Shamelle Rice - wife, mother, friend, social entrepreneur, empowerment expert, art and wellness consultant. There are many titles that can be used to describe her. Many persons may know her as the Founder and Director of Jabez House, a registered charity in Barbados, established to be a safe haven for female sex workers, facilitating their transition process from sex work via access to alternative economic empowerment opportunities.

Having had a very rough life herself, growing up extremely poor in a dysfunctional single parent home, Shamelle made a conscious decision to make wise choices as a young teen and has trusted God to order her steps. By age 14, she felt an overwhelming burden to work with vulnerable women, and has carried that burden since. In 2012, she felt compelled to step into the unknown, and it was there that Shamelle quit her job as an Art teacher of 4 years; giving physical birth to that which she carried in her heart for years – Jabez House.

Through the programmes at Jabez House, Rice has reached out to over 700 sex workers since 2012, with many women leaving the trade. Shamelle has received numerous awards. Her work with Jabez House has been recognized, nationally, and internationally, with her even receiving an award from the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 at Buckingham Palace in July 2016.

Outside of her work with Jabez House, Shamelle has always been from a child, a “hustler.” From selling dunks at school, making jewellery, teaching lessons, cleaning houses and more – Rice is always willing to try new pursuits.

Shamelle lives to see people empowered, living their lives on purpose.

She is married to Anderson Rice, her wonderful husband of almost 15 years, who she boasts is her best friend and one who encourages her in all her pursuits. Together, they are the happy parents of 2 beautiful daughters – Aarielle and Kairos.