Under the Sun: Joelle Smith, hands-on philanthropist
From preparing teens for job interviews to promoting female-owned businesses, Joelle Smith is a ‘connector.’ Here she talks about her volunteer work with The Sun’s Anna Pier.
So, when did you start Shenoma?
In 2018. I had been a volunteer for Dress for Success when I worked in the city. We would do clothing opportunities for underserved young people. I liked the model, and the purpose behind what they were doing, so after we moved here, I connected with the Director of Teen Services, and began to get clothing donations from the community. I rolled in my first rack of clothes to the high school in October 2018. The girls and boys were really excited because they all found something. I’d have my steamer out, and my lint brush, and I’d be making it all presentable for the kids. It grew to nine racks. It took over my entire dining room.
How did you make the clothing available to the student?
Teen Services puts on their Ready to Work program four times a year, and right before interviews, the participants have the opportunity to pick out an outfit, from head to toe. It is donated, lightly-worn clothing that is work appropriate. Everyone got excited about this. But then the pandemic hit.
So how did you deal with that?
I had always wanted to work with Anna Bimenyimana of Bon Marche. So we came together. I said, Hey, can I donate the clothing from my program and in turn you’ll open up the store for a private shopping night for teens? The Teen Services van brings the kids to Bon Marche. I still get clothing donations, or I tell people to bring them directly to Bon Marché. I just added a Teen Services page to my website, with a direct questionnaire, so everybody gets something that will be comfortable to them. It’s nice, because it’s very inclusive. It’s representative of their pronouns. I ask how they identify themselves.
So they become engaged in the process.
If they find just one thing – a blouse or a dress shirt – it’s just this instant boost of confidence. I’ll say “Oh wow, you found a Ralph Lauren sports coat and it fits you perfectly!” The Program Director at Teen Services is Eric. He’s really wonderful, usually helping with the boys. I’ve dressed about 215 kids over the years. I do get testimonials too. They’re posted on Instagram. I’ve also done a prom dress program for several years.
How did you get into the fashion stylist world?
Out of college I got a job for Gap Corporate. I moved to Chicago where I worked for Banana Republic. It’s like I’ve pretty much always been in that industry, with another fashion company in San Francisco. Although I did do some substitute teaching in schools around the Valley when we moved here.
But that’s not all of your volunteer work. What else are you involved in?
The annual Valentine project. I’m really drawn to the youth community, and to Cancer Support. So I have been recruiting the two to come together. We’ve done this for four years. They make handmade valentines for Cancer Support. One year it was with Adele Harrison girls, another year, Girl Scouts, and then mentors and mentees from Mentoring Alliance. I guess I’m like a connector.
Keep going…
I co-chaired the Cancer Support fundraising committee, their big annual fundraiser, WigOut. The last two were virtual. I worked with a local jewelry designer to create a Cancer Support bracelet which we sold to raise money. I’ve also done two holiday season fundraiser evenings with Heidi of Tiddle E. Winks.
You’ve talked about building partnerships. Yes, there are so many nonprofits that align with Shenoma. I have been thinking, who have I not touched yet in the community? There’s the Latinx community and La Luz; the homeless community and S.O.S.
Hobbies? One of them turned into a business, Valley of the Bloom. I began taking tiny bouquets to Cancer Support rooms. I source from women growers, Brenda Horn, of PetalMuse,who has a beautiful, sustainable flower farm, and Kari Kopple of Seventh Street Flowers. Brenda and I have been on this flower journey together. The money I make from Valley of the Bloom goes to Shenoma, to market it, to be able to support more women.
Have you always been interested in supporting women?
When we lived in Chicago, I was in a Masters program at DePaul in Women’s Studies. I didn’t finish it. That’s one of those regrets I have. I’ll have to finish it someday. The other part of my work is what I call the Shelist — promoting women in business. I love supporting women who are starting businesses. Right now, there’s a woman working on vegan truffles. I’m in awe of these women-run ventures. Women of all different ages. I’m the other side of philanthropy – making it happen.
