Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanell Washington.
Hi Shanell, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started modeling in March of 2018 at Kenneth Caldwell’s CaldtoArt body paint runway. Prior to that show, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, no purpose or passion, I was a 23 yr old single mom just getting by with my daughter but when I hit the runway the night of the show my whole life changed. A spark went off and I knew I wanted to model for the rest of my life and from there I took every opportunity that came my way. By September 2018 I had featured in over 8 fashion shows, a variety of photoshoots, and had just signed a modeling contract for a local talent agency but God had other plans for me.
October 4, 2018, I found out I was pregnant and modeling was put on hold. May 24, 2019, I welcomed my son into the world and I was now a mom of two. I dedicated a whole year to my son and my family and did not do any modeling but I never lost my passion, it only grew. May 2020 I did my first photo shoot after my son’s birth not knowing that photoshoot would birth the idea of my business. S. Lashay Production. I did plenty of photoshoots after that and although modeling is fun and enjoyable, I found myself doing all the background work for my pictures and enjoying the behind the scenes more. Plus I wanted to build longevity in my career, so I begin offering my services to others, creating sets and ideas for models to participate in and that eventually lead to the Fashion Galleries.
Fashion Galleries are Fashion shows I put on that feature local models, designers, artist and creatives. I titled the shows Galleries because that’s exactly what it is, A display of art. Art comes in all shapes and forms and S. Lashay Productions Fashion Gallery allows every creative an equal opportunity to showcase their art/talent. We are currently putting on another Fashion Gallery titled From the Concrete coming March 2022, a showcase for local designers who’s clothing is handmade or custom made.
In addition to Fashion Galleries, Narrative Photography, Creative sets building and styling, we also offer model workshops an opportunity for new and established models to learn and perfect their craft. Our Model workshops feature local models, designers, creative directors, photographers, hair styles, mua’s, etc. providing them yet another opportunity to showcase their talents on our platform. S Lashay production is all about the community, We just want to provide everybody an equal opportunity to shine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting to where I am not had not been easy. Getting pregnant with my son along the way made me so insecure, especially because I got pregnant when I thought everything was going so well. I also made it a point to rebrand myself after having my son and establish myself as a creative director first and model second, that has been and continues to be an uphill battle although I think people trust me as a creative director now that I have successfully put together a Fashion Gallery. Also, Social Media is not my thing either so I struggle with engaging and keeping my social media updated with everything I have going on for my business but I continue to set goals and dedicate time to my career.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner and lead model of S. Lashay Productions we provide styling services, Narrative Photography, Creative Set Building, Model Workshops and Fashion Galleries (Fashion shows) which feature local models, Photographers, stylist, model coaches, hairstylist, MUA’s, musical artist, and more.
I am most proud of the platform S. Lashay Productions provides to local creatives. I take pride in including every race, body type, gender, height, etc.
You can be purple but if you wear that purple well we want you! We look for Confidence and models who are ready to learn and that’s what sets us apart from others, We provide everyone with equal opportunity.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
First follow your dream and don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do something. Second not all mentors are “better off” than you some of them have genuine experience and advice from trials and errors. Don’t be afraid to do things on your own, if your friends or peers don’t want to do something but you do and you think it’s a good opportunity do it, what works for you doesn’t work for everyone. And lastly, reach out! Send that DM! 9 times out of 10 they have noticed you as well.
Contact Info:
- Email: S.lashayproductions@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/s_lashay_productions
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/PId2cqtUQ5I
Image Credits
David Kenyon Photography
YayaNavi Photography
Jaysha Jile
Dana Lawson
Takilah Swearegene
Nashaya Washington
