An Inspired Chat with Schellbie Bibbins of Downtown

Schellbie Bibbins shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Schellbie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What battle are you avoiding?
Right now, I’m actively pushing back against complacency. I’ve realized that as life has become more stable and comfortable, it’s also become harder to make the bold sacrifices necessary for a better future. Stability is good—but I’m striving for greatness! And my first step will be the opening of Rousseau’s ATL!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Schellbie Bibbins. While I’ve been widely recognized for my clothing brand and work as a wardrobe stylist, I’ve recently made an exciting career shift into the legal field with plans to become an Entertainment Lawyer. Outside of that, I’m pursuing a long-time dream of opening a speakeasy and wine bar in Atlanta called Rousseau’s ATL, set to open in 2026. I’ve poured my heart into creating a unique experience that blends creativity, community, and culture. This space will cater to both artists and wine lovers, offering a carefully curated, niche wine-tasting experience unlike anything else in the city.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I had to choose one path and stick to it in order to have true meaning, but I no longer see life that way. I’ve realized that we aren’t meant to live within limits. If I had followed that mindset, I would’ve kept myself in a box and never decided to pursue Rousseau’s ATL. Instead, I’ve chased every dream that called to me, and I’ve made each one a reality. That freedom has kept me evolving, pushing myself, and growing into the best version of who I’m meant to be.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me to truly lean on and appreciate God in a way that success never could. Over the past year, I faced one of the hardest challenges a mother can endure. I lost touch with who I was and devoted everything to caring for my daughter, Montana. In that quiet pain, I experienced how deeply God can show up when you need Him most. It was in the struggle, not the success, that I discovered the power of God’s healing and the strength of my own faith.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is exactly who I am, there’s no performance, no mask, and no watered down version. I don’t believe in pretending to be anything I’m not. I may not share everything with everyone, but who I present to the world is 1000% me. I’m deeply confident in myself, and that confidence doesn’t allow space for facades. My presence is felt, my authenticity is undeniable, and I carry myself the same way in every room, whether it’s full of strangers or people who know me best.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family. There’s something about being surrounded by genuine love that makes everything else disappear. My husband and daughter bring a calm to my daily life that I never knew I needed. And the family I come from has given me a foundation of peace that continues to steady me. When I’m with them, nothing else matters. I could take my last breath in that moment and feel completely content, knowing I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @rousseausatl
• Other: Tiktok: @rousseausatl