As an artist I’ve always used my real name. What’s funny is I have a nickname that my family calls me but never once have I ever thought to use that as a public figure name even though while I was in grade school everyone including my teachers called me by my nickname. The moment I moved away to college I started using my real name – I become Shireal when I was eighteen. There was never any motive behind it it’s just what felt right.
Shireal Renee is my legal first and middle name. I was named after both of my aunts, my mother’s sister who is Shireat and my father’s sister who is Renee. My aunt Shireat’s name somehow along the years has been pronounced Sharelle so many times that we all just ended up calling her that. So my mother named me Shireal spelled like Shireat replacing the (t) with a (l) and pronouncing it Sharelle after the name my aunt has adopted. It’s all so very complicated but that’s how it is. Maybe that’s why I am so complicated. As far as the name Renee that has always been easier road traveled in my names sake.
Now that you have the history of my name let me explain the branding. When I started my journey as an entrepreneur I always envisioned myself as a household name, but not just as an artist. I knew it would never be enough for me to be known as a great talent I always wanted to leave something behind for my grandchildren – a real legacy a brand. In doing so I decided that my businesses would all be under the “Renee” band umbrella.
Almost ten years ago I had a vision that was By Renee Visions (BRV). I decided that my first company would be called BRV using the word visions because I would create and establish every vision that God gave me. The first company was the publishing company so it is my heart. BRV is the vessel that keeps my blood flowing through my body. As an author it is my therapeutic outlet and as a businesswoman it is my way to give other authors an opportunity to become fulfilled in the writing community.
Five years, four books and a DVD later God gave me the vision to start Renee Shopping Services (RSS). This time sending conformation that the Renee brand was his word by sending me a business partner who was also a Renee. Again God gave me a vision that would serve others solidifying to me that I am one of Gods servants. It is through service that I will find my greatest success and truly fulfill my purpose in this world.
The “RENEE” brand is just getting started. There are so many other visions that God has given me. One thing I have learned along this journey is they will all take a lot of hard work, patience, dedication and an enormous amount of faith. I am excited to see what God has in store for Shireal Renee and all of the Renee ventures. But for now I am putting all of my focus in developing the visions that he has already blessed me with. One vision will fuel the next until one day there will be an overflow and the Renee brands will become the answers to so many people’s prays. All this will be done in God’s time. In the meantime I will continue to do his works and stay faithful to the visions. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Actor/Author/Mom/Wife 