We were lucky to catch up with Shanell Henry recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shanell, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I was raised by a single mother of two girls with low income, and I NEVER felt lack. We experienced lack, but I never FELT it. My mother poured so much love into us, protected us and empowered us to be content in who we were and what we had. I was the kid who wore the hand me downs from cousins. Shoe and coat vouchers in the Winter. My mother would wrap used books and put them under the tree at Christmas. I don’t recall ever feeling unfortunate because we had no gifts under the tree. LOVE lived at home. Full speed ahead, I’m an adult business woman with 3 children, 2 daughter in laws, 4 grandchildren and an entrepreneurial husband of 25 years. We’ve lived a successful lives with dedication to God and family. LOVE lives and has been the staple of our home. Thank you mom! Love mattered.

Shanell, 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 am a lifestyle blogger/community organizer. I was rocked by love and reality during my grandmother’s homegoing service the summer of 2015 in Columbus, Georgia. Many times the death of someone else, reminds us that we’re still alive but yet for what purpose? My heart was so broken that she had taken her last breath and left us unexpectedly. However, the way she lived her life full of purpose and the legacy she left behind spoke volumes to my heart. During her homegoing service, it felt as if God had sat down right next to me and put His arm around me saying “Hold your head up. Look at the richness of the life she lived out loud”. God began to share with me how HE was pleased with my life and where I had some growing up to do. My heart was encouraged one hundred percent! I walked away from laying my grandmother to rest, feeling more empowered about life itself.

I returned back to Michigan with a hotter flame! I’ve been given a greater assignment to live MORE intentional. To glorify God by any means necessary and inspire others while doing so. I blog about five different loves of my life, which I consider the theme as whole of who I am.
1) Faith 2) Family 3) Friendship 4) Fitness and 5) Fun. All in 5Heartbeats! I blog the 5 loves in transparency and engaging with my followers and supporters. My only desire is to inspire.

I’ve not reached perfection in any of these areas, however I’m growing in grace. The number 5 represents grace!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what helped build my market is my consistency and transparency. I’ve literally been blogging for years. People need hope and inspiration. When people need hope and inspiration they know where to get it! I live and long to be a change agent. Offering hope to others who need encouragement and inspiration. Positive vibes and laughter. My followers love my family. When I share stories/pics and videos of my marriage, children and grands….people light up. That is so encouraging! People who need a boost with working out, that extra push…they can count on it.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I would choose the same profession. Lifestyle blogging and influencing is ME being THE BRAND. I love who I am and what I do. I love the path God has put me on. It’s an honor to share and empower others along the way. I also enjoy emceeing and voiceover acting. Doors have opened through my lifestyle blogging and the best is yet to come. It’s been a blast!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shanellhenry1
• Facebook: Shanell “Mizz Reality” Henry
• Other: TikTok: @shanellhenry7