Shontel Greene has lived many lives from the “drug game” to entrepreneurial success. She grew up on the tough streets of Baltimore, Maryland. As a child she led a normal life until her early teen years when her mother became addicted to drugs. Her mother was unable to pay for the house and expenses. The family was faced with an eviction notice. By the age of 14 years old, when most kids are worried about school, friends, movies and summer vacations, Shontel had to contemplate how to pay the bills and how not to lose their house and end up homeless.
She knew the only way to get cash fast was to start dealing drugs.
Shontel had an uncle who was into the drug game, she had to convince him to get her started by providing the upfront funds she needed. Due to her high intelligence, Shontel was able to start her drug dealing business, save the family home and maintain her excellent grades at school.
She built a hugely profitable drug business and had thousands of dollars at her disposal. Shontel wanted to venture out on her own away from her uncle. But on her own on the streets came with incredible danger, from her being kidnapped, robberies, shot at and her best-friend set her up.
Shontel was now a teen “Queen Pin”. Her own uncle who gave her the start into the drug business now wanted her dead.
Shontel was arrested many times and convicted, she received a sentence of 20- years behind bars.
Her life took a positive turn when Judge Johnson reduced her 20-year sentence to weekend jail during her mandatory college matriculation. This was due to her high grades and aptitude.
Her sick and dying mother also begged Shontel to change, she promised her mother she would, and from that day on her new path was taken. She never sold drugs again and knew studying hard was her way to an honest and successful life.
The rest of the story is history, Shontel’s Mastermind helped her get out of the game and turn her life around. Discover how she gave up the hustling lifestyle to become a true “Boss Chick” by creating a legal multi-million-dollar business empire and able to now enjoy a life of luxury while also participating in multiple philanthropic ventures to give back to those in need in the inner city.
Her motto was, “You can’t control the cards you are dealt, but you absolutely can control how you play them.” Shontel was always determined to “Play to win.”
Shontel took the time to answer a Q and A about her life.
Q: As a teen when you entered the drug world, did you worry about your safety and your family?
Shontel: I never worried about my safety. All I cared about at that time was my mother, and grandmother. I was not going to allow my family to go under.
Q: How did you manage to still attend school and excel while being a Queen Pin?
Shontel: It wasn’t easy, however when your back is against the wall, you do what needs to be done. I hustled at night, went to school during the day. I never missed a day in school.
Q: Once you were in prison, how did you stay positive and taking classes towards a degree?
Shontel: I wasn’t in prison every day; I had a crazy sentence. I turned myself in on Thursdays, as I was released to attend school full-time Monday-Wednesday.
Q: When you were released, what were your next steps in your life?
Shontel: I started hunting for jobs. it was hard, because of my record.
Q: What were the first steps in your career once you graduated college and achieved your Master degrees?
Shontel: It’s crazy, most of my background was expunged. However, people knew who I was. I’ve learned how hard it gets with having a background society hate giving 2nd chances, as a result I began to build my own empire.
Q: When did you launch your highly successful health company in Maryland?
Shontel: I opened in 2009. it was hard in the beginning, but I was determined to win.
Q: Once you were a success, did you mentor inner- city teens to prevent them from making the same mistakes you made?
Shontel: Yes, also I catered to people coming home from prison, offering them chances, and the elderly population because they are so left behind.
Q: What are your future goals for your business and personal life?
Shontel: Continue making my company a powerhouse, creating jobs, giving scholarships to kids that are going through the same struggles I encountered.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Shontel: Retired. I have been out of the streets for 38 years; I have worked incredibly hard. I just want to rest peacefully, and continue making a difference.
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