Shawn Denise

Reflection Sunday: Stage Fright

The first time I remember having stage fright was when I was 5 years old. My mother entered me in a beauty pageant and I thought I was so cute but I remember looking around in the fitting room at the other girls and their dresses I was like… what has my mama got me into lmao. I was the only girl in black shoes and one of very few black girls in the pageant. To make it worst, they lined us up by last name…. My last name is Brown… I was first!!! lmao

Front and center there I was. Nervous… feeling unprepared in my black shoes and shy as ever. The same “shyness” has been with me my entire life. It was with me at piano recitals I backed out last minute, it was with me during trumpet solos, it was with me in HS & College, it was with me at every and all fashion shows I’ve ever done. The inability to hold my head up walking down the runway or the inability to walk down the runway at all….that stage fright has always existed for me.

This weekend was the first time I’ve acknowledged it to myself and today is my first time speaking on it.

Being an entrepreneur is heavily tied into opening your life and being on that stage and having that spotlight. The same spotlight I’ve ran from my entire life. No matter how cute I was, no matter how well I sounded or played, no matter how hard I worked on my collections my stage fright has held me back from being my very best even when people thought they saw my best. My stage fright has been an untamed beast in my life for decades.

On this Sunday, I recognize something I’ve battled with a long, long time and I’m freeing myself from the burden I’ve placed on myself. I owe it myself but especially that lil 5 year old girl.

I’m not waiting until my birthday to start a new chapter. It starts now…

This is for you 5 yr old LaShawn 😘

SN: Thank you! For pushing me down that stage in DC 🫶🏾 Ash Nicole

Did you know this was a Sleeveless Open Peplum Jacket?

I designed it for multiple functional usage. Wear it as a long vest, jacket or dress! The opinions are endless.

When you design with creating a wardrobe in mind instead of one look, you don’t mind wearing things over and mixing and matching. You’ve had enough of quantity, welcome to quality.

This is PAINT by Shawn Denise - Contemporary & Luxury Brand

Model: Nadirah Nicole ( )
Photographer: Charlie Parks ()
Designer: Shawn Denise
Stylist: Desirae Dennis

Still tired from my trip to Jackson, Thursday evening I quickly made a pattern for a dress to wear to my Granny’s funeral. I cut the fabric at home and stuffed it into a tote bag to take with me to Augusta. Friday evening in my hotel room, I started sewing this dress and literally finished a couple of hours before her service.

Reintroducing ZELLA

ZELLA is a grommet detail for . This detailing is exclusive for all items under ZELLA. The dresses made with ZELLA detailing are unique, sexy and always give the statement you wanted to make. A staple, this is ZELLA.

Iconic Luxury Ruffles

Ruffles are a staple to the Brand. Designed to sway and flow, these ruffles demand your attention with each step. Whether a top, dress, or skirt, these looks are timeless

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