We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shaquanna Chappelle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shaquanna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
When I leave this earth, I want peace in knowing that I shined my light as bright as I could, spreading God’s love wherever I go. I hope my legacy leaves women feeling encouraged to step into their full power and be confident – not just through the clothes they wear, but how they feel on the inside. It is my goal for women to fully accept and embrace who they are, while also knowing how to use their wardrobe to reflect their authentic self.
Shaquanna, 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 transform the style & image of professional women and women entrepreneurs so they can step into their confidence, make their best impression, and propel their careers and brands forward. I inherited my love of style from my parents, especially my mother. Since I was a little girl, I easily caught on to how an outfit you love can make you feel your absolute best. Putting together an outfit always came naturally to me. It wasn’t until I turned 30 when I paid more attention to how getting dressed made me feel. My goal is to help other women feel the same way through my signature offering, The Power Style Experience. This is a personal shopping and styling service for powerful women who have to show up with confidence, but don’t have the desire or time to shop and put together outfits. It is extremely rewarding and fulfilling to watch women tap into their God given confidence and shine their own light.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
In June 2010, I started my corporate career in the IT field. By June 2014, I knew I wasn’t going to be in corporate forever. :) In 2016, I launched my nonprofit organization that promoted self-love and self-confidence for young ladies in high school. This was my first taste of what it’s like to run a business, and honestly my nonprofit gave me the confidence to really step into my gift. In 2017, I launched my styling business and promised myself (& God) that I will be consistent enough to leave corporate. I worked hard, invested in my business (coaches & resources), and remained obedient with every step God wanted me to take. My styling business really didn’t start making a profit until 2020 at the start of the pandemic. It showed me what I was really capable of doing. At the beginning of 2021, I faced salary issues with my corporate role and I realized I wasn’t valued as much as they said I was. This situation was the fire I needed. I created my exit strategy, worked the plan, and November 8, 2021 was my first day as a full time entrepreneur! I haven’t looked back and I’m experiencing God’s favor now more than ever.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
When it comes to social media, I focus on providing value and being myself on the platform. I share various style tips and resources, while also showing who I am on a day-to-day basis. I like to have fun and play games, so I started incorporating that on social media. I used to play a game every week called “What Would You Wear Wednesday” and that has grew my social media audience, but most importantly, positioned me as a trusted expert. Always remember that people fall in love with you first before falling in love with your product/service. Don’t be afraid to show who you are outside of your business. You would be surprised who buys from you simply because you’re YOU!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shaquannachappelle.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaquannachappelle/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquannachappelle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7ZOWO4-C115O19CBoJvYfw
Image Credits
Kita Bryant Howell Design Studios