Meet Shantel Collins

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shantel Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shantel, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Throughout my life, I have faced challenges related to mental health, but I have learned to persist through a combination of support, self-care, and resilience. One of the most important factors has been leaning on a strong support system—whether it’s family, close friends, or professionals who have helped me navigate difficult moments.

I’ve also developed healthy coping mechanisms that allow me to manage stress and emotions. Whether it’s exercise, journaling, or simply taking time for myself, these small acts have helped me maintain balance. At times, seeking professional help has been necessary, and I’ve learned that there is no shame in reaching out when I need guidance or support.

Perhaps most importantly, I have shifted my mindset around mental health. Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, I try to view them as opportunities for growth. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, each struggle has deepened my self-awareness, empathy, and resilience. Overcoming these challenges has made me stronger, and I continue to learn and grow with each experience.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Creativity has always been at the heart of who I am, and becoming a natural stylist has allowed me to express that in a way that feels both authentic and fulfilling. I see beauty as an art form, and haircutting has become my canvas—a skill I’ve embraced with passion after earning my cosmetology license.

What I love most is the ability to transform not just hair, but confidence. Every cut, shape, and style is an opportunity to bring out the best in someone, enhancing their natural beauty while staying true to their individuality. My approach is intuitive, blending technique with an artistic eye to create looks that feel effortless yet intentional.

Haircutting has become more than just a trade for me—it’s a craft that allows me to connect with people, inspire confidence, and continuously evolve as an artist. I take pride in offering a personalized experience that celebrates natural textures, unique styles, and the power of self-expression.

I’ve always found myself in places just long enough to learn a lesson before life nudges me forward. Every chapter, whether personal or professional, has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Cosmetology has been no different—it came into my life at exactly the right moment, proving that when one door closes, another opens, often with perfect timing.

Haircutting has become more than a skill; it’s a form of artistry and connection that allows me to bring out the best in others. My journey as a natural stylist isn’t just about technique—it’s about intuition, transformation, and embracing the unknown. Each client, each cut, each opportunity reinforces that growth isn’t about staying in one place, but about evolving with every experience.

I’ve learned to trust the process, knowing that change is part of the creative journey. Doors will close, paths will shift, but the right opportunities will always present themselves when I’m ready for them. And in this space, where creativity and purpose align, I’ve found something truly meaningful.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The journey may take time, but what truly matters is that I keep moving—picking up every small step, every mistake, and every lesson along the way. It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity of others, but I’ve learned not to hold it against them. People can only operate from what they know, and sometimes, that’s all they have to give.

I’ve realized that most people aren’t as focused on me as I once thought. Everyone has their own battles, their own struggles, and their own lives to manage. Their opinions, their doubts, and even their negativity are often more about them than they are about me. That’s why I’ve stopped seeking validation and started trusting my own path.

At the end of the day, I have to do what feels right for me. My growth, my journey, and my success are mine to define. No matter how long it takes, every step forward counts. And as long as I keep learning and evolving, I know I’m exactly where I need to be.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not everyone wants to see you win. There will always be naysayers—people who doubt you, question your path, or try to limit your vision because they can’t see what you see. Some will tell you to “fake it till you make it,” as if success is just about appearances rather than the real work, the real growth.

But I’ve learned that resilience is about moving forward anyway—staying focused on my craft, my passion, and my purpose. The people who doubt me don’t define me. Their words hold no weight unless I give them power. Growth isn’t about proving them wrong; it’s about proving myself right, even if that means taking the long way around.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes patience, consistency, and a deep belief in yourself, especially when others don’t. And when doors close or setbacks happen, I remind myself that they’re just redirects—because what’s meant for me will come, exactly when it’s supposed to.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

The most helpful people in my journey of overcoming challenges weren’t the ones who supported me—it was the ones who didn’t. The “no’s,” the doubts, the people who got close but didn’t truly see well for me in the end—they taught me the most. Every time someone told me I couldn’t do something, it only pushed me harder to prove, not to them, but to myself, that I could.

Comfort can keep you still, but resistance forces you to grow. The “yes’s” in my life may have made things easier, but the “no’s” gave me the fire to push forward. I learned that not everyone around me had good intentions, and that was one of the most valuable lessons—not to trust everything I see, but to trust in myself instead.

In the end, I owe my strength to the obstacles, the doubters, and the setbacks just as much as the victories. They shaped my resilience, sharpened my vision, and reminded me that the only validation I truly need is my own.

The most helpful person in my journey of overcoming challenges has been myself. While I’ve had support along the way, I’ve learned that resilience comes from within. I had to decide to keep going, to believe in my vision, and to block out the negativity that could have held me back.

That being said, I also recognize the lessons from those around me—both the encouragers and the doubters. The people who supported me reminded me of my potential, while the naysayers unknowingly pushed me to prove to myself what I was capable of. Even those who may not have had my best interest at heart played a role, teaching me not to take things personally and to stay focused on my path.

At the end of the day, the most powerful lesson I’ve learned is that I have to trust my own process, stay committed to my growth, and keep moving forward—no matter how long it takes.

Contact Info:

• Website: Https://Www.Drshelllocd.com
• Instagram: Https://www.Instagram.com/azdrshell/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azdrshell
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@drshelllocdazcos?si=ammXrYtDhB7NWkOV
• Other: https://cash.app/$PerspectiveCleanLLC
  (Tax exempt eligibility)

Image Credits

All pictures were taken by me. One my devices and or created from a larger photo I removed the background