We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Love Philips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what principle do you value most?
Being respectful and authentic. Everyone loves to be treated with kindness, and every person truly deserves that. With all that’s going on in the world, carrying positivity is important. Making people feel good is part of being a good human. If you want positivity to follow you, you must be a positive being. Authenticity comes into play because if you fake being positive or respectful it can be felt. I’ve found being authentic has carried me far. I genuinely want to treat everyone with the upmost respect and care.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Fashion Model, Coach, Dancer, Choreographer, Influencer, Event Planner, Social Media Guru, and Photographer. I’m always looking for an creative outlet to express my emotions. I’m not very emotional I’m either calm or happy. So diving into art allows me to feel all of my emotions comfortably. My art work tends to be vibrant, expressive, and bold. I also put together events. My favorite one is Universal Love. I get a ton of local artist together and highlight their talent and passion. It’s a chance for dope souls to be highlighted and appreciated for being them. My road has been an interesting. At first I was working 9-5s and doing what I loved after work. Now I get to do what I love as my job. I recently started at Corella an Co an academy that focuses on Mental Health through the arts. We help our students through dance, modeling, acting, and fitness. I’m the model coach. All my life I’ve been involved with the youth through the arts. It feels amazing to be in a position to help souls follow their dreams, giving out keys that I wish I had on my journey. The modeling world is very secretive and it shouldn’t be. As the world is shifting into a a area with more representation I fill honored to bring up the next generation. Being able to be a role model to so many souls is fulfilling. The journey was hard for me. I’ve worked so hard in my freelance work and in the jobs I’ve held. You have to be able to fall down and get back up in this industry. You have to keep working and keep fighting. Your dreams don’t happen over night. You work and work until you see the fruits of your labor. While I’m doing that I want to help as many souls with their journeys as I can. I finally found the perfect mix between the two and my life is so sweet now! That’s why my overall message is to spread love. When you give out good energy you will receive good Energy!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s a bunch of gems in AZ and whew are we lucky to experience them. For eating Culinary dropout, Eggrolls from Kashica Maass, Rainbow Salad from Align With Plants- LaNita Nash (she also has tea and a store full of natural products from diff vendors), drinks from Jarrod’s Coffee, Tea, & Gallerry, lo lo’s chicken and waffles, and ATL wings! Def have to take a hike on south mountain, Papago park, really any of the mountains here. Beautiful views. Lakes are pretty cool like lake havasu. There are a bunch of wine vineyards you can go to as well. For things to do, when covid is over, Tempe Center for The Arts has so many cool shows and events for artists, Poetic Soul Phoenix, Black Renaissance has a lot of events that highlight people of color, Phoenix art museum, Shaneland arts, Scottsdale arts, those are just a few but so many more!! If you’re looking to shop check out Nash Vintage Collective, Solstice Intimate, Stardust Cosmetics, Rolling Rack Boutique, Her Stori Wraps, Love Glasses Revolution, KS Garner, A Mood Thrift, and so many others!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A lot of people have played a part in my journey and my success. Key people are: My mother Taronda Hare Mother in law Raslyn Sleet Husband Dwayne Phillips Mentor and Friend Tara Ijai Dance mentor Dorian Byrd Team at Phoenix Fashion Week

Website: https://linktr.ee/ShannonLove
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealshannonlove/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignShannon/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzleyzLBpJg-iwAGmgGk-rw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Black and white red carpet- photos by Gordon -denim jumpsuit and close up headshot: Justin Villal -creative black outfit made by Lamark Cole and photo by Robert Billings Photography -grass background- 12.16 photography -pearl face with all white- MUA Raymond Peeples and photography James Deak

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.