Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanell Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story?
At the age of 16 while growing up in Los Angeles (LA), I was determined to NOT become another statistic, by conforming to my environment and living life in reaction mode to unforeseen circumstances. In LA, it was pretty regular to see young 16-Year old girls pregnant and without a plan for life to succeed. This is when I set goals for myself that far exceeded my environmental standards- of having a child at an early age. This is when I established the ABC method to surviving and breaking free from generational curses of my environment. “The ABC Method to Survival” simply means that you can either live in reactionary mode to the surrounding circumstances, and thus becoming a product of your environment; or you can elect the state of being you prefer, which is independent of environmental circumstances while reflecting your new reality. I have accomplished that goal in not becoming a statistic, while believing in myself and maintaining a conquering spirit. I stand here today, 40 years young with no kids and treading away- God’s plan!
I left home when I was 16 and with that came many obstacles that I figured out along the way. I stayed with friends until I got my first apartment at the age of 20, which taught me a lot about being an adult. I had to quickly learn how to manage my finances, which allowed me to pay rent, car note, and other bills with my minimum wage job at the time. This is when I realized that my minimum wage job wasn’t going to be enough, so I began utilizing other resources, to include temping services, freelancing and doing party promotions. This additional work was the only way I could get the bills paid.
When I was growing up, there was never a conversation or working group available about being the best version of yourself, or even talks of entrepreneurship. We were taught to graduate high school, go to college, get a job and start a family. I did not go to college full time, but I attempted to take the college approach several times, which is when I realized it just wasn’t for me. I was focused on being the best version of me, which did not include having a college degree. That’s not to knock people who invested time, discipline and energy into attaining a college degree, because I do understand that you have to be educated and trained in some fashion to have success. I knew that I needed to live my life by growing through trial and era to discover the level success I was chasing.
After working many jobs throughout this process, helped me to realize that I needed to be my own boss. At the time, I was living life as a free spirited individual and didn’t feel the need for rules, neither work-related nor personal. One of my best friends at that time, who worked at a major record label brought me on to do promotions. We quickly learned the promotion game process, a devised a plan to remove the middle man out of the equation and deal directly with the source. We started our first joint-venture company together called Young Executive Marketing. We were the premiere promotional company for up and coming artist. Our plan was to promote new artist and their albums, with a focus on the targeted audience group to purchase their albums and come out to their shows. We found our niche, and began having success.
As time moved on, I realized that I was socially gifted at creating an ambiance, which directly transitioned into having more clients along with more business. This gift, along with my persistence to push ahead, later placed me into position to network in circles I previously did not have access too. This led me to become a celebrity personal assistant, which was a short-lived opportunity. After trying my hand as a personal assistant, I then moved on to public relations for one of the top publicist in the game.
That public relations opportunity was life changing, and led me to a freelance job with the Magic Johnson Foundation back in 2005. The initially planned six month project with the Magic Johnson Foundation, materialized into a full-time employment opportunity. This would be the opportunity that ultimately led me to personally work for The Johnson’s more than six years. That was the tipping point in my life, which opened so many doors that inspired me to launch Shanell J Management. After launching my business, the Johnsons’ gave me my first event gig, which was their daughter’s 13th birthday party. This was an opportunity for me to showcase my skills in front of the industries elite, which opened up even more doors for me business wise.
Most people never see the blood sweat and tears of brand building to become a recognized event management and lifestyle company. After putting more than tear years in the game, people have now become more familiar with who Shanell J Management is, along with my unique capabilities. The one take away is, every relationship established along the way in the building my business process, still has to maintained to this very day. The work never stops and it takes commitment and effort to stay relevant in this industry. Most times, you’re only as great as your last job, which means the hustle never stops and networking for your next gig is the name of the game!
I have gained notoriety in this industry, and have become known and respected as a “mover and shaker” for over a decade. Having a passion for delivering flawless events has driven me to the success that I have accomplished. I have worked alongside countless professional athletes, celebrities, dignitaries and other VIPs as their full-service event and lifestyle company, specializing in budget development, catering services, concierge, decor, event branding, staffing and so much more. From an intimate luncheon to a grand destination wedding or gala, there is no event too big or small for Shanell J Management.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to success within this industry was hard, and nothing was ever handed to me. I started this business before social media became what it is, and I was able to build my clientele without the social media tools we have at our finger tips today. So now, I continue to daily growth by learning to apply the new tools available into my day to day grind. The energy that you give is what you will manifest, and I have perfectly aligned myself with this continued growth for success.
As an entrepreneur, you sometimes doubt yourself when comparing your success to others in the same industry. With my failures while growing as an entrepreneur, there were a lot of days filled with doubt. However, when you surround yourself with the right people, something as simple as a pep talk helped me to get right back on track. In the beginning, it’s never easy with a one-man team, but as you begin to identify your strengths and weaknesses, you learn to align yourself with other like-minded individuals. When collaborations like this happen, god giving talents from a well-built team leads to future greatness.
In building a business, you cannot be your own worst enemy when fighting for success. You have to vigilant, willing, and remain open to change for continued growth. If you do not have the tools, or if you’re not trained to develop your business will lead to difficulties as you build your business brand. There were so many things I didn’t know, but I took the time to learn by either reading a book or taking a free business course.
I started this business without any loans and without any real capital. I stepped out on faith with just my skill set and willingness to be of service to all my clients, while building personal relationships with them. It’s never easy when the demand for meeting client’s expectations is all on you, versus someone else from your team. But as your business grows, you will learn to make your clients feel comfortable with your entire team whether you’re present or not.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shanell J Management – what should we know?
Shanell J Management is a full-service event planning and lifestyle management company, dedicated to supplying our clients with creative solutions, strategic planning, and flawless productions with the seamless execution of their event, while exceeding their personal needs.
Event planning and Lifestyle management is not rocket science, but it definitely takes a certain type of skill set. Further, for one to establish true success in this industry he/she must have an obsession with paying close attention to detail and organization, have a keen eye for aesthetics, put in countless hours of planning with the ability to think on your feet for solutions to unique problems that will always pop up.
I am proud to be respected in this industry as a “mover and shaker” for over a decade now. My passion for flawless events has driven me to this level of success I have accomplished.
“My goals is to present a first-class mind-blowing event, with a seamless behind the scenes experience that will remain unforgettable.”
What sets me apart from my competition, is that I have personal relationships with my clients. My clients trust me with everything, and they know once you hand me the reins, you can actually enjoy your event with an eased mind set of knowing that I will handle every detail from start to finish! This leaves all the time for my clients to enjoy the moment with their guests, meanwhile embracing the excitement and ambiance of Shanell J Management.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My “ABC Method to Survival” is what I practice daily- while maintaining A GOAL DIGGER’S STATE OF MIND! This approach has blessed me with the qualities and characteristics that have led to being the successful woman that I am today.
Cheers to my ABC Method: Ambitious, Believer, Creative, Determined, Driven, Empowered, Entrepreneur, Focused, Grateful, Humble, Inspirational, Joyful, Kind, Loyal, Motivated, Nice, Optimistic, Open-minded, Positive, Quaint, Resourceful, Selfless, Thankful, Understanding, Virtuous, Wise, Xoxo, Youthful, Zest.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3651 S La Brea Ave Ste 288
Los Angeles CA 90016 - Website: www.shanelljmanagement.com
- Phone: 3238722662
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @shanelljmangement
- Facebook: @shanelljmanagement
- Twitter: @shanelljmanagement
Image Credit:
Curtis J Moore Photography
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