Today we’d like to introduce you to Shirley Metellus.
Hi Shirley , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hey Boo thangs & Bro thangs! Here’s my story.
It all started in middle school. Growing up, I was extremely shy and didn’t really have a voice, but what I did have was a creative eye. While back-to-school shopping for my 8th grade year, I wanted to make my mark and finally be seen and heard for once. I was only able to pick two pairs of shoes for the school year, so I decided to make my choices fashionably bold.
Walking into my new classroom, I felt out of place, yet unique from everyone else. I thought I had probably blown it by choosing exotic shoes instead of playing it safe, but my classmates thought otherwise. For the first time, I received compliments on my style from the “cool” kids. All because I took a risk, embraced being myself, and stopped caring about what others thought.
That was the moment I found my voice — and it was through fashion.
From then on, I decided I wanted to become a fashion designer when I grew up. After high school, I became part of the first graduating class of a brand-new school that had opened the very same year I graduated. It felt mind-blowing because, at the time, I had been praying to God for an affordable fashion school to miraculously appear — and He answered my prayers. Even though I didn’t have a relationship with God at the time, He already had one with me.
During fashion school, we participated in many fashion shows that involved doing makeup for our models, and that’s when my love for makeup began. After graduating, I started pursuing both my fashion and makeup careers separately, but things didn’t turn out the way I had planned. So, I took a step back and used that break to grow my relationship with God.
During that season, He showed me who He is, who I am, and what He has planned for my life. Years later, I got baptized, went back to school for makeup, became licensed, and started our business again.
I say “our” because without God, I would not be the successful entrepreneur I am today. He was the missing — and most important — piece of the puzzle. I tried building it without Him, and it failed. I tried again with His grace and the gift of a second chance, and now I’m amazed at how far the business has come and continues to grow.
The Garden of Slay is not just a business — it’s a ministry. Beauty and fashion were first found in the Garden of Eden, where it all started…in the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely was not a smooth road, especially balancing both makeup and fashion. Although the two industries are different, they also complement each other perfectly when it comes to creating a masterpiece. One of my biggest challenges was multitasking and helping people understand why I chose to combine both passions into one brand. Over time, I realized that beauty and fashion are meant to work hand in hand, and once people experienced my vision, they were able to see how powerful and beneficial that combination truly is.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At The Garden of Slay, I bring beauty and fashion together as both a fashion designer and professional makeup artist. I specialize in custom-made dresses, alterations, and special occasion makeup, creating full glam experiences for clients who want to look and feel their best for their big moments.
I’m especially known for my custom prom designs and detailed makeup artistry. One of my proudest accomplishments was creating and altering 11 prom dresses during prom season, with two of those designs going viral on social media. Seeing my work be recognized and celebrated on such a large scale was an unforgettable moment for me and my brand.
What truly sets me apart is that The Garden of Slay is a one-stop slay shop. My clients can come in, get their makeup professionally done, and then change into a custom-designed look all in one place. It turns getting ready into a full experience — almost like the ultimate girls’ day. I love being able to help people feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated through both fashion and beauty.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, God. Without Him, I truly don’t know where I would be — not only in business, but as a person. All praises belong to Him because none of this would be possible without His guidance, grace, and favor over my life.
My parents also deserve so much credit for believing in my dreams and never forcing me into the traditional career paths many Caribbean parents hope for, like becoming a doctor, nurse, or lawyer. They allowed me to fully pursue my passion for fashion and beauty. Especially my mom, who bought me my very first sewing machine — the same sewing machine I used to create my very first design, which was my high school prom dress.
My sister Ashley has also played a huge role in my journey. She was always my first model, first client, and my “guinea pig” for every new look, project, or creative idea I wanted to try. She also gave me the nickname “shirSLAY,” which later inspired the name behind my brand, The Garden of Slay.
I’m also incredibly thankful for my loyal clients, especially one client later turned friend, Garlley. During that season when I took a break from my business, I remember telling her that I didn’t think this career path was the right decision for me anymore. She encouraged me not to give up and continued supporting me, even when she was one of my only clients during that time booking me. That kind of support meant more to me than she probably realizes.
And lastly, my boyfriend Derby, who believed in me and my dreams while I was in beauty school and even after graduating. His encouragement constantly reminded me to bet on myself, stop waiting around, and fully go after my goals. His support gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward, even during uncertain moments. Today, his support continues to help push through my everyday challenges at business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shir.slay?igsh=a2wyMTluMml6anR2&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shirslay?si=UFoy8stGI-3sUQ_C
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shir.slay?_r=1&_t=ZP-96WSHKPSajv
