Her Story
About Shantel
Shantel Collins is a business professional with over 14 years in the financial industry and event management. She works at Fidelity Investments and founded Taylor Confetti in March 2012, serving as its owner where she provides corporate and social event services. She is board chair and finance chair for Mortar Cincinnati, a nonprofit supporting marginalized entrepreneurs, and a member of the African American Chamber of Commerce. She holds an accreditation as an event planner and designer from iWED and attended Northern Kentucky University where she co-chaired the professional business leaders group. She began her career in retail at Macy's before joining Fifth Third Bank for over a decade, advancing through promotions in consumer, commercial, and treasury management areas. Her business was selected to provide decor for the Cradle of Coaches documentary preview at Miami University.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shantel
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute it to my family. My mom has been an entrepreneur since she was young as a cosmetologist, building great clientele over many years. That taught me entrepreneurship from a young age. My children also inspire me to show that whatever you set your mind to can be done, whether in movies, theater, or events, with no limits.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell her that her possibilities are endless through hard work and consistency. I always encourage people to fail forward. When you have failure, that's actually a great learning lesson. Take that learning lesson, don't get discouraged, continue to fail forward, take risks, push yourself, and you will reap the success of not being afraid to take risks.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenge is I am sought out for amazing opportunities but it's hard when I'm still working full-time to take hold of those opportunities, and financially as well. I aspire to raise money to get a van for my business to transport larger event items instead of renting a U-Haul or truck. Those are my two challenges: not having enough time to take on a lot of clients, and fundraising for the van.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Definitely faith, so I do believe in God, and whether things are going well or not, you have to keep the faith. And family. Faith and family are definitely my top two. I really value my village between my family and my husband's family, keeping that close to home. No amount of success could ever take away from having my faith in God and my family.
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