Shellee  Mendes is a perfect example of not letting humble beginning’s keep you down!  Shellee Mendes the owner of Salon Monet on Boston’s Newbury St. is a self made business women with a passion for life and helping those who are seeking to build a business career of their own! Shellee’s no push over, one of her friends states, “She wasn’t presented with a lot of opportunities yet she made it happen.”

Mendes grew up in public housing developments in Roslindale and Dorchester, and was one of five siblings raised by a single mother.  After graduation from Hyde Park High School, she landed a job in John Hancock Insurance’s billing office. She had two children she was raising alone, but still dreamed of opening a salon. After getting some advice to work in a company downtown Boston from family and friends, Shellee decided to work part-time washing hair for Vidal Sassoon’s Boston salon on Newbury Street. She worked this part-time job raising 2 small children on her own and living in a homeless shelter.  This is what we mean by hard work and perseverance! Shellee says her mentor is Oprah Winfrey! She calls the former talk-show host her greatest inspiration, which is why Shellee Mendes plans for the future are to be a director/president of a shelter to make sure everyone gets a fair chance. When asked where she’ll be in 5 years? 

She replied, I am sure I’ll be doing more appearances business-wise on how I became a successful business women on Newbury St., Boston after being homeless. Also growing my annual girls day “Beauty Business Brunch”.  And starting a nonprofit to aid struggling entrepreneurs. Shelleen Mendas has received honors and awards such as the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for the best small business; also Black Economic Council of MA – honored as . she’s also received several other awards in the past including Improper Bostonian & Best of Boston etc.

(Boston MA, 06/19/18) Greater Boston Chamber 2018 Small Business Night at the TD Garden on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. Staff photo by Matt Stone

In her down time Shelleen Mendas likes to spend time with her family, go to a good movie, Grill not cook because she likes to grill throughout the year.  Most of all, to treat people the way you would like to be treated because that’s what life is all about.

Here are Shelleen’s favorite words to leave with you: “Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on” Live your best life while you can stay classy!