Meet Shantelle Davis | Entrepreneur and Multi- Business Owner

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

Hi Shantelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After I graduated college and started grad school at East Stroudsburg University, I got a great job as a marketing and events manager at a local winery. I enjoyed my experiences as I helped that small business increase their profit margin by 30% over the years. However, I began to realize that my weekends were limited and I didn’t want to miss out on anymore family occasions. So, with the encouragement of my now husband, I decided to take the components of the position I liked best and use these skills to help numerous businesses by starting S J media consulting, a small marketing and event planning firm. I knew I wanted to work from home and create a work schedule that fit my life, rather than be confined to a bosses schedule, and I liked the idea of helping numerous small businesses with their marketing needs rather than just one. I also wanted to be a job creator for people that had a similar mindset, and I now have a team who also have the flexibility of helping my clients by working from home. The themes of flexibility, and room for growth has expanded to all 3 of my businesses, and it’s a privilege to be able to create job opportunities for people. When you employ people it makes your business bigger than just yourself—- and the more business brought into any of our ventures translates into mutually beneficial relationships and successes.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I genuinely enjoyed education and pursued my bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism (with a minor in Women’s Studies) from Penn State, and a M.A in Professional and Digital Media Writing from East Stroudsburg University. I’ve been a Marketing and Event’s Manager for a small business, and the Senior Vice President for my local Chamber of Commerce. My background in business was a great complement to working at the Chamber and the experience allowed me to help more businesses by providing resources, and connections to the community at large. At this time in my life, my husband and I had also purchased a restaurant and while my career had been rewarding, my true passion was to have the autonomy to help people on my own terms. After leaving the Chamber we expanded the restaurant and were blessed to continue to grow our business and our staff. A few months ago I bought out my husbands business partner in his transportation company called Sip and Play Transportation and we’ve acquired new buses, well paid drivers, as well as a general sales director to help us with all of our businesses goals. As a business owner, I’ve come to the conclusion that you have no one to blame but yourself when things go wrong. . . or for when things go right.

I’ve learned to surround yourself with people who are genuine, as well as people who are doing better than you. This pushes you to become a better version of yourself. And the best kept secret is this— those that are doing better than you will not hinder your success– they will help you elevate if they see you’re willing to put in the work!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in the Pocono Mountains, there’s no shortage of tourist attractions for all! If they want to stay off the beaten path I would recommend the Chestnuthill Countryside Manor a cozy inn with scenic views, or I’d have them stay at the Penn Stroud Hotel, a cute boutique hotel right on Main Street Stroudsburg. The restaurants there are nice but have that small town vibe. As a restaurant owner myself, I would have to recommend Willie Mae’s Place Southern comfort Restaurant, in Gilbert PA, for anyone that enjoys delicious southern comfort food– along with a BYOB experience. There are also numerous wineries, breweries, distilleries in the Pocono’s people can enjoy, including Sorrentis Family Estate Winery, Blue Ridge Winery, Madness Distillery, War Dog Spirits and more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would be remiss to exclude my husband and partner in numerous aspects of life, Brian Davis Jr. As a successful business owner himself, he has been incredibly encouraging and supportive of me and my professional goals. He has been a great mentor and I continue to learn more from him each and every day– and it makes me a better businesswoman, and person overall. I would also like to recognize my parents, siblings, and family at large, because they too have always supported my journey and been by my side every step of the way. My business coach Rick Franzo has also been a great source of support and help in keeping me focused with my goals throughout the years, and I am humbled and grateful for everyones continuous support!

Website: www.williemaesplace.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89338052/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjmediaconsulting

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/willie-maes-place-gilbert?rr=0