“It’s not enough to think outside of the box. You have to live outside of it.” These are words that Shillae not only stands by but lives by. Throughout her professional career, she has chosen unconventional paths, from model to IT professional to contractor, shattering any preconceptions of what a professional woman’s career should look like. This Chicago native is breaking barriers one unconventional profession at a time.

As a young girl, Shillae competed in beauty pageants, which soon led to features in magazines, runway shows, international commercials, print ads, TV shows, and music videos. Navigating the modeling world while being a student at California State University Northridge proved challenging, so Shillae decided to pursue her modeling career full-time. This decision led to hosting Vibe Magazine’s TV show, Weekend Vibe, her starring role in Snoop Dogg’s Bossin’ Up, and a host of other roles.

Her entrepreneurial spirit would not limit her to being just the face of someone else’s product. At the age of 21, Shillae opened her first business, Beyond the Hairizon Salon. After years of navigating Los Angeles waters, Shillae embarked on a new adventure in New York City, wanting to set down roots. Her modeling career flourished, and so did her family. Shillae met her husband, settled in Brooklyn, NY, and eventually had two children.

Having developed a keen sense of determination, confidence, and a relentless drive to succeed, Shillae embarked on a professional journey and transitioned to a full-time IT role in the financial space. After her 10-year tenure in IT, having a baby, and working to fix up her own home, Shillae became intrigued with all things home improvement. She decided to take a leave from her IT role and take a construction course, not knowing it would lead to a career path that has been not only fulfilling but life-changing.

Shillae completed her construction course as a top-ranked student and discovered her love of plumbing. Applying to numerous plumbing firms in the Brooklyn area, Shillae landed a job at one of the top firms, where she flourished as a plumbing technician. She became an astute student in all things construction, learning from professional development courses, conferences, and on-the-job experiences with other contractors until she eventually became a contractor herself. Tapping into all the skills she picked up from her other careers, Shillae offers a service that is unparalleled in her industry. Now, Shillae beautifies Brooklyn one renovation at a time.