In this interview, we sit down with Shelly Castle, a resilient entrepreneur and author, to learn about her inspiring journey. From growing up in poverty in Houston, Texas, to breaking barriers in the male-dominated transportation industry, Shelly’s story is one of determination, strength, and perseverance. Through her experiences, she has not only built a successful business but also written a book, Spread The Word, I’m Making It Happen, which is an Amazon Best-Seller. Shelly shares her insights on leadership, overcoming challenges, and empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Let’s dive into her story.
Shelly Castle: Early Life and Journey
Shelly Castle: Well, I was born and raised in Houston Texas, and born in Jefferson Davis Hospital. I grew up in poverty and my family was very poor. I had my mom, dad, and 2 sisters. I was the middle child.
My older sister Angela was an angel and a gift 🎁 from the lord. She had severe disabilities and passed away in September of 2000 from a heart attack from her epilepsy when I was 21. We were really close.
My younger sister Mylinda, we fought like cats and dogs. She was the baby and was spoiled! But the whole story is in my book 📕! “Spread The Word: I’m Making IT Happen!
I was right in the middle and lost between two worlds and felt left out.
Maintaining Quality and Exclusivity in High-End Fleet Services
Shelly Castle: I maintain quality by maintaining our vehicles well and using only well-maintained vehicles and impeccable drivers. I always send the driver’s number and info, that is picking up my clients and following up on their experience and if they are happy. I ask for reviews and referrals. Those word-of-mouth referrals.
The Role of Technology and Innovation in Shaping the Business
Shelly Castle: It has helped some, but I am limited on it due to finances. I am running a business by myself and with no capital, no investor, or money!
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry and Empowering Women
Shelly Castle: Well, it is very tough being a woman in this industry, so a lot of barriers. I just keep showing up and showing out and doing my best to differentiate myself from the rest. I do my best to exceed my client’s expectations and that is all I can do. It is hard to get any help, cause I am a woman-owned business and woman in business! I am getting people on LinkedIn who are genuinely and gracefully helping me with services for free.
The Significance of International Women’s Day as a Female Business Owner
Shelly Castle: An international day that celebrates women, strong women leaders making an impact in their communities and changing lives. A day to celebrate us and the ones striving for greatness and inspiring the universe.
Challenging Misconceptions About Women in the Transportation Sector
Shelly Castle: Miss conceptions that a limo driver is a man, in a black suit, and Escalade! They don’t think women can do the same thing!
Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship as a Single Mom
Shelly Castle: Well, my son is grown now and doesn’t support me or talk to me really! I had a hard life and wasn’t there for my son; because I was always working to provide and give him everything he wanted and needed. I missed out on a lot, but I can’t change the past and the situation. I did the best I could and that’s all I could do or God would ask for. I paid for everything for him, so he could just focus on his studies and not work and go to college and I get the short end of the stick! Kids feel entitled, ungrateful, and unappreciative and karma comes back. They will see how it is and how bills are real and this world is. He feeling it now and seeing the other end of the spectrum and adulthood.
The Inspiration Behind “Spread The Word, I’m Making It Happen”
Shelly Castle: Honestly, I’ve been put into a lot of magazines, because of inspiring people on LinkedIn. Honestly, someone also that I inspired on LinkedIn, referred my story and inspiration, to the publisher MyStory Biographies and they called me. They said Shelly Castle, yours is a special case and someone called and told us your inspiring story and we want to hear more. We want to make you an established author hear your whole story and help you make it happen in 2024 and beyond! We want to manifest that your book, is gonna manifest your company and give you everything your heart desires and dreams of. That My Book will give me the grand storefront that I want, with all my employees, vehicles, and so much more. So I didn’t know I was gonna become an author and it’s the best thing ever.
The Impact of Shelly’s Story and Book on Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
Shelly Castle: It would definitely inspire them and push them to reach their highest limits like no other. It will show them even through life challenges and obstacles, that they can achieve anything with strong dedication, determination, willpower, strength, togetherness, and more.
To never stop and never give up. That they can do all things through Christ, who strengthens them. Philippians 4:13.
Advice for the Next Generation of Female Leaders
Definitely make sure you have money saved up, before starting a business. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that option. God saved my life and gave me a reason and passion to live again. Well, that’s my story and why I started my company and I’m sticking to it! So stay inspired follow all my pages on social media and use me and my services if you come to Houston Texas. Support the strongest woman entrepreneur, and author in the universe. Impeccable Rideshare LLC- A high-end fleet service in Houston Texas.
Do it!
Don’t excuse!
Don’t stop!
Don’t quit!
Win 🏆
Losers excuse!
Losers try!
Losers give up!
Losers sink and drown!
Why lose, when you can win and be a winner? Win 🥇 🏆
Appreciation for Sharing Your Story
Thank you, Shelly, for sharing your incredible journey with us. Your resilience, determination, and strength are truly inspiring, and your story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.
