We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shenelle Daly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shenelle , thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Becoming successful is rarely about luck, it’s about showing up, over and over again, even when no one’s clapping for you. It’s about being consistent, putting in the work on the days when motivation is nowhere to be found. Success demands determination, the kind that makes you get back up after every setback, even when it feels easier to quit.

You’ll have to drown out the noise. Everyone will have an opinion, some will cheer for you, others will criticize, and many won’t even understand what you’re building. The key is knowing whose voices to let in. Not every opinion matters. You’ll need discernment, the wisdom to recognize genuine feedback from empty chatter.

There will be lonely seasons. You’ll have to be comfortable being by yourself, making decisions that others don’t agree with, and staying focused when everyone else is out having fun. Success often requires working in silence while the world celebrates things that you’re temporarily sacrificing.

Self-reflection will become your best friend. You’ll need to be brutally honest with yourself, identifying your weaknesses, celebrating your small wins, and constantly fine-tuning your approach. It’s not just about working hard, it’s about working smart and being willing to grow.

And most importantly, success is about keeping your head down and doing the work, even when no one is watching. It’s about planting seeds that might not bloom right away. But if you stay consistent, stay determined, and stay true to your vision, the harvest will eventually come.

Shenelle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Shenelle Daly, a creative director, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper, and entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, and ever since I was little, I’ve loved fashion. Funny enough, as a child, I used to say I wanted to be a lawyer, not because I was passionate about law, but because I wanted to dress up in sharp suits and carry a briefcase. Life has a funny way of coming full circle because now, not only do I style people for a living, but I also currently work at a law firm. So in a way, I got to do both.

My path to becoming a wardrobe stylist was anything but typical. I originally studied to become a psychotherapist and worked in that field. But everything shifted after I gave birth to my second son and experienced a near death experience. That life altering moment made me realize that life is too short to not chase your dreams. That’s when I decided to finally step into the world of fashion, doing what had always been in my heart.

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of styling and shopping for celebrities, artists, CEOs, and models. My work spans from everyday looks to editorials, TV shows, and concerts. Whether it’s curating a standout red-carpet moment or refining someone’s personal style, my goal is always to make my clients feel confident, empowered, and authentically themselves.

On the entrepreneurial side, I’ve launched an online boutique, offering stylish, curated pieces for those who want to make a statement. I’m also the author of a caption book for social media content, which is available at Barnes & Noble and Apple Books. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my creative work extend beyond styling into helping others elevate their personal brand and voice.

What truly sets me apart is my deep sense of empathy, strong morals, and unwavering values. I go above and beyond for my clients, not just as their stylist but often as their therapist and close friend. People trust me with their image because they know I’m trustworthy, dependable, and always have their best interests at heart. I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated, with kindness, honesty, and genuine care.

I’m also working on several exciting projects that I can’t wait to share with the world. For me, it’s not just about building a career, it’s about creating a lasting legacy, not only for myself but also for my children. Everything I do is driven by the desire to make them proud and to show them that it’s possible to turn your dreams into reality with passion, hard work, and heart.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of my journey, a true test of my resilience, was the first time I styled Angela Simmons. It happened just two days after I had gallbladder surgery. I was on strict bed rest, barely able to move, when a friend called with an incredible opportunity. She knew about my surgery, so she gently told me that if I couldn’t take on the job, she completely understood.

I asked her for a few minutes to think it over. If you know anything about me, you know that I just need a moment of silence to gather my thoughts and pray. And that’s exactly what I did. I thought about my health first, it was still very fragile, but almost immediately after, I thought about the opportunity being presented to me. Would it ever come around again if I declined? I prayed on it, and despite the pain, I felt it in my spirit that I had to get it done.

Now, remember, I was on bed rest but that didn’t stop me. I knew I couldn’t do it alone, so I called on my two friends, Janiz Diaz and Jace Yzaguirre, to be my assistants. I found out about the project at 3 p.m., and everything needed to be ready by 5 p.m. the next day, less than 24 hours to pull it off. Angela was attending the premiere of Power Book II: Raising Kanan (produced by 50 Cent), and the theme was 90s-inspired. The goal was to recreate an Aaliyah inspired look, which meant finding the perfect combination of edgy, street-chic pieces.

Against the advice of my mom and some friends, who reminded me it was unsafe to be walking around so soon after surgery, I got dressed and headed out. It was risky, but I knew I couldn’t pass this up. From 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. I shopped non-stop, hitting every store possible: Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Zara, Foot Locker, and Old Navy. I was in extreme pain, barely able to walk, hunched over, and needing to take several breaks just to sit down. Jace was by my side the entire time, holding my hand and carrying the bags when I couldn’t.

Even after all the shopping, I realized I was still missing the perfect shoes. So the next morning, before we resumed shopping, Jace went all the way to Brooklyn to pick up shoes from my mom’s closet. He then met me afterward so we could continue gathering the final pieces. That kind of dedication meant everything to me, and I’ll always be grateful for it.

After just a couple of hours of sleep, Jace and I were back at it again. We hit a few more stores, making sure we had everything we needed. By 5 p.m., we made it to Angela’s home to style her. Seeing the look come together made all the pain and exhaustion worth it. But it didn’t stop there, Angela needed me for a few more days after the premiere, and despite the pain, I kept pushing through, with Janiz stepping in to assist me during those days.

That experience taught me so much about myself. It showed me that no matter the circumstance, I am built to persevere. I have dreams and goals, and nothing, not even post-surgery pain, will stop me from chasing them. That moment wasn’t just about styling a celebrity, it was about proving to myself that my resilience, determination, and drive to succeed will always carry me through.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, my biggest piece of advice is to lead with empathy, fairness, and integrity. I truly believe that how you treat your team directly impacts the quality of their work and their loyalty to the vision. For me, it starts with remembering that before being a leader, I’m a human being. I constantly ask myself, “How would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes?” and I make sure to extend that same grace, respect, and support to my team.

One of the most important things is being fair. I make it a point to pay people what they are worth. When you value your team and compensate them properly, they feel appreciated and motivated to give their best. Underpaying or undervaluing people only breeds resentment and hinders creativity. I’ve been on both sides of the industry, so I know how it feels to be overworked and underappreciated. That’s why I’m intentional about ensuring my team feels seen and valued.

Communication is also key. I prioritize being clear about expectations but also being open to their input. I want them to feel like they have a voice, not just a task list. Creating an environment where people feel comfortable expressing ideas or concerns builds trust and fosters collaboration.

Another thing I’ve learned is to recognize and celebrate their wins, both big and small. It’s easy to focus on the next goal, but taking a moment to acknowledge their contributions keeps morale high. It shows that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Lastly, I always lead by example. I don’t ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. They’ve seen me push through exhaustion and pain to meet a deadline, so they know I’m right there in the trenches with them. That kind of dedication creates a culture of mutual respect and shared purpose.

At the end of the day, managing a team is about treating them with dignity, being fair, and remembering that they’re people with their own goals and dreams. When you genuinely care about their well-being and success, it reflects in the work you create together.

Contact Info:

• Website: Agirlfrombk.com and Adorebynellz.com
• Instagram: @Adorablenellz, @Adorebynellz and @Agirlfrombk

Image Credits

Photographer Credits:
Dani Diamond
Matt Ellis
Andrew Parsons
Stanley Babb
Antoine Verglas

Models
Louisa Warwick
Angela Simmons
Jessica Parker Kennedy
Zaidy Bello
Nabila Tapia
Gina Mellish
Juliet Castaneda

Wardrobe Styling and Creative Direction : Me (Shenelle Daly)