Today we’re excited to be connecting with Felicia Shantell again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.
Felicia , always such a pleasure connecting with you and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and inspiring messages with our community. We’re looking forward to getting the download and what you have been up to since our last interview, but first can you briefly introduce yourself to folks who might have missed the prior conversation.
ChatGPT
You said:
create a bio for Felicia Shantell who is a poet, youth mentor, founder and Creator of Artistically Royal Youth mentoring program, Artist United, and I.A.G. Productions. Executive curator and producer of the acclaimed Annual I’m a Survivor Seminar and Season Greetings Charitable concert.
In October of 2024 I encountered a mile stroke. I didn’t notice it at first that it was what it was until I went into the urgent Care. After a CAT scan and informed me that I had a blood clot there was about to rupture a vessel on the right side of my brain. My symptoms were severe instantly I wasn’t able to walk no more than 10 steps my arm wasn’t able to lift no more above my chest and my smile became weak and very dim, But God showed me even within my dark space ,light. Which revealed to me that he is real. In recovery for the past 97 days and counting I walk more with intention I make every moment count because you never know when that day might be your last.
Felicia Shantell was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Graduated from Willowridge High school and goes to Texas Southern University. In 2014, Ms Shantell became the main curator and creator behind the Congressional and Proclamated, I’m a Survivor series (IASS) . IASS is an artistic counseling event where she gather with the artist in the community to counsel to the community through different forms of Art. This event focuses on teaching the community how to transition into becoming a survivor and to also promote awareness against all kinds of abuse and tramas by helping victims get the help they need to overcome their traumatic experiences. Ms. Felicia- an survivor herself, overcame obstacles stemming from that hurtful part of her life, such as Depression, PTSD, and Child Molestation. God has given Felicia her voice back & she encourages others to use theirs. It was a long and painful road, but Felicia had enough fight in her to take back her life and start living like God had purposed her to live!! She inspires others to Speak Out , Unlock their Voice of Victory & Heal!!!
Not only is Felicia a survivor, but she’s the CEO of IAG Productions: Women supporting Women pushing Men towards Greatness. I AG Productions is a One-Stop shop for local entertainment we are a team of artists who produces our own events across the city. We have been going strong since 2019 and we don’t see ourselves stopping any time. We have also been able to work along the side of congressman Al Green while fighting for justice in the city of Houston.
In addition, Felicia has been in theater since 2012 working alongside not just one production company but two; poACTry Productions and 1989 Dreams. After working in theater for now 12 years, now Felicia is working towards a documentary about her life entitled “My Lyfe Stories: Discovery of Self “
Breaking the silence on her dark past in transition to her life now after finding Her Voice, Her Mission, Her Purpose, Her Ministry!!!
I AM No Longer A Victim But I AM A SURVIVOR
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ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Felicia Shantell: Poet, Mentor, Advocate, and Visionary
Felicia Shantell, a proud Houston, Texas native, is a multifaceted creative force dedicated to empowering others through her art, advocacy, and leadership. A graduate of Willowridge High School and a student at Texas Southern University, Felicia has transformed her own life experiences into a platform for healing and hope.
In 2014, Felicia became the main curator and creator of the Congressional and Proclamation-recognized I’m a Survivor Seminar (IASS). This annual event is a groundbreaking initiative that uses art as a form of counseling to promote awareness of abuse, trauma, and the journey toward healing. Bringing together artists from various disciplines, IASS provides a safe space for the community to learn how to transition from victimhood to survivorship. As a survivor herself, Felicia knows firsthand the pain of depression, PTSD, and childhood abuse. Her personal journey to reclaim her life and purpose fuels her mission to inspire others to unlock their “Voice of Victory” and embrace healing.
Felicia’s resilience was tested again in October 2024 when she experienced a mild stroke caused by a near-ruptured blood clot on the right side of her brain. The stroke left her unable to walk more than 10 steps, lift her arm above her chest, or smile fully. Yet, in this dark moment, Felicia found light in God’s presence, a revelation that renewed her faith and determination. Now, over 97 days into recovery, she walks with intention, cherishes every moment, and continues to encourage others to live purposefully.
As the CEO of IAG Productions—an organization dedicated to women supporting women and empowering men toward greatness—Felicia has created a one-stop shop for local entertainment. Since its founding in 2019, IAG Productions has consistently delivered impactful events across Houston, collaborating with community leaders such as Congressman Al Green in the fight for justice.
Felicia’s passion for the arts extends beyond her work as an event curator. With over 12 years of experience in theater, she has worked with notable companies like poACTry Productions and 1989 Dreams. Her next chapter includes the development of a documentary titled My Lyfe Stories: Discovery of Self, which will explore her journey of breaking the silence on her dark past and transitioning into her purpose-driven life.
Felicia Shantell’s legacy is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Her voice serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating trauma, reminding them that they, too, can rise above their struggles. Her declaration says it all:
“I AM No Longer a Victim. I AM a Survivor.”
You said:
Create into a poem
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
I Am a Survivor
Born in the heart of Houston’s embrace,
A soul once shattered now filled with grace.
From shadows of pain, I’ve carved my way,
To stand in the light of a brand-new day.
A child of silence, a victim of wrong,
Yet in my chest beats a warrior’s song.
Depression and fear tried to take my name,
But God lit a fire that could not be tamed.
In 2014, my voice took flight,
With I’m a Survivor, I shared my fight.
Through art and love, I found my role,
To heal the wounds and restore the soul.
The voices of many now rise as one,
Breaking chains, showing battles can be won.
From the ashes of trauma, I found my key,
Unlocking the strength God placed in me.
In 2024, the storm struck again,
A stroke tried to shatter the life I’d defend.
