Life & Work with Sharell Daley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharell Daley.

Hi Sharell, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a love for fashion. I grew up admiring my grandmother’s style. She was always extremely stylish and well put together. It didn’t matter where she was going. She was going to get dressed up, honey. Lol. I used to ask her all the time, “NaNa why you always so dressed up.” And she would simply reply, ” I like to look and feel good for myself!” And that has stuck with me my entire life.

Although I have a passion for fashion, I also have a passion for photography! And just like my admiration for my grandmother’s style. I admired my grandfather’s love for photography and film. My G-Pa carried this gigantic video camcorder. I don’t remember if it was a Panasonic or Sony. It was such a long time ago. He then upgraded to a JVC in the early 2000’s. Which for a long time, I consider a downgrade because it was much much smaller. However, it got the job done because we have VHS tapes from my childhood that we will continue to watch until the end of time. Those are memories we are so grateful to Pa for capturing.

I graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2009 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. I just knew I was going to be a wardrobe stylist. styling all the celebrities my little heart desired. Instead, I started working for Abercrombie & Fitch as well as DSW Shoe Warehouse. I didn’t stay at any of those places long. Maybe five months max. I was pregnant at the time and so uncomfortable that I didn’t work anymore until I had my daughter in 2010. In 2011 I wanted to open a clothing boutique and it was going to be called Voguish Styles. Well, I didn’t have any money saved or an income coming in and my daughter and I was living with my cousin and her daughter at the time, so I started working at American Pawn as a pawnbroker. I was able to move my daughter and I into our apartment. I worked at American Pawn for about six years. And in 2016, I decided that the pawnshop life was too dangerous and no longer for me. I no longer wanted to work for anyone else but myself. So I went to beauty school. In 2017, I started Voguish Styles, A hair salon. I know what your thinking, that’s what you wanted to name your clothing boutique. Well yes, back in 2011. I mean, I figured since I’ve been doing hair since I was a little girl and I was good at it why not go get the credentials and become a hairstylist. It’s what my mommy wanted for me. Hair was her passion. She was actually in cosmetology school but had me and dropped out. My mother and my cousin taught me at a very young age how to do hair. At age 12, I was the girl on the block that did everyone’s hair. You’re probably thinking, man, this girl has multiply talents. Although I’ve been doing hair for well over a decade, it was never really my passion. Maybe more of a hobby if you will. Voguish Styles was throbbing and business was good. However, Something was missing. My drive was decreasing and my arthritis as well as carpal tunnel in my hand was getting worse. In 2019 I was forced to shut the salon down temporarily due to the Coronavirus. And let me tell you, I never looked back. I am now a retired hairstylist thanks to Covid-19. During the pandemic, I decided I wanted to sell women clothing. On July 13, 2020 I launched Exquisite Chic boutique online. It has been the best decision I’ve ever made. And although I’m still growing and learning, I don’t regret starting ECB during the pandemic. I did however not like taking photos from my cellphone. Lol. So, I purchased a Canon T7i and started taking my photos and uploading them online myself. Then I realized, wow. I really love taking pictures. I’m extremely passionate about this, I should do this more often professionally. And that’s how Sharell Adele Photography was born 2021.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely nothing smooth about being in the fashion industry or photography industry. You feel like you have to keep up with trends or you have to learn to use photoshop because everyone else is doing it and it’s working for them. It’s just a lot. Honestly, it really just requires both determination and dedication. You have to keep going, keep pushing forward, stay focused, remember why you do what you do, and Keep striving to stand out. Those were the words I would repeat to myself over and over when I would feel like I was failing or I wasn’t good enough. In the beginning, my challenges were of me trying to figure out what sets me apart from others in my industries. Why should they shop ECB or get their portraits done with Sharell Adele. It’s simple, There’s only one me and I set the bar high for myself. I’m committed and passionate about what I do. I choose not to follow trends, I set them. I have my own unique style and that’s what sets me apart from everyone else. Following the trends is not my forte.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wife, mom, boutique owner, wardrobe stylist, photographer, Zumba instructor, who’s also a retired hairstylist and model, I do a lot. Lol. I’m extremely proud of my role as a mom and a wife. Having a daughter taught me the importance of self-worth. My daughter just turned 11 and the older she gets the more she looks up to me and want to follow in my footsteps. I’m teaching her to believe in herself and in others. It’s not only important to know your worth but understanding that others are worthy as well. We are all equal in God’s eyes. My compassion and love for others is what set me apart from everyone else. I enjoy styling women of all shapes and sizes and then capturing those memories on camera. I am known for being the woman that can style you from head to toe (yes, sometimes I go back to being a hairstylist for a day or 2) I don’t take anything I do for granted. I embrace it all with open arms PASSIONATELY!!! You know you’re doing something right when Your daughter and husband tell you that their proud of you!

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is at my mom and dad’s wedding. If I can go back to that day for just 24hrs, I would. My cousin was alive, my mom was alive, my nana was alive (my mom’s mother). My g-pa and g-ma was alive (my dad’s parents). Their wedding day will always play in my head. Everyone was happy and healthy. We ate good and danced the night away. It was such a good time. I would want nothing more than to share this moment with them. My many accomplishments. Although I know, that’ll never be. I know they are smiling down on me proudly. Especially my mother.

My dad is so strong. He’s all we have left and we try to spend as much time together as possible. Life isn’t promised and we have to make the best of our new normal.

Contact Info:

• Email: info.exquisitechic@gmail.com
• Website: www.exquisitechic.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/exquisitechicboutique www.instagram.com/passionate_shepreneur

Image Credits:
Personal photo credits: My husband, @chefdavid89 I taught him well Additional Photo Credits: Yours truly @passionate_shepreneur