Meet Janelle Shimshi | Owner, The Tailored Tent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janelle Shimshi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janelle, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
When my daughter was born, I said to myself, first and foremost; I want to raise a good human. I am very proud that with the help of my husband, we have raised a kind and compassionate person. Beyond that, we have made it a priority to consistently expose her to all aspects of our entrepreneurial ideas and passions. When she was young, we traveled the world, as my husband pursued his passion. We spent many evenings backstage at his performances, where she would see other artist and performers, living out their passions and fulfilling their dreams. As she grew older, she was taught to create her own path and to pursue her own passions and ideas and that would inevitably equate to financial success. Maybe not the 1st time, 2nd time or even a 3rd time, but eventually with dedication and hard work, both monetary and personal success would come. And though, our passions may change; it is the pursuit that I have found, to be so fulfilling. It teaches responsibility, self motivation and interpersonal skills, that are so valuable through out ones life.

With the exception of working on Capital Hill early on; my entire adult life has been filled with starting businesses and taking risk. I would rather fail at something 5 times; than to be powerless; in a hired position, making someone else’s dream come true. This is so engrained in us, that we have told her that college is only necessary if she chooses or if her future goals include a profession that requires a degree ie: doctor, lawyer etc. We also have reinforced that education is always a good thing, but that we would rather invest in her ideas, than a college degree she may never use. My husband dropped out of high school in the 11th grade and I have a high school diploma. I still managed my way from a small town in Texas to a Congressman’s Office in Washington, DC. and have owned 4 different types of business. My husband, began performing at the age of 10 and has been for the last 20 years and done very well in his pursuit of passion. So, it was no wonder, that at the age of 7, she turned her love of slime, into an online business. When that passion, no longer served her, she started selling jewelry; that lasted a mere 3 months, then she was on to clothing. The duration of her “businesses” were not, as important, as the initiation and dedication which enabled her to turn ideas and passions, into entrepreneurial pursuits. During this time she learned critical thinking, Interpersonal skills and business management. And while none of those businesses still exist; at 16, she continues to seek out an independent future, that will include her entrepreneurial spirit. I have no doubt that she will use her passion and ideas to achieve financial success and personal fulfillment.

I would like to think that our entrepreneurial past and present, is creating her entrepreneurial future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have had such a colorful past. At the age of 21, I left a small town in Texas and moved to Washington D.C. to work on Capital Hill, I’ve been to the White House on several occasions and traveled the world. Still not completely satisfied, I moved to South Florida and then 3 other states in pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. I met and married my husband of 18 years in Las Vegas. Helped manage his career, while being primary caregiver to our now 16 year old and while constantly exploring new ideas and passions. None of which full-filled my own sense of independence and identity. It has been a long journey to come back to South Florida. I am so happy and feel so blessed that with perseverance, and tenacity, My husband has afforded me the opportunity to invest and pursue different ideas, in doing so, I finally have discovered my true passion which entails my love for design and expression of creativity. I own a boutique backyard Bell tent business. until I finally feel like I am living my dream. I am literally doing every thing I love. The bell tents can be set up in backyards, country clubs, parks etc. They are used for intimate “luxury glamping” events. A slumber party, date night, baby shower or a luxury styled tent on the beach. The process gives me such joy. It starts with the occasion, then planning and curating, of the furnishings, for the tent. After the set up is complete, my favorite part is seeing the reaction of the client during the reveal. The tents are so magical and unique. In the beginning, when I came across the idea, I was like I can totally do this and thought it would be as simple as investing in some furnishings and throwing everything in the back of the SUV and off I would go. The tents; however, having taken on a life of themselves. We set up all over South Florida. We have done wedding proposals, slumber parties, date nights, boho lounges of course picnics inside the tents. While they do present certain limitations, they are still versatile and add such a unique experience to the moment. Every tent is so special and I feel so lucky to have found something I absolutely love.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to experience off the wall places. I love to hang out from Palm Beach to Miami. Fort LAuderdale has 2 of my favorite spots right now. Glitch Bar which is a small place for drinks, music and video games. So much fun. I love to begin my mornings with a walk on the beach. Any beach. The beach is my primary reason for coming back to the area) I love taking a boat through the canals and inter-coastal. It’s relaxing and feeds my love for floating on the water and the views are stunning. It is nice to have lunch or dinner and then head off to have drinks at the next restaurant or bar on the water. Or go paddle boarding to see all kinds of ocean life. Bal Harbor and Aventura are my go to for shopping. I can cure the retail itch at either one. One of my favorite spots in Delray is the Pinball Museum. It’s so cool and takes me back to my childhood growing up in the only entertainment establishment in my hometown, which was the bowling alley.. They had plenty of pinball machines, and as kids played them all…. over and over. The Pin Ball museum is one cool place. The living Room is one of my current favorite clubs/lounges. Concerts. I will always try to see a concert no matter where I am, but Miami has the best concert venues. My low key favorite casual spot is the Whales Rib in Deerfield Beach. Coolest little dive raw-bar/restaurant. It is covered with license plates from all over the country including my old plate from Nevada that bears my daughters name. SHALOM

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband for his unwavering support of my many ideas and pursuits. I tend to think that every idea can be turned into a business. 🙂

Website: www.thetailoredtent.com

Instagram: @thetailoredtent