We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakarian Bradley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakarian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Velour Modeling Troupe was simply wanting better for the younger community. I’ve noticed a decline in the academic success and literacy rates have tremendously dropped and I could only think of two things, 1. The COVID-19 pandemic stunted the flow of learning and made it more difficult for them and 2. There is a lack of confidence. Proven by psychology, confidence can change how you view life, improve your learning and make it easier to do things in life without feeling overwhelmed and modeling would be a game changer in termed of confidence!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Velour Modeling Troupe is a runway/print modeling organization open to grade levels K-12 and college students. It was founded in September of 2023 after my departure from my previous modeling troupe which was a student organization. I noticed how toxic it was becoming after it stripped a vital aspect of the name and all of its values as well (Jesus) and it did not make me feel safe any more. It was not easy forming my business as I was looked at like a “traitor” for leaving a group that did not support me and spoke down on me. I wanted to create a place that genuinely felt like a family and a safe place for all walks of the world to join without feeling like they had to earn their place. The future of the brand is what keeps me going every day as it makes me hopeful with the work we’ve already been putting in and the groundwork I had to do before getting the ball rolling. I am excited to bring positive change to the community with my org and help out as much as we can to ensure that it is a safe place for everyone! With the tutoring and mentorship program, I hope to have a loving dynamic between the upper class and the underclass as they will take them under their wing and support and encourage them to ensure they have academic success! The lessons that I’ve learned are to have an open mind, you do not have to be in this alone! Stay positive at all times, negativity gets you nowhere; can a negative bank account buy you a meal? You have to be humble, if you let even a pinch of pride infiltrate into the business, the entire kingdom will crumble and it isn’t going to be pretty. I am glad to say that I have met amazing people on the way with children interested in joining Velour and I just finished wrapping up the first fashion show scheduled for Mid April, titled Genesis, The Imprint( you heard it here first)! We have fundraisers and charities that are also scheduled as well as a scholarship fund that is brewing for 11th and 12th graders!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely say Oy! For brunch, their prices are just top tier for the service and the portions of food given!

Three Dollar Cafe is very underrated, their wings and the karaoke is amazing and their drinks are just top notch.

Olympic Park is a nice place to relax and just walk around, and there’s always an event going on so it’s bound to be fun things to get into!

Every mall has to be visited, there is just something fun and interesting about “mall hopping” you never know what you’re going to see! Just avoid the lotion people and the shoe cleaners.

Truist Park is one of my favorites though. There is a plethora of things to do and places to eat; Yard House being my favorite!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Angel Coney, her enthusiasm towards the organization has been uplifting and encouraging and she has her own business in hair dressing called Angelic Stylez!

Jeremiah McClain for pushing me to be better in life and everything entailed!

My mom for supporting my dream and making sure I don’t become a pushover and ensuring I have a strong head on my shoulders, because I am a very nice person and they tend to get taken advantage of.

Website: Velourmt.square.site

Instagram: Instagram.com/velourmt

Other: Personal Instagram: Instagram.com/onlylilshak

Image Credits
Noa Sage Shakarian Bradley

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