We recently connected with Shirley Bell-Wheeler and have shared our conversation below.

Shirley, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

A regular job provides consistency and security in a way being a small business owner does not. Being a business owner provides autonomy and fulfillment in a way that a regular job never can. I am happy as a business owner, but sometimes I do miss the safety net of a regular job. I have never truly considered going backwards, but in my lowest moments I remember how much easier a regular job was at times. Part of work in the not for profit sector includes urban farming. During a particular hard week as I was covered in mosquitoes bites and everything was going opposite of what I thought it would my mood began to change. A bitterness began to creep up and I had to combat it with gratefulness. Reframing situations and looking at things from a new perspective is sometimes necessary to pull through the hard times. Instead of drowning in a hectic schedule and disappointments I reflected on what I get to do. I get to recieve income from something I love to do. I get to build my schedule around meeting the needs of my children and spouse. I get to be creative daily.

Shirley, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an alumni of Cleveland State University with an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master’s is Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I run a not for profit organization and own a LLC. I am a mom of three and have been married for 5 years. i enjoy to incorporate laughter, art, and nature into my free time. The work I do flow out of my passions and joys in life.

As I went through college and began to work in the field the unmet needs of children and families in my community became so apparent to me. Elements of Internal Movement is an artistically driven non profit organization that combines the priority of wellness, creative expression, and neighborhoods to foster personal and community transformation. Through the facilitation of wellness groups, partnership with the community garden, and events our focal point is on the social, emotional, mental, and physical health of the communities on the eastside of Cleveland. Personal and community transformation is measured by the thriving of individuals and in turn the communities they reside in. Much of the work we do is done in providing social/emotional learning inside of learning facilities. Events, programs, and the space of Revolutionary love Community Garden are open to everyone. We are excited to expand our growing season with the addition of a greenhouse. March through December the garden is available as a place to learn, heal, and get fresh produce. Whether you are coming as a school, community organization, family or individual we look forward to hosting you.

Royal Priesthood Lifestyle Brand is dedicated to providing the tools to empower leaders in their everyday life. Through inspirational merchandise, t-shirt printing services, and body care products we help our customers set a tone of success daily. Much of our success has been supporting others in their vision. Through bulk orders of customized clothing we have been apart of several family moments, church events, and business launches throughout the years. The journey to shaping this business began with meeting my families needs. Life can get hard and motivation is key. We began with making t-shirts for our household, friends, and family that helped us walk out our journey in life. It was not until the pandemic that we launched our body care line. When the world shut down my family was in desperate need of self care and pampering experiences. What sets our body care apart from others is a competitive price point and all natural ingredients. Much of the ingredients are locally sourced.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The pandemic was a great pivot for everyone. For me the schools shutting down, all major events being canceled, and having a baby were the hardest things to navigate. The non profit took a hit when the schools and summer camps were shut down. To continue to serve the youth we continued programming virtually. We did to different programs. As many families were concerned about the availability of produce we taught the families how to start their home gardens. We walked the families from seed to produce on their plate. Along with dropping of growing kits we dropped off art kits at families front door. We continued learning how to navigate our emotions through the arts on zoom. We also kept the garden going and began dropping produce on door steps. For the LLC we were no longer receiving bulk order because people were no longer meeting in large groups. As the demand for t-shirts went down the demand for self care items went up. We followed the demand. As for being pregnancy, delivery, and raising a child in the pandemic….well you can imagine.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My husband has been my partner in everything. We grew up in the same neighborhood and had the same dreams. Our passion for the art and conviction to for the wellness of our community was a big part of what brought us together. As the businesses and our family grows it has become less of a family business. My husband plays a less central role in the community work as we incorporate others into the organization.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.royalpriesthood129.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eoim_themovement/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revlovegarden/

Image Credits
Angela Camille