Shella is the reigning Miss Connecticut US Nation 2021 titleholder. Shella began modeling 4 years ago when she was at the mall, someone came up to her and told her that she was beautiful and she should model. The model and beauty enthusiast has come a long way from being bullied most of her life and told that she would never succeed in what she does because of her skin tone “I was always humiliated and told I was very ugly. I was very insecure and scared to do anything in front of the public, let alone for myself”, Shella recalls. After a year of considering it, she decided to give it a try. “I started by freelancing and really get comfortable in front of the camera by creating a portfolio for myself”, says Shella.

She began taking modeling classes with John Casablancas and as she continued her journey, her confidence grew. Shella then attended an audition for the Miss US Nation pageant for the opportunity to represent her state at the national pageant. In addition to pageantry, it would also open the opportunity for her to walk for Fashion Weeks on a global scale with Super Chic Fashion Week. Being selected to represent Connecticut and advance to the national pageant which was held on October 24th in Las Vegas, NV was an outstanding accomplishment- where Shella placed 1st Runner Up for the national title in her division. In addition to being featured at Super Chic New York Fashion Week Fall 2021 season.

Shella believes that the modeling industry is about having confidence and really pushing to strive in the fashion world. With her title, she wants to give back to her community and become an inspiration for the next generation. Not many women of color are able to say that they’ve made it, but with her title- she wants to inspire others that they can be whatever they set their minds to. As a beauty professional, in 5 years from now, Shella is looking to build the 2nd store and create a corporate collection of beauty supply franchises. Not only because it is a personal career goal of hers, but also to provide those with an interest in building a beauty supply business a chance to build on what they love, but also have something to start with if they don’t want to start from the ground up. Nothing means more to Shella than being able to give something to those who don’t have it. Shella is currently helping a man who is 100% blind, “just being able to help him alone makes me feel good and I look forward to helping more people who are homeless and unable to help themselves”, she says.

As Shella continues her journey in the modeling industry, she hopes to achieve more goals. Such as walking in high end runway shows, along with more fashion weeks across the country, in addition to more involvement with branding. Shella would like to break the stereotype within modeling and pageantry that women of color and bigger sized women are also capable of succeeding, not only limited to one particular look and size. “Not only am I a black woman but I am also Haitian and not many of us make it this far and I hope to break the stereotypes and represent the Haitian culture”, says Shella.

Shella is currently seeking sponsorships for her reign. Your business, product or service can be exposed to thousands of Fashion, Beauty industry professionals, and general viewers worldwide at our special Fashion Weeks events, publications, social media and more. Follow Shella on Instagram @missii_shella. For more details, please contact media relations.

Photography Credits: Instagram @jojoprophotography