Meet Shannon Phillips in Mesa and Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Phillips.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m originally from Davenport, Iowa. Not only am I am Dancer, Choreographer, Photographer, and Fashion model but I’m a mother to a King whose 5. By day I work for Spotify through 24-7intouch, by night I’m an all-around artist and mother.

Since High School I’ve been complimented on my style and fashion sense. I’m known to be original and unique. I dress comfortably and to my own standards. After all fashion is expression and I express myself very well.

I lived in this creative space until I went off to college in 2011. I attended Columbia College Chicago for 2 years, as a Dance Major. While I was there I was signed to The Keen Agency for a year. This is where my passion for modeling grew. As I developed and attended workshops I knew this was something I wanted to do for a lifetime.

I ended up moving to Western Illinois University to finish out my education. Moving also meant leaving my agency. This was the point I began being my own agent. I began to book myself frequent work in the Chicago area with emerging designers and photographers.

While at WIU I dove into dance and my first love, photography. Through photography I meet people connected with fashion. In these short two years I joined a modeling group on campus called GLAM. An organization known as the fashion extravaganza with a positive atmosphere for students with a passion for fashion. Our mission was to diversify the amount of places in which students can go to meet like-minded individuals with the same passion as themselves. We focused heavily on enhancing leadership skills, confidence and individual style while also counter-attacking the discrimination in the modern day fashion industry by accepting models of all shapes, sizes, genders, and personalities. Being with this group grew my insane love for fashion.

I finished in 2016 with a BA in Political Science/Pre-law and minor in dance. After walking across the stage, I moved halfway across the states to sunny AZ. Here I connected with Tricee Thomas in December 2016 as a runway model. From there I begin gaining work with local designers like Embellished Jewelry and Shop Miss Honey. I was featured on FOX10 with Blue Dune Studio, ABC15 and Arizona Midday with Tricee Thomas. I’ve worked with world known photographer Phil Knott and Guido in L.A. I’ve also been published in a few magazines.

The work I’m most proud of here is my runway experience. I’ve went to LA to train with Rio Summers of America’s Next Top Model. The Model Experience gave us elite runway training with Rio, 2 solid photo shoots to add to our comp cards, and a runway show at LA Live. I took the training their and applied it to my work in AZ. With this training I’ve walked for Label Horde Fashion Show, On Central Downtown Phoenix Fashion & Art Weekend, and Phoenix Fashion Week Spring into Style: Spring Runway Trend Show, And Arizona Eco Fashion Week.

With the help of Tricee Thomas I’ve also gotten the chance to give back. I was chosen to be the Model Director for The Garment League. I trained and handled 130 plus models ranging from children to adults (https://www.oncentralphoenix.com). We are a group of extraordinary, creative, industry talents hand-picked by Tricee Thomas, Founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization, to help revitalize the Fashion and Art scene for Downtown Phoenix. Our mission is to create artistic events for the enjoyment and unity of the community, while helping and raising awareness for Partners of other Foundations.

We kicked off our first annual On Central – Phoenix Fashion & Art Weekend that took place at Cityscape in downtown Phoenix, March 17, 2018. The event showcased Phoenix’s most talented fashion designers, artists and trendsetters on a Central Avenue runway. We literally put our runway on the street, what’s more epic than that! The event coincided with the 30th Anniversary of Art Detour, produced by Artlink Inc. in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Downtown Phoenix Inc.

Apart of my job as Model Director is giving the models the proper tools to effectively walk the runway. Not only that, but give a new found confidence. I’m only there to enhance the great qualities we saw from the start. Being able to help models find this light and truth is important.

My work with The Garment League has inspired me so much. After climbing up so many ladders and finding so many truths on my own, I began to see how useful this info would’ve been 4 year ago. With that in mind I began crafting a workshop geared towards the aspiring model. To get out the proper info on how to successfully enter the fashion world. In May of this year I was able to see this workshop come to life in my hometown. I was sponsored by Diamond Ministries to hold and affordable workshop for aspiring models. The support and turnout from my hometown was amazing. My hometowns local paper got in on the fun as well http://qconline.com/news/davenport-native-loves-to-model-good-looks-confidence/article_d7bf8a62-a01b-5694-8624-7a60e1e4a053.html.

My personal work so far has proven two things: You can do anything you put your mind to & you can help those around you. I want to continue to show how a working model can knock down goal after goal. With the right tools and the right knowledge you can have your dreams.

Has it been a smooth road?
Could have been smoother. But remember, anything worth having is worth fighting for. I didn’t have access to anything related to runway modeling growing up. I felt like discovering this late set me back a bit. The biggest issue was getting CORRECT info about the fashion industry from good hearted people. The industry is filled with scammers and dream stoppers. That didn’t stop me, I found the info needed and prevailed anyways.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m an all-around artist. I make art that reminds people to love themselves and the people around them. We’ve been conditioned to think and act in certain ways. Most times these ways are negative and hurtful to our journey. It’s useful to identify issues, truly dissect it, and then actively love yourself with the new knowledge in mind. Only then well you truly love yourself in full.

I’m known for:
-Fashion Model
-Model Director
-Photographer
-Choreographer
-Dancer
-Stylist/ Creative Director
-Social Media Agent

I’m most proud of my work with The Garment League.

What sets me apart from most? My authenticity, I’m here to truly help the aspiring. I know the struggle and I’m here to aid the journey.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think this is a good place for modeling. There’s so many aspiring models in the Phoenix area. We want to spark their attention and get them talking. Many brands and fashion leaders are moving to the area. It has a lot of potential to grow into something marvelous. Everyone in the fashion community just has to keep pouring into it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oncentralphoenix.com/
• Phone: 5636760625
• Email: shannonp.collaboration@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.sovereign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignShannon/
• Other: http://www.sovereignsvibe.com/

Image Credit:
Yellow shot Photographer: Steel Frame Designs
Green Background Photographer: Steel Frame Designs
Afro w/ Denim Photographer: Josue Flores
Black body suit on concrete: Alyssa Orr Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.