We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannel Stallworth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannel below.
Shannel , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I got started in the photography industry back in 2005. My mother passed away at the young age of 40 and when we went to gather images for her obituary, I quickly noticed that our choices were far and few. My mother had spent her whole life “behind the camera” making sure she captured the live and adventures of her children but in doing so neglected to capture her own presence. Since that day I have made it my mission to provide space and the opportunity for all women to make sure they don’t end up like my mother and have their families captured with them beside them
Shannel , 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 was always the kid with a camera for as long as I can remember, even back when you had to drop off your film at Walmart and come back in 2 to 3 days after it was developed. I’ve always had a strong desire to document things & people around me, in attempts to making time stand still. When my Mom passed away in 2015, we struggled to find pictures of her for her obituary and it broke my heart to realize that for years she was always behind the camera and never in front of it with her family. I vowed then to give other moms the opportunity to live life WITH their families and be captured in the moment versus behind the moment. I’ve been doing photography for about 12 years now. Initially I started out photographing everything under the sun, weddings, newborns, high school seniors, families, and events. In 2017 I was introduced to a boudoir photographer via a Facebook group. After mentoring with her through a mastermind course, I fell in love with the art of boudoir photography. I now spend my days working with every day women empowering them to love themselves and embrace their bodies through what I call a “self love experience.”
I am the owner and lead photographer at Shannel Monique Portrait studio, where our primary photography niche is boudoir photography. I work with every day women creating timeless pieces of art, showcasing their strength, beauty and dignity. I help women put dynamic images to the story of their lives.
My studio is known for its unmatched level of client service. Every client receives the utmost professional and personalized service tailored to their specifics needs, from the moment they inquire until long after their products and images are delivered.
The thing that sets my studio apart mostly is that every client gets ME! They get the very best version of me. My years on expertise, skill, and keen eye for capturing the best parts of them. They can get images from anywhere, but they can only get me with the Shannel Monique Portrait experience.
I feel that my honesty and genuine desire to provide my clients with an excellent experience and quality products and images are what have helped me become as successful as I am. I continuously get feedback and reviews from my clients on how comfortable I made them feel, how easy I made the process, and how thorough I am with explaining the experience from start to finish. Clients love and respect that.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Paid marketing via ads on FB & Google has definitely been the best investment and source of new clients for me. Brand awareness is extremely important and crucial in building clientele when you’re a new business. Business owners may be tempted to skim on the marketing budget but in doing so they could be causing more harm than help.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
I created a private female only VIP group on FB. It is a safe place for my clients and potential clients to connect with me. I share personal pieces of my life, we have post that encourage healthy conversation. They are first to get access to giveaways, specials, and any promotions. They are able to view sneak peeks, behind the scenes, and verbal reviews from past clients. My clients love being able to openly express themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boudoirbyshannelmonique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannelmoniqueboudoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/683545528653885
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkaY0osqsyAHALhey7FsG4w
Image Credits
My headshot- Stacey Gardin Portraits all other images are mine