priority. It is commonly said that as an entrepreneur you won’t really see its profit for the first 2-5 years.
I sure hope that’s not the case. I try not to make money an issue because when you really love what you do, it doesn’t feel anything like work. In all reality it is. It cost money to do things. Cameras break, phones shatter, rooms flood, inventory gets damaged, and laptops catch viruses. The list goes on. I am grateful because God looks out for those with pure intentions and a heart for the people. He has made it all work. I am so grateful for my husband and family’s support. They are the team. I try not to complain.
Besides the financial stumbling blocks, I believe my biggest challenge was putting myself out there. I absolutely cherish my privacy. To do what I do I have to show myself, my daily duties and give that visual representation to show my viewers what exactly can be done. It can be vain. Now, you worry about how this looks and that looks, and it can weigh on your mental and emotional state.
I dislike that the most about the internet. It’s judgmental. I consider myself to be very confident. Some things I prefer to keep to myself. To get where I hope to go, it must be done. As an entrepreneur, it comes with sacrifice. One day, it will all be worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself to be a Model. Not just for fashion but for life. I carry the title of a Modest Model. I am a certified Etiquette Consultant, Mentor, Seamstress, and Stylist. My community respects my work and I pour my all into everything I put my hands to do.
I am most proud of my ability to walk authentically and do what I do. Over the years, a lot of self-work had to be done. A lot of healing had to take place and a lot of accountabilities. I genuinely live the life that everyone sees. I am who everyone sees. I appreciate the exchange with all people. I live for the respect and love of my community.
Uplifting my people and walking into who I am today. I am proud of my culture, my heritage, and my reputation with my community. We’re only as good as our acts. What we do speaks volumes. How we carry ourselves introduces us before we get to share our name. It’s so important.
Being in my field I want to show women like me that class has less to do with money and high-end labels. Being feminine is about way more than floral dresses and just because society tells us we are nothing more than angry and loudmouths doesn’t mean we have to take that on. I am proud to be who I am, and I want to always represent that in the most elegant and graceful way. Teaching other women like me to do the same.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
This is a beautiful question. Exposure is always great. I am very hopeful to do more modeling. I’d love to be connected with positive and uplifting brands as a modest model.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.betrueetiquette.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betrue_etiquette/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betrue.etiquette
- Other: https://linktr.ee/D.Shanelle_Israel
