We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Love Phillips. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.
Shannon , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At the heart of everything I do is a mission to empower people to walk in their confidence—on and off the runway. I created my company not just to teach modeling, but to create space where individuals, especially those who’ve been overlooked or underestimated, can feel seen, celebrated, and unstoppable.
This mission is personal. Growing up, I didn’t always see reflections of myself in the fashion world, and I know what it feels like to shrink your light to fit into spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind. That’s why I’ve made it my purpose to build stages and classrooms where everyone—no matter their background, body type, or experience—can show up as their full, bold selves.
Whether it’s coaching a first-time model, mentoring youth, or curating community events, everything is rooted in love, representation, and real confidence. This mission means something because I’ve lived both the struggle and the breakthrough—and now I get to help others experience their own.
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?
Hi! I’m Shannon Love—a Model Director, Confidence Coach, and Event Curator based in Arizona, with roots in dance, political science, and community empowerment. I run Shannon Love LLC, a mission-driven platform where fashion meets empowerment, and where modeling is not just about appearance—it’s about healing, confidence, and leadership.
I got into this work because I’ve always seen modeling as a powerful form of expression. After years of navigating the fashion and performance worlds—gracing runways, managing backstage, and coordinating events—I noticed a major gap: there weren’t enough spaces that truly nurtured growth, self-esteem, and representation. So I created my own. What started as coaching and walking runway evolved into something deeper: a community and safe space for creatives, especially women and aspiring models, to unlock their potential and feel powerful in their skin.
What I offer:
• Runway coaching & model development classes (from beginner to advanced)
• Workshops on confidence, presence, and self-worth
• Model consultations, castings, and directing for shows and productions
• Events like “Runway 101,” open mics, and community showcases that fuse fashion, art, and purpose
• Mentorship for models chasing big dreams—whether that’s NYFW or personal growth
• And most recently, opportunities for brands and creatives to connect through curated networking events and media spotlights
What sets me apart:
My work is about people, not perfection. I focus on who someone is becoming—not just what they look like in front of the camera. I’ve coached over 800 models, many of whom didn’t believe they could ever walk a runway, let alone lead one. I bring experience from every side of the fashion world—modeling, producing, managing, and teaching—and I pour love and excellence into every detail.
What I’m most proud of is the way my work continues to open doors for others. Whether I’m helping someone book their first gig, feel beautiful for the first time, or launch a dream they thought was out of reach, I know I’m doing what I was called to do.
To anyone getting to know me or my brand, I want you to know: this is more than modeling. This is movement. This is mentorship. This is magic. And you’re invited to be part of it.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
What’s helped me build my reputation in this industry is simple but powerful: consistency, integrity, and love. I’ve built trust by showing up fully—whether I’m teaching a class, directing a show, or mentoring behind the scenes. People know I lead with heart, and I truly care about the experience of everyone I work with. It’s lead me to work with top industry members like Kenneth Barlis.
I believe in making every space magical, no matter the size of the room or who’s watching. I treat everyone—from models to designers to volunteers—with respect, and I’m intentional about creating uplifting environments where people feel seen, valued, and safe to grow.
Collaboration has also been key. I love working with others, building bridges, and supporting fellow creatives in my community. But I also stay grounded by sticking to my boundaries and standing firm in my values. I don’t chase trends—I stay rooted in purpose, and I think that authenticity is what people resonate with.
At the end of the day, what people remember isn’t just what I do—it’s how I make them feel. And that’s what keeps the reputation growing: showing up with love, respect, and excellence every time.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the clearest examples of my resilience is simply existing boldly in spaces that tried to dim my light.
As a Black woman in fashion and leadership, I’ve been told so many times to shrink—to stop being “too passionate” or “too loud,” to tone down my confidence because it made others uncomfortable, to straighten my hair to look “professional,” and to dress more “quietly” to be taken seriously. I was even told to “be more humble” when advocating for myself—as if self-advocacy was arrogance. But every one of those things they told me to stop were the very things that rooted me in my truth.
The most painful moment came when a company I poured into let me go in a deeply negative way—and even went as far as to steal my likeness to build their brand. That could’ve broken me. But instead of quitting, I pressed forward. I took everything I’d learned—despite the gatekeeping and lack of support when I started—and used it to build my own table. That’s how my LLC was born: to create space for others, especially Black creatives and aspiring models, to feel empowered, respected, and celebrated.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but I never let the industry define me. I stayed true to myself—and that’s been my greatest act of resilience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heartofshannonlove.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealshannonlove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignShannon/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-phillips-4b073a97?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzleyzLBpJg-iwAGmgGk-rw?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ShannonLove
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/networking-events-4256403
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/model-workshops-1214309
https://form.jotform.com/241984830005051
Image Credits
Abel Aguilar
William Almendarez
Mark Gunter
Jonathan Wooden