Allow me to reintroduce myself, my name is Shel, Shel, s to the… just kidding, I love Jay Z. I’m Shelly Land, and I’m a proud single mother of five, GG (Glamma Goddess) of six, and great auntie. Despite the obvious obstacles, I pursued my dreams. We control our destiny.
My Journey
In 2000, a gentleman walked into our salon to pitch a multi-line cell phone account. I didn’t hesitate, I immediately asked about his job. Within days, I was working as an outside sales rep for eTel Superstore, and quickly rose to become the top salesperson. Shortly after, I launched Shell’z Cellz independently.
Fun fact: When T-Mobile launched I was one of the first female, African – American, authorized retailers in this area. I didn’t need credit or money to pick up inventory, my work ethic, integrity and drive spoke volumes. I was afforded the opportunity to use the consignment system.
Eventually, before it was trending, I was a serial business owner. Nail tech, cell phones, clothes/handbags, notary, can’t begin to count the MLMs, smh! I was even a mortgage consultant, sold gold fronts, graphic designs (marketing materials, before Vista Print I did everything at Kinkos!!!), folks would joke about me having various ventures at once.
Later I opened a boutique with my son. I created jewelry, embellished stilettos, name tags, clutch bags, and we sold clothes/handbags. Shell’z Cellz n Diva Land was born, some time after Land Enterprises, LLC.
Proud Single Mom
It was invigorating and beneficial to have my children as teammates, because I didn’t need daycare for awhile. I recall my baby being a marketing exec at three. “Do you have a cell phone? You want to buy a house?” Another memory, is of my oldest son, then sixteen. He said, “I want to leave a legacy, and build an empire.”
Greatness exudes from my children, nephew and grands/great nephew. Most of my family, bio and non are doing amazing things. Moreover, I am selfless, innovative, creative, love networking, inspiring and helping others, karaoke and a host of music genres. Also, I’m a twin.
More About Me
I’m creative like my mom. I have an entrepreneurial, outgoing spirit and love of music from my father. He used to say I was his princess and I was destined for greatness whenever I felt down. Music was a big part of my life, he was a performer too. Equally important, my selflessness, nurturing, and strong work ethic extend from my maternal grandparents. They played music constantly. I listen to songs while blogging, and sometimes I include them.
As a child, I dreamed of being a columnist like Ann Landers. I would read the newspaper with my grandmother in the mornings, and it was super cool to discover that Ms. Landers was a twin too!
Another pastime was watching the news, where I was fascinated by Alveta Ewell. I imagined being on TV one day. During high school, I developed an interest in tech and graduated with a vocational diploma focused on computer programming. Still, my passion was writing, and I was also an avid reader. I received a Phyllis Wheatley scholarship after writing a standout piece my senior year, which led me to begin college as a mass communications major.
I still remember being the only one on campus with a briefcase, my father obliged, of course. Heehee! I wanted to be different, to look professional, and to stand out.
Later on, I recall wanting to launch a publication to promote my designs and spotlight other crafty folks, while also opening a networking space. Long story short, I created my first website and, over time, started blogging. Now I’m working on building a site with code for a new venture, The Vitality Link (I thought it would be an app…heehee). So, my programming background has come full circle, and I launched a virtual networking space called The Hub.
I was super excited when one of my blog sites made it onto a reputable Top 100 list back in 2018. I didn’t end up creating a magazine, but as a returning student my first article headlined the Spartan Echo. In 2021, I also self-published financial literacy eBooks. I started on Amazon, left for a while, and recently decided to use them again.
Additionally, I’m a forever learner. After an exemplary academic performance, as well as supporting fellow classmates, I was thrilled when asked to be a mentor via Coursera, a reputable online learning platform. I started my education at NSU as a nervous 17-year-old and look forward to completing as an unwavering GG.
Notice how I talk about myself, but I mention my family. Unquestionably, my family is my motivation, I live for them, through them. They are light! I love them immensely.
Sky’s The Limit
Lastly, owning up to my flaws is monumental. I’m not perfect, I’m human. A strong desire for success and obstacles (which only build character) keeps me driven.
My advice, implement self-love/care, work on short-term goals, plan long-term goals, keep going! Health is absolutely wealth, take care of yourself.
“Anything you put your mind to, put your grind to…” in Jeezy’s voice!”
Limitless | Abundance | Nurtures | Determination