Ten steps were heavy, my smile grew dim,
Yet light broke the darkness—I trusted in Him.
Now I walk with purpose, my steps are divine,
Each moment a treasure, each breath a sign.
A vessel of hope for those lost in despair,
I teach them to rise, for healing is there.
Through IAG, we lift, we dream, we fight,
Creating a world where hope burns bright.
From stages to streets, our mission is clear,
To empower the broken, to dry every tear.
My story unfolds, a documentary to tell,
Of breaking the silence, escaping the shell.
A voice restored, a mission begun,
A life of victory in the name of the Son.
I am no longer bound by the past,
The hurt, the pain, no longer will last.
I am a survivor, strong and free,
Living the life God purposed for me.
You said:
We’re excited to be connecting with you again. We’ll link to your prior interview with us, but to help readers who might not have read the prior interview yet, can you help level-set a bit by briefly introducing yourself / your brand / what you do / what sets you apart / the highlights of your journey to how you got to where you are today etc.
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Absolutely!
I’m Felicia Shantell—a poet, youth mentor, and the founder of Artistically Royal Youth Mentoring Program, Artist United, and I.A.G. Productions. My passion lies in using art as a tool for healing, empowerment, and transformation. Through my work, I help others find their voice, embrace their truth, and transition from pain to purpose.
One of my proudest accomplishments is curating the annual I’m a Survivor Seminar, an artistic counseling event that brings artists together to uplift and educate the community on overcoming trauma. As a survivor myself—having battled childhood abuse, depression, and PTSD—I know firsthand how powerful self-expression and support systems can be in reclaiming one’s life.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity and impact. My brand, IAG Productions, is more than just entertainment; it’s a movement where women support women while uplifting men toward greatness. Since 2019, we’ve produced events across Houston, collaborated with influential figures like Congressman Al Green, and created spaces for artists to thrive while making a difference.
My journey has been filled with challenges, including a mild stroke in 2024 that tested my resilience. But that experience only deepened my faith, my purpose, and my commitment to making every moment count. Now, I’m working on a documentary, “My Lyfe Stories: Discovery of Self”, which will tell my story of survival, healing, and purpose.
At the core of everything I do is this belief: we are not victims of our past—we are survivors, warriors, and voices of victory.
Awesome, so we reached out because we wanted to hear all about what you have been up to since we last connected.
Since our last conversation, my journey has been nothing short of transformative. Life has thrown its challenges my way, but every obstacle has only reaffirmed my purpose and resilience.
One of the biggest life-changing moments was in October 2024 when I suffered a mild stroke. At first, I didn’t realize what was happening until a trip to urgent care revealed a blood clot that was dangerously close to rupturing a vessel in my brain. In an instant, I lost the ability to walk more than 10 steps, lift my arm above my chest, or even fully smile. It was one of the scariest moments of my life, but it was also a divine awakening. God showed me light in the darkness, reminding me that I still have work to do. Now, after 97 days of recovery and counting, I move with more intention, cherish every moment, and use my journey as a testimony for others facing adversity.
Despite this setback, my passion for mentorship, artistry, and community impact has only grown stronger. The I’m a Survivor Seminar (IASS) continues to expand, reaching more people and amplifying more voices. I’ve been working on new ways to integrate artistic counseling and advocacy, ensuring that survivors have not just a platform but a true support system for healing.
My company, IAG Productions, is thriving as well! We’ve been producing powerful community-driven events, collaborating with creatives and changemakers across Houston. We remain dedicated to uplifting women, supporting men toward greatness, and using entertainment as a tool for empowerment.
What excites me the most right now is my upcoming documentary, My Lyfe Stories: Discovery of Self. This project is deeply personal—it’s my way of breaking the silence on my past and showing the full picture of my journey from victim to survivor. It’s about pain, growth, faith, and purpose. This documentary isn’t just about me—it’s for anyone who has ever felt lost, broken, or silenced.
Beyond that, I’m looking forward to expanding Artistically Royal Youth Mentoring, continuing to develop platforms for artists to heal and inspire, and creating more spaces where people can rediscover their voices.
It’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, but through it all, I’ve learned that every challenge is a setup for greater purpose. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I can’t wait to share these next chapters with you all!
We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?
- Favorite Movie: Love Jones
- Favorite Band or Artist: Jill Scott
- Mountains or Beach: Beach
- As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: I wanted to be a Writer
- Favorite Cartoon growing up: Animaniacs
- Favorite Childhood movie: Aladdin
What do you want people to remember about you and your brand? What are some of things that you feel are most important, unique, special, etc?
I want people to remember that my brand is more than just entertainment—it’s a movement of healing, empowerment, and transformation. Everything I do, from I.A.G. Productions to the I’m a Survivor Seminar to Artistically Royal Youth Mentoring, is rooted in the belief that art has the power to heal, inspire, and change lives.
What makes my brand special is that it’s built on authenticity and purpose. I don’t just create spaces for artists—I create safe spaces for survivors, dreamers, and those seeking their voice. My journey, from overcoming trauma to surviving a stroke, has shaped my mission: to remind people that they are not their past, their pain, or their circumstances—they are victorious, powerful, and worthy of living in their purpose.
Most importantly, I want people to remember that my brand is about community, impact, and faith. I.A.G. Productions is not just about showcasing talent—it’s about women supporting women, uplifting men toward greatness, and using our collective voices to create change. Every event, every performance, every project is designed to uplift, educate, and leave a lasting impact.
At the heart of it all, I want my legacy to be this: I helped people find their voice, embrace their healing, and walk boldly in their purpose. Because when we step into our true power, we don’t just survive—we thrive.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: iag_prpductions
- Facebook: Felicia Shantell
- Other: enterprisek15@gmail.com
