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

Alright, Shanell thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I were to start over I would definitely invest in a grant writer or attend a few classes at YouTube University to learn how to write grants. I would research to see what my business needed the most, whether its a social media manager, money for inventory, etc and create a financial plan and budget to determine how much grant money I would need. From there, I, or my grant writer, would apply to as many grants that I qualify for and watch the free money start rolling in.

I would also use Shopify verses any other platform due to its ease of use and financial support for small businesses.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Shanell and I am from Norfolk, Va. Initially my brand was supposed to be a nail polish brand BUT after months of sampling and testing different nail polishes I couldn’t find what I was looking for and a random thought to sell pressons came into my mind and I ran with it!

At ShadedbyShanell, we envision a world where beauty is effortless, confidence is instant, and self-care is a daily practice. Through expertly crafted press-on nails, nourishing nail care, personalized coaching, and curated style inspiration, we empower women to embrace beauty on their own terms—quickly, flawlessly, and with the perfect look to match.

We are most proud to be one of the only presson nail brands that curates different looks to inspire women to find their own unique style and looks and pair it with their favorite nails as a way to expresses their inner beauty. We believe all women should feel beautiful and a set of ShadedbyShanell pressons can be the accessory to get them started.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most difficult things to hear as a business owner is “no” especially when you’ve had to grow to believe in yourself and your brand.

One of my goals was to get ShadedbyShanell in stores. I wanted to start small and local and felt it was best to get into one of my local beauty supply stores. I chose a beauty supply store that I was a customer of and asked the owner if they sell local owned products. Before I could get the entire question out, I was told “no”. While it was difficult to hear, I attempted another store, same answer. Repeat this a few more times.

Though it was difficult to hear, I kept going and I kept asking. I made sure I looked at the rejection as a blessing and to not take it personal. Somewhat close to a year or so later, I walked into a beauty supply store that I wasn’t familiar with but had just moved close to and ask the cashier if she was the owner, she said no. A few weeks later I visited the same beauty supply store and seen another “employee” who happened to be the owner and I asked him if he sold local owned products in his store, he said no but he was willing to try and that is how ShadedbyShanell is in The Beauty and Discount Beauty Supply store in Virginia Beach, Va.

Regardless of how many no’s you hear, how many doors close in your face, how many mistakes you’ve made, how many setbacks you encounter – don’t give up. Talk to God DAILY, tell Him what you want, and walk in faith as you do your part. Don’t give up. Don’t get weak. Have your moment of disappointment but tighten up and keep going. Your yes is waiting for you on the other side.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes! MAJOR shoutout to Earn Your Leisure (EYL). If you’re not familiar with EYL check out their Youtube channel!

I’ve watched many of their videos where they interview entrepreneurs and they gather insight on their business journey and the steps they took to find their success. Gem after gem, after GEM!

Additionally, I watch their show ‘Stock Market Mondays’ EVERY single week where I not only get free education on the stock market but also free business tips, education, and how-to’s along with what to do and not do as a business owner.

Lastly, which I saved the best for last, prayer. I ask God for wisdom, clarity, knowledge, understanding, and direction on a daily basis. I also read His word to understand how to align my business and thoughts with His will and purpose for me and my brand. Most of the ideas I have come when I’m sitting in His presence after praying to Him for guidance. PRAY, it works.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shadedbyshanell.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadedbyshanell
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadedbyshanell
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shadedbyshanell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/shadedbyshanell