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

Hi Shaquanna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up I always loved to get dressed. I get that from watching my parents shop and style their outfits. At one point when I was a young girl, we didn’t have much money. I recall countless times when we would purchase clothes from the thrift store or a yard sale, style it with something we already owned, and walked out the door looking like millionaires! Over the years, I developed a passion for getting dressed to make myself feel bold and powerful. I used my getting dressed routine as a way to pour into myself and set the tone for my day. When I started my image and style services, my one goal was to share that feeling with other women. I wanted women to feel amazing just by the clothes they wear so they can show up with confidence.

Please tell us more about your work. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
My background is in IT and I’m currently an IT manager at the corporate office of a large staffing agency. I’ve been in Corporate America for over 10 years now and it has helped me develop pertinent leadership skills that transfer over to my business. Because I have a decade of experience as a professional, I know firsthand how your image/style can play a huge role in your professional success. I’ve faced many challenges when trying to establish my personal brand in the workplace and I always share those lessons with women who want to elevate their career and style. I teach my clients how to leverage their style to show up confidently at work. Not only does this improve their mood but it also boosts their confidence and teaches others how you want to be approached.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has so much to offer! I’m still learning of different places myself, but if I had to plan an exciting time for a visitor we would: Head to Negril Village for brunch Go shopping in Atlantic Station and end up at Ponce City Market to do more shopping plus grab a late lunch from their food hall Next we could grab drinks and dinner from Poor Calvin’s The next day, I could see us exploring Old Fourth Ward and getting some exercise on the Beltline We can then go to Bartaco for lunch We will spend the rest of our afternoon at Centennial Olympic Park, touring the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Coca-Cola factory. The next morning, we can hike Stone Mountain and then take a quick road trip to some of North Georgia’s best wineries to relax.

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?
God gets all the credit and the glory. He continues to reveal my purpose to me over and over again, and steps in to be my strength and waymaker throughout this journey. Next, I would have to shoutout my angel, mommy. She was my first example of style, faith, and grace that continues to live within me forever. My husband, Bryan, always has the front row view of my journey. He steps in to support me emotionally and financially to make sure all of my needs are met. My dad and stepmother keep me grounded and are always in my corner rooting me on. I also have to shoutout my therapist, friends, accountability partners, and supporters. Without any of these people, I wouldn’t still be on this journey to helping women look and feel powerful.

Website: www.shaquannachappelle.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shaquannachappelle

Image Credits
Images: Howell Design Studios Book cover design: Seriously Creative Designs