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

Hi Shemika, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Pole Dancing helped to shape the person I am today. It gave me the ability love myself in ways I never imagined, and being able to assist other people in their journey of self love and acceptance is an honor. Becoming a Pole Instructor and entrepreneur was not my intended path in life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, I work in the banking industry as an Instructional Designer and Facilitator. Surprisingly enough, being a pole instructor taught me the skills necessary to be effective in my professional life. Pole dancing is still taboo, so having the courage to express my passion with my employers is challenging. However, being unapologetically me has awarded me the opportunity to have a professional career and indulge in entrepreneurship.

Body Love Movement LLC was established in 2017 as a reminder to myself and others that we must continuously love on ourselves, embrace our uniqueness, and march to our own beat!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Houston is THEE city for fun and excitement! Culturally, Houston has some of the best food from BBQ to TexMex to Cajun!

First stop would be in Third Ward where there are AMAZING black owned restaurants such as Turkey Leg Hut, Bar 5015, and The Address!

Third Ward is also the home to Texas State University where our favorite Hottie, Meg Thee Stallion graduated.

Then we would hit up Midtown for an Astros game, then downtown for some shopping at The Galleria!

Can’t forget about the Houston Rodeo, where the best of the best come out in their cowboy boots and hats! The Houston Rodeo has some of the best performers, food, rides, and games the city can offer! You’re not a Houstonian if you miss the rodeo!

The nights never end with country line dancing, mechanical bull riding, zydeco, and the best hookah bars in the south!

Houston is a VIBE and there’s always something for someone!

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?
My big sister, Tiana, played a big role in my pole journey. After having a pole party for her birthday, I followed her lead and NEVER looked back. All in all, my family and friends have been so supportive of my journey, and the pole community has embraced me with open arms! I couldn’t have done this without them.

Website: https://linktr.ee/Bodylovemovement

Instagram: Utterbeauty

Facebook: Utterbeauty

Image Credits
Capturedbycg – Chrystal Golden

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.