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Shantel Jackson: The Voluptuous Superstar who Stole Nelly‘s Heart

Birthday July 25, 1984
Birthplace Miami, Florida, United States
Age 38 years old
Height 5‘4"
Net Worth $300,000
Relationship Status Single
Social Media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Shantel Jackson, known to fans as "Miss Jackson", is an American model, reality TV star and entrepreneur best known for her fiery persona on VH1 shows and high-profile relationship with rapper Nelly.

From Miami Model to Reality TV Sensation

Shantel Kentay Jackson was born on July 25, 1984 and raised in Miami, Florida. From a young age she was fascinated by the world of modeling and fashion. As a teenager, she did some catalog and runway work in Miami before dropping out of high school to pursue modeling full-time. Her career kicked off with music video appearances and national print ads.

Her big break came in 2005 when she was cast on VH1‘s "Flavor of Love", a dating competition starring rapper Flavor Flav. Shantel‘s striking looks and no-nonsense attitude quickly earned her the nickname "Miss Jackson". She ultimately placed fourth on the series but gained major exposure.

This catapulted Shantel into more reality fame, with appearances on "Charm School", "For the Love of Ray J", and her own shows "What‘s Up With Shantel" and "Miss Jackson If You‘re Nasty". Her confident persona and melodic catchphrase "Miss Jackson if you‘re nasty" made her a household name.

Finding Love and Heartbreak with Nelly

In 2013, Shantel began dating rap legend Nelly after meeting him on set of the music video "Hey Porsche". She was quickly thrust into the spotlight, starring on Nelly‘s BET reality show "Nellyville" which documented their life as a couple.

The two seemed head over heels, with Shantel accompanying Nelly on music video shoots, radio interviews, concert tours and red carpet events. She even got his named tattooed on her wrist.

However, their bliss was short-lived. In early 2014, they endured a messy public breakup amidst rumors of infidelity and trust issues on both sides. Shantel spoke out about feeling betrayed and devastated by the split. They continued taking jabs at each other on social media for years after.

Businesses and Brand Partnerships

Looking to establish her own identity, Shantel delved into the business world leveraging her celebrity status. She launched her own hair extension line called Shante Extensions in 2015.

In 2016, she partnered with Dolce Vita for a custom slipper line, making her the first African American woman to receive her own slipper collection from the brand. That same year, she opened an online clothing boutique called La‘Mariette but it seems the site is no longer active.

Shantel has represented various brands over the years including Coconut Body spray, Cupshe swimwear, the NOH8 anti-discrimination campaign and more. She continues to regularly model and promote products to her large social media following.

Controversies and Legal Issues

In 2016, Shantel was arrested for misdemeanor domestic battery after an altercation with an employee at a hair salon. Shantel stated the employee instigated the fight and was verbally abusive. The charges were eventually dropped.

In 2018, she was the victim of a terrifying home invasion. Three armed assailants broke into Shantel‘s Los Angeles home, tied her up at gunpoint and ransacked the house for cash and jewelry. The traumatic event left Shantel completely shaken.

Where is Shantel Jackson Now?

Now 38, Shantel still models and partners with brands through social media campaigns. She is mom to a daughter named Daija, born in 2013.

While she‘s less visible in the public eye compared to her wild reality TV days, she still boasts an impressive Instagram following with constant shares about motherhood, health and wellness, glam shots and throwbacks.

With her signature curvaceous frame, lush lips and spitfire attitude, Shantel Jackson made a permanent mark in reality television history. She remains a pop culture fixture and source of nostalgia for 2000s reality TV.