Model Shuntel “Telli” Swift is an entrepreneurial powerhouse who is putting her own stamp on modern womanhood. The former “WAGS Atlanta” star parlayed her reality TV turn into a profitable career as a brand ambassador for several big names, including Balenciaga and Fashion Nova. She hosts a podcast called “Telli Talks,” provides luxury concierge services, and founded Boxing Wags Association, a nonprofit that raises funds to donate to multiple charities.
In this exclusive interview with rolling out, the mom and mentor shares the unfiltered truths about her life.
How do you describe yourself?
I’m an entrepreneur. First, I’m a mother. Then, I’m an entrepreneur. I’m a woman of God. I wear many hats. I have a podcast, I model, and I do luxury concierge services, which include villas, private jets, yachts around the world, and Michelin chefs as well. I do charity work. I have my own charitable organization that caters to women, children, and men as well.
You trademarked the word “fempowerist.” What does that mean?
To me, it’s being a woman who empowers other women, as well as empowering yourself. Your God-given gift of who you are and why you’re in this world is what makes you a powerful woman.
Where did this desire to want to empower come from?
I feel like in the world that we live in, it’s so much negativity and so much darkness. I just wanted women, including myself, to feel like we are what we are. You know, whether it’s in relationships, whether it’s in work, I feel like the man is the head. You know, the Bible says the man is the head, but the woman is the neck that makes sure that head moves around and stays stable and in place.
If you could sit down with any woman in the world and have dinner, have some girl time, who would you choose?
There are two for me: Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. I think they are two very strong, powerful women who have gone through life and have had very different experiences, but are strong in their own light. Very inspirational. Oprah and her story; Michelle Obama and her journey — being that neck to her man. There were times I felt like she was the president. So, if I could have dinner, it would definitely be a tie between the two of them.
You’re also a mother. What’s that like, seeing your influence on your children?
I want my children to look at me as someone they can look up to, someone they respect, and someone they know is strong — the best person they could want their mother to be. I want to make sure they have morals, standards and manners and know how to act in front of people.
How do you stay true to yourself every day?
I start with just brushing my teeth, and when I finally make it into the shower, I kind of go through my day like, “All right, girl, you got this.” Even knowing that I might not get everything done, I make sure I give myself affirmations to know that it’s going to go smoothly, God has me, and whatever path he needs me to take today, I’ll take that path.
What tips do you have for women who want to create businesses or brands?
Believe in your brand. Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in your brand, nobody else will. Find your target audience. Find out who you’re selling to, what they like, and what they’re buying. Find a market or price point that works for your audience. Create a budget — knowing you’re going to go over it.
When all the work is done, where do you see yourself?
I love the tropics. I love heat more than I do cold. I’m a professional scuba diver, a certified scuba diver, so I love to scuba dive. It’s so much fun. You literally feel like Ariel when you’re down there. So, anywhere I could scuba dive … the beach … and just being able to relax, lay down, not have my phone, and not get stressed out — that would be amazing.
Photography by Michael Ricardo