Entrepreneur: Dope. Smart. Capable.
Shenell Tolson, DrPH is the dopest Doc that you will ever meet. Over the years, I have had the privilege of being included in some very special moments in her life.
“If you're feeling super fancy, muddle a fresh fruit of your choice with the mint. It's Friday night in and you've already taken off your bra. You're welcome." - Shenell Tolson, DrPH
From doing her makeup and taking pics for her book launch of Noa The Little Scientist to providing makeup services for some very dope Women in S.T.E.M. for a special project to taking her photos after she received her Doctorate from Morgan State University, I have been fortunate to experience them all. (2024 Website Refresh - Interview Added to The Blog: Original Post: June 25, 2021)
I asked Shenell our Signature Spotlight questions and this is what she had to say. Read on to recognize the dopeness!:
LBDSAW: Choose 3 words to describe yourself.
SHENELL: Dope. Smart. Capable.
LBDSAW: How would you describe your personal style?
SHENELL: I like what I like. I'm not into new fashion trends. My go-to is still a comfy tee and jeans, but I will put on heels and some lipstick when the occasion calls for it.
LBDSAW: If you are a salad lover, tell me what you'd have in your Signature Salad. SHENELL: My signature salad would be a customized cobb with well-seasoned chicken or shrimp. I'm talking romaine, spinach and mixed greens (gone toss in some arugula too); cucumbers, hard-boiled egg, blue cheese, bacon, avocado, easy on those tiny tomatoes, and really flavorful dressing. If it's a vinaigrette I want it to have a bit of a kick citrus-jalapeno. If it's creamy, I'd want a more Caesar/peppercorn ranch flavor.
LBDSAW: If you are a wine lover, do you prefer red or white?
SHENELL: I'm a Riesling kind of girl preferably, but I enjoy both red and white wines. I'll take a blush too - just stay on the sweeter end of the spectrum.
LBDSAW: If you were to create a signature cocktail, what would be in it (with or without alcohol works)?
SHENELL: My signature cocktail would be a Grand Marnier mojito (Malibu Black Rum, Grand Marnier, Lime juice, fresh mint, agave). Muddle the fresh mint at the bottom of the glass and fill to the brim with ice. Add equal parts Rum and Grand Marnier and the juice of one large, freshly squeezed lime. Add a drizzle of agave to taste - a little goes a long way here. Garnish with a mint sprig. This one definitely packs a punch, but mellows out nicely as the ice melts. If you're feeling super fancy, muddle a fresh fruit of your choice with the mint. It's Friday night in and you've already taken off your bra. You're welcome.
LBDSAW: Where is your favorite place to dine?
SHENELL: Out of the country! I have found that restrictions on additives are more stringent in other countries and to me, the food just tastes better - more authentic. Especially, the fruits.
LBDSAW: What travel destination has been your favorite?
SHENELL: South Africa. I'd love to go back again. It felt so good putting my bare feet on Motherland soil, taking in the food and the sites; and the people are nice.
LBDSAW: Where haven't you been that you'd like to explore?
SHENELL: I'd like to visit other countries in Africa to get a better understanding of the diversity in cultures there and visit my ancestral home.
LBDSAW: What makes you feel the happiest? (Not a person)
SHENELL: I feel happiest when I can relax. I'm always working on something. I really enjoy downtime where I can just exist in a space and just, "be." Give me a blanket and a comfy couch any day of the week.
LBDSAW: What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
SHENELL: I enjoy that I have multiple projects that affect my community in a positive way. Once I reach financial freedom status, I anticipate I will be participating in more downtime.
LBDSAW: What advice do you give to someone pursuing their passion & purpose? SHENELL: Don't quit. That's it.
LBDSAW: What's next for you?
SHENELL: I'm ready to be the next household name in gourmet chocolate. When you think of your next swanky event, I want you to think of "Simplicity Chocolate". I want my chocolate to be included on charcuterie boards at celebrity events like parties, weddings, and other special occasions, in the glamourous swag bags for the big award shows like The Grammys, Emmys, and Oscars, and on the pillows of high-end clientele in Presidential Suites of posh hotels.
LBDSAW: How can folks follow your journey?
SHENELL: WEBSITE: thepublichealthbae.com IG: @thepublichealthbae Twitter: @G_Protein WEBSITE: thesimplicitychocolate.com
LBDSAW: Thanks, Shenell! We'll be following! - MRM
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